One of my biggest goals this year as a wedding photographer is to push myself outside my comfort zone. It’s not enough to just take a nice photo—I want to understand why an image works, how to adapt when conditions aren’t perfect, and ultimately, how to create truly breathtaking, magazine-worthy shots that stand the test of time.

A lot of wedding photography happens in fast-moving, unpredictable moments. But one area where I can exert some control is in the detail shots—things like the rings, invitations, shoes, and dress. Brides pour so much thought into these elements, and I want to honor that by capturing them beautifully. Not just to document them, but to create images that look like they belong in a bridal magazine.

The Pursuit of a Hero Shot

I always strive to capture authentic, intimate moments for the bride and groom—the little kisses with their kids before walking down the aisle, the way Great Grandma lights up when she sees the bride in her dress, the heirloom wedding ring passed down through generations. These moments are priceless, and they are for them.

But for me? I’m chasing that hero shot. The image that makes someone say, Wow, that could be the cover of Vogue Weddings. I want to create legacy images—ones that the bride’s children and grandchildren will look at decades from now and think, Grandma looked so happy and amazing on her wedding day. Not every image will be a wall-worthy masterpiece, but I have this drive to ensure at least one of them is.

Mastering the Details First

I’ve been micro-focusing on different elements one at a time, refining my skills piece by piece. Recently, I challenged myself to make the bride’s shoes the hero of a shot. I experimented with different compositions and lighting, and one of my favorite results was placing the shoes beneath the lace of the wedding dress with sunlight streaming in through a window. The effect was delicate, dreamy, and exactly the kind of polished, high-end shot I’ve been aiming for. If a dress doesn’t have sheer lace, I could achieve a similar look using the bride’s veil—another tool in my growing arsenal.

And being able to add in true macro shots using my new extension tubes? That’s been a game changer too!

I’ve created an entire Pinterest board just on wedding photos I absolutely love - and it’s an endless source of inspiration. This shoot was inspired by this shot, but unfortunately, I can’t find the original uploader of this inspired photo.

This shot I found on Pinterest was the inspiration for this shoot.

Why This Approach Matters

The more I refine my skills in controlled situations, the more confident I become in unpredictable ones. Wedding days are full of surprises, and I want to be able to adapt rather than stress. When I’ve practiced and mastered the detail shots, I can tackle them quickly and beautifully, setting the tone for the entire gallery. It also frees up my mental space—I don’t have to overthink the details because I already know I can execute them well. That means I can be fully present for the fleeting, once-in-a-lifetime moments of the ceremony and reception.

Embracing Direct Sunlight

New photographers are often warned to avoid harsh sunlight, but I want to make it my friend rather than my enemy. Weddings don’t always happen in ideal lighting conditions, so the more I learn to work with the light instead of fearing it, the more adaptable I become. Instead of running for shade like vampires avoiding the sun, I want to confidently create stunning images no matter what the conditions are.

Building a Photographer’s Toolkit

The beauty of this approach is that it’s not about making every wedding look the same—it’s about expanding my creative toolkit. Every time I learn a new technique or master a new type of shot, I have more options to pull from at future weddings. It’s about having the skills so I can use them when the moment is right.

At the end of the day, this is all about growth. I want to be better with every single wedding I shoot. I want my brides to feel incredible when they see their photos. I want to create images that feel timeless and meaningful. And most of all, I want to keep challenging myself—because that’s how truly exceptional photography happens.