How to Photograph a First Look | "Wide, Medium, Tight” Strategy
Vanessa Joy is a wedding photographer and educator helping photographers capture meaningful wedding moments - and grow their craft with confidence.
This guide is for wedding photographers who want to capture the emotion, connection, and story of a first look without missing a moment. Whether you shoot weddings in New Jersey, elopements in New York, or destination events in Austin, Texas, this simple strategy works in any setting - and doesn’t require a second shooter.
Why First Looks Matter
A first look is one of the most emotional parts of a wedding day. It’s intimate, full of connection, and often becomes the couple’s favorite series of images. The key is telling the full story in a way that feels natural and complete - without overcomplicating your process.
What Is the “Wide, Medium, Tight” Method?
It’s a simple but powerful storytelling framework that ensures you capture a variety of shots:
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Wide: Establish the scene - show where the couple is and the atmosphere of the moment
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Medium: Capture both expressions and reactions at the same time
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Tight: Focus on details - the tears, the hands, the subtle moments of connection
Using this approach keeps you organized under pressure and guarantees your final gallery feels complete.
Behind the Scenes of a Real First Look
In the video, I walk through how I:
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Choose the best angles and lighting for the setting
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Communicate with the couple without interrupting the moment
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Switch lenses quickly and move with purpose
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Stay calm and ready for anything - even when plans change
Gear I Use for First Looks
While the method works with any brand, here’s my typical setup:
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24-70mm lens for wide and medium shots
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85mm or 70-200mm lens for tight, emotional moments
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Two camera bodies so I can switch perspectives instantly
Pro Tip from the Field
When photographing in places like Liberty House in New Jersey, Central Park in NYC, or private gardens in Austin, I always scout the location for soft light and privacy. The more comfortable and undistracted the couple feels, the more authentic the images will be. Your job is to blend into the background and let the emotions unfold naturally.
Watch the Full Breakdown
🎥 Click here to watch the full “Wide, Medium, Tight” first look tutorial on YouTube and see this method in action.
