From Arizona photographer and videographer Craig Peterman of Peterman Photo + Video
You’ve planned the details, picked the dress, and locked in the venue. Now it’s all about soaking in the day and making sure your photos reflect the real magic as it happens.
Craig Peterman, the photo and video creative behind Arizona-based Peterman Photo + Video, has built a reputation on making couples feel totally comfortable and seen through his lens. His work is romantic, intentional, and always rooted in real emotion. We asked him to share his top tips for getting wedding photos that look and feel exactly like you, no fake smiles or awkward posing required.
1. Focus on each other, not the camera
Forget about the lens and lean into the moment. “The more you’re locked in with each other, the more real and natural the photos will be,” Craig says. “I know, it’s easier said than done, but if you go in with that mindset, you’re already on the right track.”
2. Don’t rush
Time flies on your wedding day, and the last thing you want is to feel like you’re sprinting from one moment to the next. Build in buffer time throughout your timeline so you can actually enjoy the experience. “Slower pace = more presence = better, more honest photos,” Craig says. Simple math, right?
3. You don’t need to know how to pose
No, really. You don’t have to memorize anything from TikTok or worry about angles. “The best photos come when you’re relaxed and just being yourselves,” Craig explains. “A good photographer will guide you and put you in the right situations for success. We want to tell the story, not manufacture the story.”
4. Let the unplanned moments happen
Some of the most unforgettable shots? They happen in between the “big” moments. Maybe it’s a glance, a laugh, or your veil flying into your face at just the right second. “Don’t try to script everything,” Craig says. “Let the day unfold.”
5. Trust your photographer
This one’s huge. “If you vibe with their work, let them do their thing,” Craig says. “Trust is everything. We want your photos and videos to be better than your expectations, and we feel the pressure to make it perfect for you. We only care about your satisfaction with the result.”
Bonus: How to Find the Right Photo + Video Team for You
Still in the research phase? Craig shares two quick tips to help you find your dream photographer or videographer:
Pay attention to how their work feels “Do the photos move you? Do they feel personal?” If the answer is yes, that’s a great sign. Price shouldn’t be the deciding factor, style and connection should be.
Ask how they work on the day “Do they talk about capturing moments and letting things unfold naturally?” If that’s their vibe, you’re probably in good hands.
See Craig’s Work in Action
Want to see these tips play out in real wedding galleries? Browse some of Craig’s beautifully candid storytelling below:
Craig and his team believe in more than just beautiful imagery, they believe in connection, intention, and treating each couple like the unique story they are. From thoughtful questionnaires to deeper conversations, they go beyond surface-level coverage. You can see it in the way their clients light up, and in the emotion their films and photos hold.
Curious about photo, video, or both? You can explore Craig’s offerings and pricing to learn more about how he captures everything from elopements to full wedding weekends.
