Styling for the Lens: Tips from a Photographer’s Point of View

Wedding styling isn’t just about how things look in the moment, it’s also about how they photograph.

For this month's journal entry, Roam’s founder and creative director, Ana Galloway, shares a few of her styling pet peeves; those tiny things that might seem harmless but can quietly sabotage your gallery. Here’s what she says to take notice of and how to avoid common styling mistakes.

Consider the Direction of the Sun

The direction of sunlight can dramatically impact how your ceremony photographs. Midday sun can create harsh shadows, dappled light and unflattering contrast if not planned for.

Ana’s Take: “The angle of the sun can completely transform the quality of your ceremony photos. A quick check of the direction of the sun before the day can save you from harsh, uneven shadows in your most important moments.”

Roam’s Tip: Ask your photographer to scout the ceremony area in advance or use an app like SunSurveyor to see where the sun will be. Positioning the ceremony with the light in mind ensures softer, more flattering images.

Mismatched Whites

White isn’t just white. Between ivory, cream, off white, cool white and diamond white, mismatched tones can show up loudly on camera, especially when linens, outfits, and backdrops are side by side.

Ana’s Take: “Nothing throws off a beautiful tablescape faster than five different ‘whites’ in one frame.”

Roam’s Tip: Stick to one tonal family, warm or cool, and keep it consistent across linen, signage, ribbons, draping and florals. If you're not sure, ask your Roam stylist and we can guide you.

The Power of the Chair

You’ve invested in a stunning table setup, layered linens, curated florals, ambient lighting. But if the chairs are plastic and clunky? Not even a bow can fix it (trust us), and the overall look suffers.

Ana’s Take: "I can frame the shot carefully, but chairs that don’t fit the scene can dilute the impact of even the most stunning tablescape."

Roam’s Tip: Don’t underestimate the chairs. They're in almost every photo. Opt for something neutral, classic, or complementary to your overall palette, we can help source them.

Hide the PA Systems and Speakers 

We know it is so important for your guests to hear your vows. But nothing ruins the imagery of your expensive ceremony florals than a chunky black speaker sitting next to it.

Ana’s Take: “Couples put so much effort into their florals and backdrops, but then someone places a speaker right in the middle, there are many more options!”

Roam’s Tip: Work with your stylist, photographer and celebrant to position speakers discreetly, off to the side, under a tablecloth or tucked behind larger arrangements. Take time to figure out what works during the rehearsal.

Glassware that Doesn’t Belong Together

Glassware, like chairs, appears in countless photos across a gallery yet is often overlooked. It can define the style of your table, while bottles and cans instantly create visual clutter. Choosing beautiful glassware elevates the setting and ensures every shot feels polished and intentional.

Ana’s Take: “Glassware catches light in every shot. Choose pieces that complement your style so they enhance the photos rather than distract from them.”

Roam’s Tip: How to choose? Classic, tall wine glasses and coupes are always timeless, ribbed glassware for a modern look adds subtle texture that looks incredible in detail shots. If your wedding palette is bold, using coloured water glasses can create a striking focal point that ties everything together.

Unsightly Existing Venue Decor 

Think random art on the walls, dated curtains, strange signage, or cladding that doesn’t align with your aesthetic. It can show up in the background of your most beautiful moments.

Ana’s Take: "Unwanted venue decor, like bold artwork or ‘practical yet unphotogenic’ cladding or structures can easily distract from emotional shots, your photographer will do their best to avoid the ‘unsightly areas’ but a little pre-planning can make a huge difference"

Roam’s Tip: During your venue visit, take note of any design elements that don’t align with your vision. We can plan to cover, soften, or redirect focus with draping, partitions, or strategic styling.

Final Thought: Design With the Camera in Mind

Your wedding will look beautiful in person, but it should photograph beautifully too. That doesn’t mean obsessing over every detail, but it does mean thinking about what will be in the frame: foreground, background, and everything in between.

The good news? You don’t need to figure that out alone. With Ana’s extensive photographic expertise we ensure the styling and visuals work together seamlessly so you get the dreamy gallery you imagined, without awkward distractions or fix-it-in-Photoshop moments.

Ready to create a space that feels amazing and photographs like a dream? Come Roam with us.