I have had the honour of capturing weddings for both friends and strangers, and while the role remains the same, the experience varies significantly.

When photographing a couple I don’t yet know, I make it a priority to build a strong rapport before the wedding. Through multiple meetings and ongoing communication, I ensure that I understand their personalities, preferences, and vision for their special day. This allows me to create images that feel personal and authentic, even though we may have started as strangers.

Photographing a friend’s wedding, however, is a deeply special experience. Being part of their big day in such an important way is both rewarding and meaningful. The personal connection I have with the couple often leads to more intimate and emotional photographs. However, this dynamic can also present challenges. The lack of formal boundaries means that friends may not provide clear instructions or may have high expectations, which can sometimes lead to potential conflicts. There is also the challenge of balancing my role as both a photographer and a guest—while I want to celebrate with my friends, my primary responsibility is to capture their day beautifully and professionally.

That said, there are also advantages to photographing a friend’s wedding. The trust and comfort they feel with me often result in more natural, candid moments. I also enjoy a level of creative freedom that allows me to experiment with new styles and techniques. For example, at a recent wedding, I incorporated a trending social media-style video made entirely from still images. This creative flexibility not only enriched my portfolio but also provided my friends with something unique and memorable. However, there is always an added layer of pressure when photographing for friends, as their expectations can feel even higher, not just in capturing the moments but also in the post-production process.

In contrast, photographing a stranger’s wedding comes with the benefit of clear professional boundaries from the outset. Expectations are set during our initial discussions, which helps ensure a smooth and professional working relationship. While I may not have the same deep personal connection with the couple, I bridge this gap through engagement sessions. I always recommend a pre-wedding shoot to help my clients feel comfortable in front of the camera, refine their posing, and ultimately allow them to enjoy their wedding day with minimal interruptions. These sessions also give me the opportunity to understand their personalities and communication styles, making the entire experience as stress-free as possible.

With clients I haven’t met before, there is often a greater sense of trust in my professional expertise. While they may not grant me full creative freedom, they do respect my direction and experience. I also take the time to visit new venues in advance to determine the best equipment and lighting conditions, ensuring I am fully prepared. Though there is always pressure to deliver, I see this as a reflection of my own high standards rather than external expectations.

Regardless of whether I am photographing a friend or a stranger, every wedding presents valuable opportunities for connection and growth. I take pride in networking with guests and always carry business cards, as a single wedding can often lead to many future bookings.

So, do I prefer photographing friends or strangers? Honestly, I couldn’t say. Both experiences come with their own rewards and challenges. What I do know is that I feel incredibly honoured every time I am trusted to capture one of the most important days in someone’s life.