Getting Ready Photos
HOW TO MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR GETTING READY PHOTOS ON YOUR WEDDING DAY
by Melissa Clark
The “getting ready” phase of your wedding day is full of anticipation and emotion. These moments are important to capture as they help tell the full story of your day. To ensure you make the most of your photography time, follow these tips for a relaxed and beautiful experience.
Photos by Melissa Clark Photography
1. Allocate Sufficient Time
First and foremost, set aside 1–2 hours for getting ready photos. This will give your photographer plenty of time to capture all the essential details, including everything from your makeup finishing touches to candid moments with your bridal party. Additionally, discuss the timeline with your photographer beforehand to avoid rushing through these moments.
2. Choose a Well-lit Space
Natural light is a key factor in achieving great photos. When choosing your accommodation, pick a room with large windows and plenty of light. Furthermore, bright, open spaces help create flattering and beautiful photos. In contrast, rooms with poor lighting may result in less appealing images, so this small detail is crucial for success.
3. Have Details Ready for Capturing
Next, it’s important to gather all the wedding items you want to be photographed, such as your dress, shoes, jewellery, and bouquet. This helps your photographer capture these key details efficiently. Moreover, having these ready will save time and help complete the story of your day without distractions.
4. Keep the Space Clean
A clean space is essential for beautiful photos. Therefore, ask a bridesmaid or friend to tidy up before your photographer arrives. This way, your photos can focus on you and your special moments without background clutter. Otherwise, your photographer might need to clean up the space, which can take away from valuable photography time.
5. Capture Candid Moments
Some of the best getting-ready photos are the unplanned, candid moments. For example, moments like your mom helping with your dress or sharing a laugh with friends are priceless. To capture these, encourage your bridal party to relax and enjoy the morning.
6. Coordinate Hair and Makeup Timing
In addition, make sure your hair and makeup are finished in time for photos of the final touches. This ensures your photographer can capture those last-minute moments, such as a spray of hairspray or a final brushstroke. By coordinating with your beauty team, you’ll keep everything on track.
7. Include the Groom
If possible, don’t forget to schedule time for the groom’s getting-ready photos as well. A second photographer or a well-coordinated timeline can help capture both sides of the preparation. Ultimately, including both perspectives will give you a fuller view of the day.
Melissa Clark is a wedding and elopement photographer based in queenstown who aims to capture those real, unscripted moments that make your love story uniquely yours. www.melissaclarkphotography.co.nz