ISPWP Photographers Share Tips On Getting Perfect Getting Ready Photos For Brides

Often referred to as “the getting ready” by wedding photographers, the time when a bride prepares for her wedding day can make some of the most poignant photos of the day. It’s a time of reflection, celebration, nervousness, and excitement.  Traditionally, bridesmaids were unwed sisters or close members of the family such as cousins, but that tradition has long been replaced with having those people who are closest to the bride be in her bridal party, regardless of marital status.

Photographing this moment is often a favorite of our ISPWP photographers because it offers them an insider’s glimpse into the raw emotion of the day. During the special ritual when the bride is putting on the gown and the veil parents may be thinking about how their little girl has grown, the passage of time and the importance of family. Sisters and close friends may be giddy with excitement, and everyone is preparing carefully so that they look their very best. Capturing those moments is often special for the photographer, and a treasure for the bride and her family.

Photographs from the getting ready part of the day usually have a combination of candid photos, posed photos and in some cases, staged photos. Before your wedding, give some thought as to how much you want your photographer to capture, and what is most important to you.  View some stunning award-winning getting ready photos of ISPWP photographers to inspire you.

Things to Consider Before the Wedding Day:
Are you comfortable with your photographer being there while you are getting dressed? If not, express that to them. There are workarounds such as a male photographer can have a female second photographer available for that portion of the day, or they can step out of the room briefly.

Do you want your gown hung in a stunning location for photos? Many brides love the idea of a dress hanging in a window, or in a tree, or in other interesting locations. However, they may be nervous or fearful of the gown getting wrinkled or dirty. Discuss this with your photographer before the day so they can explain to you how the process works and alleviate your fears.  (Hint: most photographers have handled wedding gowns more than your maid of honor has!)

Location, Location, Location
Christina G Photography offers this advice for the location for getting ready photos:

“Regarding the location of your choice being picture perfect, the most important aspect is the light. You want a bright, pretty and uncluttered room. Great lighting is just as important for your makeup artist as it is for your photographer. And while we can both bring lighting in, you don’t want that. You want your makeup to look beautiful from outdoor portraits to your candle lit reception, and you also want your photographs for this portion of the day to look every bit like the “morning of” – bright and happy. Good natural light is needed to achieve the look.

Also, don’t forget to bring a complete invitation suite for your photographer to capture. One that already went through the mail system and has pretty stamps on the envelope is even better!”

Proper Preparation Makes for Perfect Photos
Jason Kaczorowski Photography offers this great advice on being prepared and making the most of the time you have with the photographer present while the bride gets ready:

"If you value having your details captured during your preparation, it's always helpful to make sure that items are easily accessible and have been thoughtfully arranged when your photographer arrives. Having a tidy room to photograph your preparation photos also reduces distracting clutter in the background of your photos. Remember to remove tags or stickers from your jewelry, purse, shoes, and dress and ditch the white plastic hanger your dress arrived on for a chic custom wooden hanger."

Live the Day
Wedding days are not always perfect. There may be nervousness, tears, and fearfulness. Worrying about “playing to the camera” can result in forced, unnatural photos. Jorge Mercado Photography offers this heartfelt advice to brides:

“Do not ever forget to allow yourself to be expressive and let your real feelings emerge from the bottom of your heart.  Forget that there´s a photographer there and put your soul in every moment, as a wedding day goes like water through your fingers. Honor the feelings and emotions and allow your photographer to capture these unrepeatable moments. Live them freely with the people you love and treasure the photos that result.”