Best of 2018 Weddings - Getting Ready

How to Help Your Photographer Capture the Best Getting Ready Portraits

As I prepare for my 2019 season to begin in just a few short weeks, I have decided to reflect back on all the gorgeous moments from 2018, starting with getting ready portraits. Requesting lots of getting ready photos on your wedding day? Here are some tips to help make them great:

1. Good light ALWAYS. Find a place to get ready with lots of windows and natural light. Try and avoid church basements and rec centers. Hotel rooms + airbnb’s with lots of windows work beautifully!

2. Try and keep the area relatively clean and free of garbage, plastic wardrobe holders, old food, beer cans, etc. Maybe assign your most organized bridesmaid/groomsmen to this job.

3. Feel free to invite your moms, grandmas, or special women in your life to help you get in your dress. Or dudes, ask your dads, uncles, grandpas etc. to get ready with you!

4. Details! If you want your photographer to capture your details - shoes, jewelry, rings, bibles, handkerchiefs, dress, perfume, socks, etc. gather that all up into one place before your big day. Keep it together and give it to your photographer when she arrives.

5. Every photographer is different but I lean mostly into capturing the candid moments. I don’t love to ask you to redo or pretend to do important things - it just doesn’t capture that authentic emotion. So consider adding on a 2nd shooter to your day. That way your first shooter can hang with the women and the 2nd shooter won’t miss anything with the guys!

6. Finally, don’t forget to relax and have fun! This time will be full of nerves and emotion! But the day flies by so quickly - don’t forget to soak it all in!