So you’ve booked one and now you’re wondering what you can do to prep for your bridal session? No worries! After more than 15 years photographing brides, I totally get how you feel, so this article is designed to help guide you through every step of the process.
Here are my tips to help you prep for your bridal session so you feel relaxed and ready to have fun in front of the camera.
- Choose the Perfect Location: Setting the Stage for Elegance
Selecting the right location for your bridal session sets the tone for your photoshoot. Whether you envision a your wedding venue, a romantic garden setting, a stately mansion, or a scenic outdoor landscape, we’ll work with you to find the perfect backdrop that complements your bridal style. Our expertise in scouting locations ensures that every shot is picture-perfect and reflects the elegance and sophistication of your bridal look. - Curate Your Bridal Look: Elevating Your Style
Your bridal session is the perfect opportunity to showcase your personal style and bridal vision. From the gown and accessories to hair and makeup, every detail should reflect your unique taste and personality. The bridal session also offers a great opportunity for you to experiment with different looks. Hair up or down, which jewellery to complement your look, makeup shades, you can try them out during your shoot and see which ones you like the most before the big day. - Hair and Makeup: Unveiling Your Bridal Beauty
Professional hair and makeup services are essential for achieving a flawless bridal look that photographs beautifully. If you haven’t selected a hair and makeup artist yet, I can recommend top talent specializing in bridal styling who will work with you to create a look that enhances your natural beauty and complements your bridal ensemble. Whether you prefer a classic updo or soft, romantic curls, we’ll ensure we can work together so that you look and feel like a true bride on your special day. - Timing is Everything: Embracing the Golden Hour Glow
Timing plays a crucial role in achieving the best bridal photos. We recommend scheduling your session during golden hour, shortly after sunrise or just before sunset, to take advantage of the soft, flattering light. This magical time of day adds a warm, romantic glow to your photos, elevating the overall mood and atmosphere of the shoot. I’ll work with you on that and can advise you on the optimal timing based on your chosen location and desired lighting effects. You also might want to schedule a backup date in advance in case weather doesn’t cooperate on the day of the shoot. - Communicate Your Vision: Collaborating with Your Photographer
Clear communication with your photographer is essential for bringing your bridal vision to life. We’ll schedule a consultation to discuss your ideas, preferences, and any specific shots you want to capture. Whether you’re dreaming of intimate portraits or dramatic, editorial-style shots, we’ll work closely with you to create a custom photography plan that exceeds your expectations. - Incorporate Meaningful Details: Adding Personal Touches
Incorporating meaningful details into your bridal session adds depth and personality to your photos. Whether it’s a family heirloom, a bouquet of your favourite flowers, or a special keepsake, these elements help tell your unique love story and create lasting memories. We’ll work with you to incorporate these personal touches into your session, ensuring that every photo is filled with meaning and emotion. - Relax and Enjoy the Moment: Capturing Genuine Emotions
Your bridal session is a time to celebrate and embrace the excitement of your upcoming wedding day. Relax, enjoy the moment, and allow your natural beauty and happiness to shine through in every photo. We’ll create a relaxed and comfortable environment that allows you to be yourself, capturing genuine emotions and candid moments that reflect the joy and anticipation of this special time in your life. After we have taken the more traditional photos, we will set aside plenty of time to experiment and have fun with more creative photos. So come to the shoot ready to play! - Eat, Stay Hydrated and Well-Rested: Radiating Confidence and Vitality
Taking care of yourself leading up to your bridal session is essential for looking and feeling your best. Make sure to eat and stay hydrated, get plenty of rest, and avoid excessive alcohol or caffeine consumption. Please do not fast or starve yourself ahead of the shoot. By prioritizing self-care, you’ll arrive at your session feeling refreshed, energized, and ready to shine in front of the camera. - Practice Posing: Perfecting Your Bridal Poses
During the shoot I will help you stand to get the most flattering photos, but you might want to practise a bit yourself ahead of time just so you’re familiar with the kind of direction I will be giving you. Look at bridal magazines, check out videos on YouTube, and just get an idea of different ways to stand so we get a good variety of looks for you. During your session, I’ll provide gentle guidance and direction to capture your best angles and showcase your beauty in its most authentic form, but it’s great if you can have some visual references in your mind. - Embrace the Moment: Celebrating Your Bridal Journey
Your bridal session is a celebration of your journey to becoming a bride, and it’s essential to embrace every moment of this special time. Whether you’re feeling excited, nervous, or sentimental, allow yourself to fully experience the emotions of the day. Trust us to capture the beauty and elegance of your bridal look, creating timeless images that you’ll cherish for a lifetime.
Bonus Tip! Wear Comfortable Shoes!!!
I get it: you have splashed out an arm and a leg on those Jimmy Choos and we will definitely prep for your bridal session and use them in the shoot. But I would HIGHLY recommend bringing some comfortable shoes as you are going to be on your feet for quite a while. Find a comfy pair of wedges or shoes that are around the same height as your wedding shoes and wear those for as much of the shoot as you can.
Getting ready to prep for your bridal session should be as stress-free as possible. By following these simple tips, you’ll be well-prepared to create stunning bridal portraits that beautifully capture the essence of your unique style and personality. So, relax, enjoy the moment, and let us capture the magic of your bridal journey with elegance and grace. And let’s have some fun in the process!
Questions? Drop me a comment below….
