Bridal prep advice – how to get those different wedding photographs you`ll adore!
As an alternative wedding photographer with nearly twenty years’ experience, I have shot quite a lot of amazing weddings, and people always ask me about what is the best way to get great “prep” photography!
From being a destination wedding photographer in Jamaica where the Groom and his gang were stoned, to some beautiful emotional wedding photography featuring “first looks” with parents I’ve seen the lot. So, here`s some tips on how to create some quirky wedding photos in what can sometimes be a VERY pressured environment!
Firstly, if you are the bride, get everything ready. As a photographer I want to be looking for those creative wedding photos, not unpacking the dress, jewellery, shoes etc, so get that ready and into a well lit location, venues like The Westmill and Blackwell Grange both feature amazing bridal suites so I’d definitely advise getting ready in something like that, lots of pace and big windows for beautiful light. And do not forget the bubbly!
Equally for grooms, give yourself some space and time. Personally, I enjoy creating really natural wedding photography with guys, so I’m far more interested in the lads drinking and joking than I am them getting dressed. So, I am looking for really fun, silly and timeless photography, particularly with any children that are around as that’s always something great to focus on. Usually I say to the grooms just to meet me in the bar or outside the venue and I am quite lucky as a Birmingham wedding photographer as lots of the venues I usually shoot at have great bar areas.
So, brides you need space and light. Grooms you need your mates and a stiff drink. What about if your getting ready at home though? No problem, it gives us a great chance to create some awesome images with mums (usually busying themselves around and faffing like crazy) and any family pets that fancy getting into the wedding album!
And finally, the best advice I can give you lovely couples is to give us creatives the opportunities to shoot some beautiful wedding images for you. I personally love using light and shade, movement and emotion for this part of the day (particularly with any brides) and give us the scope and time to see the emotions and relationships in front of us.
And most of all, just relax and enjoy this special part of your big day!
