Bridal Shoots. Bridal Sessions, Bridal Photography. What is it exactly?
9 times out of 10, while discussing the outline for her wedding, I will get asked the question “What is a bridal shoot?”. It surprises me that a lot of people don’t know what they are, but, they have only recently started becoming popular within the last few years.
Bridal shoots are mostly a southern tradition. Usually this is just a session for the bride,by herself, with her photographer. The bride would be her in full makeup, hair and dress, often times months before the wedding, though it may be done before or after if she so chooses. Typically the bridal shoot is NOT done on the day of the wedding, simply because there normally is just not enough time.
So why is it important? And why should you do it?
PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT (the dress rehearsal, literally.):
I normally suggest to brides, that if they are choosing to do a bridal shoot, to try and set it up the same day you are having a trial run done with your hair and make up. This way you have an opportunity to do a full practice run of your hair, makeup, shoes, and accessories before the big day. Doing the shoot before the wedding, can ensure you are 100% happy with how you will look on the big day, or if some things might need tweaking. Sometimes you think you want to style your hair up, but then you see yourself in photos and decide you want too look a bit softer and wear it down; or just the opposite. You might decide that after walking around in those hot pink louboutins, that they KILL your feet! The list goes on and on. A practice run makes all the difference – Just as a ballerina performs in a dress rehearsal before opening night, a bride needs a dress rehearsal for her special day.
YOUR INNER MODEL – Get Confident! :
Most of you reading this are probably not professional models – I have had some brides who have totally rocked it in front of the camera, but I’ve also worked with some who are very shy and timid in front of the lens (I am too, don’t worry.) Being all made up and in a gown is not our every day ensemble, and being photographed can feel intimidating when we’re not used to being in front of the camera. During your bridal shoot, I can walk you through which poses are the most flattering for your figure, which angles are best for your face, and give you practice just being in front of the camera. It’s not a time to stress, it’s time to relax, and get comfortable. By the time your big day arrives, you’ll be rocking it like the pros! Your wedding photos will be better from it, and you can go home and share what you learned with your man. (Most guys, are just as uncomfortable if not more so on the big day, so you being relaxed will help him relax too!)
FREEZE FRAME – This unforgettable moment – You’re getting married!:
You’ll have a record of YOU looking the most beautiful you’ve ever looked! I know it’s not all about the ring, or the fancy cake, or all the little details. It’s about you marrying the man you’ve been waiting for all your life… But, What about the DRESS? If you are like so many of my other brides, when you get that dress… that ONE dress that fits you so well, everything about your wedding seems right, then you’re obsessed with your dress and the way you look in it. Look through any bride magazine and see beautiful models in those couture gowns with perfect hair, perfect makeup, and perfect lighting… Now imagine it’s you.
Once you’ve decided to do your bridal session, there are somethings to consider to help ensure it all goes over well:
DO accept that your dress will get dirty. Not rolling in the mud, rips up the side, big purple stain dirty, but yes, the hem will get a little brown and dingy, especially if we are out in a field or somewhere shooting. I’ve had brides who brought dropcloths, bed linens, tarps, and towels to try and protect the hem of their dress, and each time, the dress still managed to get dirty. Accept this, embrace this, and add a little money in your budget and time in your schedule for a dress cleaning before the wedding if need be.
DO eat something before your session, and bring some cold water bottles. Let’s face it, we live in a state that 90% out of the year, it’s hot. It’s humid. And sometimes it’s just ridiculously gross. You probably won’t get hungry throughout the shoot – but it is VERY important that you eat a good, big meal and bring water and snacks regardless. Though it may not seem like it, modeling can hard work, especially hard when you’re doing it in a heavy, thick dress, and extremely hard when you’re doing it all in the Florida heat. The last thing I want is for us to be out there, and for you to get lightheaded, or feel woozy because you are overheated, or need to take a break.
DON’T be afraid to speak up! I can’t count how many times, I’ve asked a bride to stand a certain way, and instead of saying “this doesnt feel right” she just sticks it out… If you feel like your veil is hanging funny, or the poses just aren’t “you,” please please please SAY SOMETHING. If you need to sit and take a break, have a snack, etc, PLEASE do so! This is not a big professional model shoot where you’re expected to suck it up and do your job, this is YOUR session, and YOU make all the rules. I love when brides talk to me, and tell me “I dont like that” or “I need to move” etc, it helps me work around you, and helps me get to know what you are comfortable with.
DO bring props, (if ya want too…) It doesn’ t have to be formal. Some ladies like to include their dogs in their session, or perhaps a football or baseball bat that is special to their fiance, or some beautiful vintage headpiece or parasol, or a few fun pairs of shoes. Many brides are totally okay with just themselves, and that’s perfectly fine, but if you want to mix it up a little bit, feel free! We will most certainly take some formal shots, but we will take some fun shots too throughout the session.
DON’T worry over the location. A good location can be helpful, but it’s not the be-all-end-all of how your photos will turn out. In some shots, you might not even be able to tell where we are shooting simply because of the angle of the photo. Hotels, parks, churches, and open fields are always gorgeous places and tend to be the best options for bridal sessions, but ultimately, it’s wherever you want it to be. I have locations that I love to shoot, and I will always be open to throwing out my favorite picks if you ask, because I love the challenge of shooting in new places – but, it’s more meaningful when you pick the location because its special to you.
+ COMMENTS
add a comment