So often I hear couples say “Why would I get photographed getting ready?” or “I don’t want to be photographed putting my underwear on!” Bridal preparation photography is definitely not that. It’s not about photographing you putting on your granny pants and squeezing into your dress… or snapping you gorging on a chicken sandwich just before you do so.. It’s about capturing the moments of you with your best friends, the bridesmaids, and your family, as you prepare for the biggest moment of your life!
Shea, the bride pictured above, wanted some artistic photographs of her and her bridesmaids getting ready behind some sheeting. Above are the end results. This is why I take the time to spend time with the groom and groomsmen while they’re getting ready, as well as the bride and her bridesmaids while she’s getting ready. Think of some of your favorite photographs that you may have seen of some of your favorite Hollywood actresses. Perhaps it was a photo of Elizabeth Taylor in front of her dressing table mirror, or of Marilyn Monroe powdering her nose. There is something beautiful and candid about having photographs taken at this time.
It’s also important to have a really clear runtime sheet with your photographer, so that you and your teams know when hair and makeup needs to finish, when the bridesmaids need to be in their dresses, and what time you need to be tying up your dress in order to maximize photographs and allow your photographer and yourself enough time to get to the ceremony with plenty of time!
I’ll write more about that in my ‘Why it’s important to have a timing run-sheet for your wedding photography‘ post!
