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How to get the most from your bridal preparation photos.

EJ Photography

As a Somerset wedding photographer, I love offering my clients some wedding day tips that will help them plan a day that runs as smoothly as possible and helps them to have a gallery of photos that they will love. I work hard to capture the moments of the day as they unfold, and each part of the day brings its own special charm. But I have to say, the bridal preparation is probably one of my favourite things to capture. There is something so special about the buzz of excitement, nerves and camaraderie as the preparations unfold. Drink and food being shared, hair being sprayed into place and dresses put on for the big day. It sings to me as a storyteller and I love being part of this shared journey. Therefore, I am here to give you some ideas on how to get the most from your bridal preparation photos.

Somerset wedding photographer, bridal preparation, EJ Photography

This is a bride's last moments as a single lady, sharing it with her friends and family, and I always feel honoured to capture it for her. As a photographer, I want these photos to tell the story of her morning. I want them to be beautiful, true and emotive. My photography is predominantly documentary with a sprinkling of styling. This allows me to be as unobtrusive as possible, allowing the bridal party to just be themselves and have fun. So, here are some things to consider when planning for your bridal prep photos.

Somerset wedding photographer, bridal preparation, EJ Photography

Somerset wedding photographer, bridal preparation, EJ Photography

Somerset wedding photographer, bridal preparation, EJ Photography

Light, light, light!

I have heard of photography described as 'painting with light'. Light has a huge impact on the overall look of your photos. This is worth bearing in mind when choosing the room that you want to get ready in. Your makeup artist will probably want to setup near a window so that the light is falling on your face. Putting on your dress in a room that has large windows, allowing the room to be flooded with light, will really help your photos to be the best that they can be.

Somerset wedding photographer, bridal preparation, EJ Photography

Somerset wedding photographer, bridal preparation, EJ Photography

Space

Larger spaces are obviously easier to move around in. It can become very busy with hair stylists, makeup artists, bridesmaids and family all getting ready for the special day. Then your photographer arrives and wants to be in that space, too. If you are getting ready at your wedding venue, then there is a good chance that the room will be quite spacious. If you are getting ready at home, then it is worth thinking about how much space you are able to provide and whether you might need to move furniture around or have the photos of you getting into your dress in a different room to your hair and makeup. A larger space will also allow the photographer to capture full body shots of you in your dress.

Somerset wedding photographer, bridal preparation, EJ Photography

Wear a robe or buttoned shirt

Think about what you would like you and your bridesmaid's to wear when getting ready. Wearing something that you can just shrug off means that your hair and make-up is safe when changing into your dress.

Somerset wedding photographer, bridal preparation, EJ Photography

Clutter

You will be amazed at how much stuff people need when getting ready for a wedding. I love the business of the morning. I think the possessions and objects help to tell the story of the day. However, you may want to have a less cluttered space for elements of your bridal prep, such as when putting on your dress. Objects in the background may detract from the focus of the pictures, which should be you and your dress. Also, bright orange carrier bags can be very distracting and really don't add anything to your photos, so it is worth tucking these types of distractions away before the photographer arrives.

Somerset wedding photographer, bridal preparation, EJ Photography

Somerset wedding photographer, bridal preparation, EJ Photography

Time

Allow plenty of time for your photographer to capture a variety of shots. This will really help to tell the story of your morning. If you would like a flat lay photographed, your dress and the bridesmaid's outfits, the interactions between people etc, they all take time. It is also worth getting into your dress with plenty of time to spare. This will allow your photographer to take those beautiful bridal portraits. Remember, the photographer also needs to get to your ceremony location and get ready for your walk up the aisle. I often suggest giving your photographer 1.5 to 2 hours to capture your bridal preparation.

Somerset wedding photographer, bridal preparation, EJ Photography

Somerset wedding photographer, bridal preparation, EJ Photography

Somerset wedding photographer, bridal preparation, EJ Photography

Getting into your dress

I would recommend getting into your dress at least 30 mins before the photographer needs to leave. This will allow for a leisurely and enjoyable moment with your key people. Dresses can be a little tricky to put on, button or lace up etc. It might be the first time that the people helping you have ever had to tie the laces to your bodice. Allow time for mistakes and adjustments to be made. These moments make for beautiful photos. Your photographer will want to capture you putting your shoes on, spraying your perfume, putting on your jewellery. These calm moments are special, so allow time for them. I would also suggest that everyone who is helping you is also dressed in their outfits and shoes for the day. If you have allowed enough time, some bridal portraits are always wonderful, too. Gazing out of the windows, holding your bouquet, bridesmaids surrounding you. These are some of the last photos of you before you become a married lady.

Somerset wedding photographer, bridal preparation, EJ Photography

Somerset wedding photographer, bridal preparation, EJ Photography

Somerset wedding photographer, bridal preparation, EJ Photography

Somerset wedding photographer, bridal preparation, EJ Photography

Room décor

Be realistic about the impact of the room on the overall look of your photos. If you like light and airy photos, choosing a room with small windows and dark wood, dark carpets, and décor is not going to give you that look. Equally, if you like moodier or more 'contrasty' images, a room that is decorated in light neutral colours and flooded with lots of light is not going to give you that feel.

The photos below are of the same wedding dress, on the same day, photographed in different locations, highlighting how different rooms give the images a different 'feel'.


Somerset wedding photographer, bridal preparation, EJ Photography

Somerset wedding photographer, bridal preparation, EJ Photography

Key moments and important items

If you are wanting a specific moment captured, ensure you discuss it with your photographer in advance. This way, your photographer can be aware that this is something that is especially important to you and they will do their best to capture it. Think about moments that you might like your photographer to capture, such as a letter/ note written by your fiancé for you to open that morning, a gift given or received, the opening of a special bottle of fizz. If it is a particularly special item or moment, communicate this to your photographer.

Somerset wedding photographer, bridal preparation, EJ Photography

Somerset wedding photographer, bridal preparation, EJ Photography

Posing

Many people choose me as their photographer because they like my more candid/ documentary style of photography. If you want natural looking photos then warn your bridal party to just enjoy their morning and act like the photographer is not there. People can sometimes worry about being in the way of the photographer, or that they should be looking at the camera and smiling, but if you want natural images that tell a story, then give your guests the confidence to just be themselves and 'ignore' the photographer (in the nicest sense of the word). The photographer will tell you if they need someone to stand in a specific place or do something that will make for a great photo.

Somerset wedding photographer, bridal preparation, EJ Photography

Somerset wedding photographer, bridal preparation, EJ Photography

Somerset wedding photographer, bridal preparation, EJ Photography

Enjoy yourself

Have fun and enjoy the process. You have spent numerous weeks and months planning for this day, now just be in the moment and absorb it. Your joy and happiness will come through in the photos. If you have a teary moment, embrace it. If you are feeling nervous, that's perfectly normal. Your photographer will capture these moments and the photos will tell your unique story.

Somerset wedding photographer, bridal preparation, EJ Photography

Somerset wedding photographer, bridal preparation, EJ Photography

Somerset wedding photographer, bridal preparation, EJ Photography


Somerset wedding photographer, bridal preparation, EJ Photography

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Somerset wedding photographer, Taunton wedding photographer

Hi! My name is Emma and I am a Somerset-based wedding and family photographer. who captures people's stories all over the West Country. If you would like to discuss your wedding or family photoshoot with me, I would love to hear from you.

You can see more of my work on Instagram and Facebook. 





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