How to Photograph a First Look | "Wide, Medium, Tight” Strategy
Photographing a first look is one of the most important parts of a wedding day—it’s full of raw emotion, connection, and often becomes the couple’s favorite set of images. In this video, I’m sharing my go-to technique for making sure you don’t miss a single moment: the “Wide, Medium, Tight” strategy. It’s how I tell the full story of that first look, without needing a second shooter or overcomplicating the process.
Whether you’re capturing weddings in New Jersey, elopements in New York, or destination events in Austin, Texas, this strategy works for all types of wedding photographers.
What Is “Wide, Medium, Tight”?
It’s a simple but powerful visual storytelling framework:
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Wide: Establish the scene—where are they, what’s the atmosphere?
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Medium: Capture both expressions and reactions at the same time
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Tight: Focus on the details—the tears, the hands, the genuine emotion
This method helps you stay organized under pressure and guarantees variety in your final gallery.
Behind the Scenes of a Real First Look
In this video, I walk you through a real first look shoot, explaining how I:
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Choose the best angles and lighting
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Communicate with the couple without interrupting the moment
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Switch lenses and move with purpose
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Stay calm, focused, and ready for anything (even when things don’t go as planned)
Gear I Use for First Looks
For this strategy, I typically have:
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A 24-70mm lens for wide and medium shots
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An 85mm or 70-200mm for those tight, emotional moments
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Two camera bodies—so I can switch perspectives instantly
Whether you’re using Canon, Sony, or Nikon, this approach is more about intentional movement and awareness than the gear itself.
Pro Tip from the Field
When photographing in places like New Jersey’s Liberty House, Central Park in NYC, or even tucked-away gardens in Austin, I always scout the location for soft light and privacy. The key to a powerful first look is allowing the couple to be fully present and keeping your presence as a photographer almost invisible.
