Top 5 Tips to be Photo Ready
How to prepare for the Prep:
- Venue Prep Room/Hotel Room: It’s always best to have everything at one venue, so traveling doesn’t take up time…but if the venue doesn’t provide getting-ready rooms, nearby Hotel Rooms are best. If getting Hotel Rooms, try and get rooms that are on the same floor for convenience.
- Remove the clutter: Extra bags, food from breakfast, unmade bed, etc. can be an eyesore. Get your bridal party involved to help clean up the room or have the hotel do a quick clean-up before we arrive.
- Window Light: Natural window light is the best place to get hair/makeup done. Make sure your makeup artist sets up near window light and not in the bathroom light.
- Remove Tags: Make sure all the tags on your dress, tux, and accessories are removed to be photographed. Replace your plastic dress/tux hangers with nicer hangers like wood or metal. Also, have all the accessories in one area so we can start shooting them right away.
- Be Ready but not fully dressed: Whoever is helping the Bride/Groom get dressed, should be fully dressed. The bride usually has hair/makeup almost done and in her robe. We typically capture finishing makeup touches like lipstick/blush, hair accessories, dress, jewelry, shoes, and any other details during the prep. Groom usually has their pant and shirt on. We will capture the Groom’s cuff links, vest, tie, watch, shoes, and any other accessories to be worn before he puts them on.
How to prepare for the Ceremony:
- No Guest Allowed:Plan ahead with your coordinator to have the ceremony setup before the guest arrive, so we can take detailed shots.
- Slow and Steady: It’s not a race down the aisle, make sure everyone slowly walks to the altar, heads up, and smiling.
- Look at each other: Face each other, hold hands, look at each other, smile, laugh…especially during your vows, no need to look at the Officiant, its your partner that should have your attention during the entire ceremony.
- Officiant move: Please ask the officiant to step to the side before your kiss or have the maid of honor be in charge to remind them of this. It’s always a nicer image if no one is standing directly behind you during the kiss.
- Kiss Again & Again: No one said you can only kiss once; kiss again, kiss for longer than the first time, if you want to go for a dip, go for it! We want to catch all the kisses and then again when you walk to the end of the aisle let’s do another Kiss.
How to prepare for the Reception:
- No Guest Allowed: Plan ahead with your coordinator to have the Reception setup before the guest pile in, so we can take detailed shots.
- Grand Entrance: Don’t all come in at once, couple up, and save your go-to dance moves or strike a pose when you hit the middle of the dance floor. Don’t run to your seats, line up and cheer on the rest of the bridal party.
- First Dance/Parent Dances: Make sure you dance the entire song, not just until it gets through the first chorus. It’s your one time to dance with that special someone and we want to make sure we catch it from multiple angles before it’s over.
- Mic Stand for Speeches: A mic stand helps keep the speaker in frame for photo and video, and it also allows them to use their hands freely—whether holding a champagne glass, speech notes, or both—without juggling the microphone.
- Guest Photos: Do you really want to go table to table and see messy food on plates?? I didn’t think so…instead designate a space for guest pictures. Usually the sweetheart table or make a stationary place for guest to leave their messy table behind.
- Sunset Photos: Sunset is another great moment to get a couple of romantic pictures. If we can sneak you away from the reception during the sunset hour, let’s get a few quick shots.
