Your wedding day is supposed to be one of the most magical days of your life. You’ve spent months (or even years) planning every detail, from the flowers to the first dance song. But what happens when you finally get your wedding photos back and… you hate them?
It’s a gut-wrenching feeling. Maybe the colors are off, the poses feel awkward, or the moments you were most excited about didn’t turn out the way you imagined. Before you spiral into a pit of regret, take a deep breath. There are steps you can take to fix this.
Before we start Let’s Get Real: Not Every Photo Is a Hero ShotHere’s the truth: out of hundreds (or even thousands) of photos taken on your wedding day, not every single one is going to be a masterpiece. And that’s okay. Even the most talented photographers in the world don’t deliver a gallery where every shot is a jaw-dropping, frame-worthy moment.
Think about it — your wedding day is a whirlwind of emotions, movement, and spontaneity. Some photos will capture the magic perfectly: that first look, the tearful vows, the epic dance floor moves. Others might be a little blurry, a little awkward, or just not what you envisioned. That’s normal.
What matters is that your photographer captures the essence of your day — the love, the laughter, the little details that make it uniquely yours. So, while not every photo will be a hero shot, the ones that are will tell the story of your wedding in a way that takes you right back to those moments.
At Ikon Films, we focus on delivering a collection of images that highlight the best of your day, ensuring you have plenty of hero shots to cherish forever. Because let’s be real — those are the ones you’ll frame, share, and look back on for years to come.
Here’s what to do if you don’t like your wedding photos:
Identify What’s Wrong
First, figure out exactly what you don’t like about the photos. Is it the editing style? The composition? Are there missing moments you were hoping to see? Write down your concerns so you can address them clearly.
- Editing Issues: Are the colors too saturated, too dull, or just not your style?
- Missing Shots: Did they skip key moments, like the first kiss or family portraits?
- Posing Problems: Do the photos feel stiff or unnatural?
Talk to Your Photographer
Before you panic, reach out to your photographer. Most professionals want their clients to be happy and may be willing to work with you to fix the issues. What may feel like a catastrophic, unsolvable problem to you is likely a challenge your wedding professional has handled many times before.
- Be Specific: Share your concerns in detail. For example, “The skin tones look too orange” or “I wish there were more candid shots of the reception.”
- Ask for Revisions: Many photographers offer a certain number of revisions or edits. If it’s an editing issue, they may be able to adjust the photos to better match your vision.
- Request Raw Files: If you’re really unhappy, ask if they can provide the raw, unedited files. This gives you the freedom to have them edited by someone else.
Hire a Photo Editor
If your photographer isn’t able to make the changes you want, consider hiring a professional photo editor. There are talented editors who specialize in wedding photos and can:
- Adjust colors and lighting.
- Remove unwanted objects or people from the background.
- Enhance details or fix imperfections.
Plan a “Re-Do” Shoot
If the photos are beyond saving, consider scheduling a “trash-the-dress” or “anniversary shoot”. Put your wedding attire back on, gather your partner (and maybe even your wedding party), and recreate some of the moments you missed.
- Choose a New Location: Pick a spot that’s meaningful to you or one that offers a completely different vibe from your wedding venue.- Hire a New Photographer: Look for someone whose style aligns with what you originally wanted.- Make It Fun: Use the shoot as an opportunity to relax and enjoy the experience without the pressure of the actual wedding day.
Focus on the Positives
It’s easy to fixate on what went wrong, but try to focus on the photos you DO like. Even if the overall collection isn’t perfect, there are likely a few gems that capture the joy and love of your day.
- Create an album or frame the photos you love.
- Share your favorites on social media or with family and friends.
- Remember that the photos are just one part of your wedding memories.
Learn from the Experience
If you’re planning future events (like an anniversary party or vow renewal), use this experience as a learning opportunity.
- Communicate Clearly: Be upfront with your photographer about your expectations, preferences, and must-have shots.
- Review Portfolios: Make sure their style aligns with your vision before hiring them.
- Get a Contract: Ensure the contract includes details about revisions, delivery timelines, and what happens if you’re not satisfied.
Consider a Cinematic Alternative
If your photos didn’t turn out the way you hoped, your wedding video might be your saving grace. A well-crafted wedding film can capture the emotions, sounds, and movements that photos can’t. If you didn’t hire a videographer, consider reaching out to one to see if they can create a highlight reel using footage from guests or other sources.
Final ThoughtsIt’s heartbreaking to feel disappointed by your wedding photos, but it’s not the end of the world. With a little effort and creativity, you can turn things around. And if all else fails, remember this: your wedding day was about the love and commitment you shared with your partner — not just the photos.
If you’re in the Miami, LA area or NYC area and looking for a team that specializes in capturing the magic of weddings, check out Ikon Films. From stunning photography to cinematic videography, we’re here to make sure your memories are as beautiful as your love story.
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