Simple Stretches for Wedding Industry Professionals

Entry No. 9

photographer and videographer edition

Wedding days are basically endurance sports.

You’re crouching during ceremonies, sprinting for golden hour, holding heavy cameras for hours, then going home to sit and edit until your shoulders creep up to your ears. If you’re a wedding photographer or videographer, your body is part of your toolkit and it deserves just as much care as your camera gear.

Stretching doesn’t have to be complicated or time consuming. A few simple movements before a wedding or during editing days can help prevent injury, ease soreness, and keep you feeling good through busy seasons.

Let’s keep it easy.

All Those Weddings Add Up

This job asks a lot from us physically.

Long hours on your feet, repetitive movements, awkward shooting angles, heavy gear, and then hours of sitting while editing. Over time, this can lead to tight hips, sore backs, neck tension, wrist pain, and general burnout.

Stretching helps keep your body mobile and resilient so you can keep showing up fully for your couples.

5-Minute Pre-Wedding Stretch Routine

You can do this at home, in your hotel room, or even right before unloading gear.

Neck Rolls
Slowly roll your neck in circles for about 30 seconds in each direction. This helps release tension from looking through viewfinders all day.

Shoulder Rolls
Lift your shoulders up, roll them back, and drop them down. Do 10 slow reps, then reverse. Your shoulders will thank you later.

Arm Swings
Swing your arms across your chest, then open wide. Do this for 30 to 60 seconds to warm up your upper body before lifting cameras.

Standing Side Stretch
Reach one arm overhead and lean gently to the opposite side. Hold for 15 to 20 seconds per side to stretch your lower back and sides.

Stretches You Can Sneak In During a Wedding Day

No yoga mat required.

Calf Stretch
Step one foot back and gently press your heel down. Hold for 15 seconds per side, especially helpful after long ceremonies.

Wrist Circles
Slowly rotate your wrists in both directions for 30 seconds. Perfect for photographers and videographers dealing with hand fatigue.

Chest Opener
Clasp your hands behind your back and gently lift your arms while opening your chest. This helps counter that forward-leaning camera posture.

Daily Stretches for Editing Days

If you spend hours editing, these are non-negotiable.

Seated Spine Twist
Sit tall, twist gently to one side, and hold for 15 to 20 seconds. Switch sides to release lower back tension.

Hip Flexor Stretch
Stand up, step one foot back, bend the front knee, and keep your torso upright. Hold for 20 seconds per side. Tight hips are extremely common for editors.

Forward Fold
Stand, hinge at the hips, and let your upper body relax toward the floor. Bend your knees if needed. Hold for 30 seconds to decompress your spine.

Eye Breaks
Every 20 minutes, look away from your screen and focus on something far away for 20 seconds. Your eyes work hard too.

How Often Should You Stretch?

• Before every wedding
• During long wedding days when possible
• Daily on editing days
• Anytime your body feels stiff or sore

Even five minutes makes a difference.

Take Care of Your Body Like You Take Care of Your Gear

Stretching helps you avoid injuries, feel energized, and creatively present. When your body feels good, everything else flows better.