What to Expect from Preparation Photography
The moments before your wedding day ceremony are some of the most intimate and exciting.
Preparation photography captures these special moments - the final touches on the bride’s dress, the groom adjusting his tie, the support of family and friends as they help you get ready. These wedding photos set the tone for your wedding day and allow you to relive the excitement of the morning every time you look back at them.
In this guide, we’ll show you how to prepare for getting ready photos that will become treasured memories.
Timing is Everything
Getting ready photos require careful timing. We typically recommend starting the wedding photography process a few hours before your ceremony begins, ensuring there’s enough time to capture every detail. It’s important to factor in hair and makeup, final preparations, and any additional moments, like the groom getting ready or the bride’s family sharing a quiet moment together.
A relaxed, unhurried atmosphere will result in more natural and candid shots.
Choosing the Right Locations
The setting for getting ready photos is just as important as the moment itself. A well-lit room with plenty of natural light will make a world of difference for the final results. A spacious, tidy area will help ensure that the focus remains on you.
If you’re getting ready at a hotel or venue, we’ll work with the space to find the best locations that highlight both you and the surroundings. In some cases, we can even help you set up the room to ensure the perfect backdrop.
Wardrobe and Accessories
Preparation wedding photography is a perfect opportunity to showcase the details - your wedding dress, shoes, jewellery, and other accessories. We recommend laying these items out in an area where they can be captured naturally, whether it’s the bride’s gown hanging on a door or the groom’s cufflinks neatly displayed.
The People Who Matter
Many couples have close friends or family members who help them get ready, making this a time for emotional connections and support. From the bride’s mother fastening her dress to the groom’s best man helping him with his tie, these moments add depth and emotion; documentary wedding photography is perfectly suited to capturing this stage of the day, discreetly and with taste.
If there are specific people who are helping you get ready, let us know, and we’ll ensure we capture these special interactions.
Relax and Let Us Guide You
We know that many couples feel nervous or overwhelmed during the getting ready phase, especially when it comes to posing for wedding photos. Don’t worry; this is an opportunity to focus on the experience rather than perfect poses. We’ll guide you through natural moments, so you can stay relaxed and enjoy the process. The goal is to capture genuine, candid moments that feel authentic and true to your day.
In Summary
Preparation wedding photography is all about capturing the moments before you step into the spotlight.
Whether it’s the final touches of your makeup, the anticipation as you put on your dress, or the excitement in the air as the groom gets ready, these photos are part of your wedding story. With the right planning, timing, and atmosphere, your getting ready reportage wedding photos will become timeless memories to cherish for years to come.
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• Fika’s relaxed approach when working as a wedding photographer
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• What is documentary wedding photography? (and what it is not)