Essential Wedding Photography Tips by Scott Stockton Using Tamron Lenses

Wedding season is fast approaching, which means it’s time to gear up for plenty of romance—and the responsibility that comes with capturing one of the most important days in a couple’s life. In this guide featuring wedding photography tips by Scott Stockton, you’ll learn how to prepare for the big day by understanding your couple’s personalities, researching the venue, creating a “must capture” shot list, and selecting the right gear.

From the 28-75mm F/2.8 Di III VXD G2 (Model A063) and 35-150mm F/2-2.8 Di III VXD (Model A058) standard lenses, to the 70-180mm F/2.8 Di III VC VXD (Model A065) telephoto lens, Tamron offers lenses to help you document every unforgettable moment.

Here, professional wedding photographer Scott Stockton shares his expert insights on how to use Tamron lenses to capture everything from the “I do’s” to the last dance of the night.

What You’ll Learn in This Article:

• Wedding photography tips by Scott Stockton to elevate your big-day coverage
• How to choose the best Tamron lenses for different wedding moments
• Techniques for natural lighting, composition, and layering in wedding shots
• Advice for photographing both the bride and groom in candid, authentic ways
• Practical camera settings for sharp, emotionally rich wedding images

TIP 1: Use Higher F-Stops for Sharper Wedding Ceremony Shots

Learn how adjusting your aperture to F/2 or F/4 helps capture more detail and depth during aisle walks and group portraits.

Use slightly higher f-stops when capturing the wedding party walking down the aisle. Photographers often fall so in love with shooting at, say, F/1.4 that they may neglect to take in the details of the overall scene. Using an f-stop at F/2 or F/4 helps ensure more of your subject is in focus.

TIP 2: Leverage Natural Window Light for Stunning Bridal Prep Photos

Scott Stockton explains why turning off indoor lights and using soft window light enhances skin tones and preserves white balance.

Any time I’m taking pictures of the bride getting ready, I always place her by a window to situate her in beautiful natural light. Make sure you turn off all indoor lights if you do this: The light coming in from outside will be a different color than the lighting inside, which can muddy your white balance.

TIP 4: Candid Groom Portraits: How to Help Him Relax for the Camera

Discover creative ways to ease the groom’s nerves and get authentic, well-lit portraits that showcase his personality.

Grooms often aren’t that comfortable in front of the camera, so I like to put them more at ease by sitting them down and giving their hands something to do. In this photo here, the guys were sipping on whiskey in the bridal suite, so I had the groom hold his crystal glass and look out the window to place more light on his face.

TIP 4: Add Foreground Layers to Create Dimension in Wedding Photography

Master the art of using flowers, furniture, and décor elements to introduce compelling depth and intrigue to your shots.

I did that here by placing the bride’s flowers in the foreground on top of a coffee table, then getting real close with my camera and shooting through them. Incorporating these layers of out-of-focus objects in the fore-ground or background, in contrast with my subjects, adds a little intrigue.

How to Choose the Right Tamron Lens for Wedding Photography

Selecting the right lens is crucial for successfully capturing the many moments that unfold during a wedding day. From wide shots of the ceremony venue to intimate close-ups of the couple, each lens brings a unique advantage. Here’s how the featured Tamron lenses can elevate your wedding photography:

28-75mm F/2.8 Di III VXD G2 (Model A063): The Versatile All-Around Zoom

Perfect for everything from bridal prep to reception candids, this lightweight and fast zoom lens covers wide to medium telephoto focal lengths. The constant F/2.8 aperture is ideal for low-light wedding venues, while its compact size allows for quick movement and easy handling—especially helpful during dynamic wedding ceremonies.

35-150mm F/2-2.8 Di III VXD (Model A058): The Ultimate Wedding Workhorse

Known as the “wedding lens,” this all-in-one zoom is excellent for both portraits and ceremony coverage. Its fast F/2-2.8 aperture allows for beautiful background separation and excellent performance in dimly lit churches or evening receptions. The extended reach to 150mm is ideal for capturing emotional moments without intruding on the scene.

70-180mm F/2.8 Di III VC VXD (Model A065): The Telephoto for Stunning Candid Shots

This lens shines when you need to keep your distance—like during the vows or first dance—but still want intimate, close-up results. Its lightweight design makes it easier to handle than traditional 70-200mm options, and the Vibration Compensation (VC) feature helps keep handheld shots steady throughout long wedding days.

Each of these lenses is designed for Sony full-frame mirrorless cameras, with Models A063 and A058 also available for Nikon Z mount systems, making them versatile choices for many pro wedding photographers.

Conclusion: Capture Every Moment With Confidence and Creativity

With these wedding photography tips by Scott Stockton and the versatile performance of Tamron lenses, you’re equipped to tell the full story of a couple’s big day—from heartfelt vows to the final dance. Whether you’re photographing indoors, outdoors, or in changing light, the right preparation and gear will help you create timeless images that couples will treasure forever.

Learn about these lenses and more at an authorized Tamron dealer in your area or visit the TAMRON Store today.