Photographer’s Perspective: Why to Take Bridal Portraits

I think it’s safe to say that most of us don’t like photos of ourselves…especially when we are the only ones in the photo! Being in front of the camera can be intimidating. Yesterday, I was telling a couple that I like to be BEHIND the camera because it’s safer (; However, you shouldn’t let the fear of being in front of the camera stop you from documenting important life moments. If you are on the fence about whether or not to take bridal portraits, then this post is for you!

Part One

For starters, your wedding dress is one of the most important (and expensive!) articles of clothing that you will buy. It’s hard to think of another piece of clothing that could possibly have more sentimental value than the dress you wear when you marry your spouse. Stop and think about how many times you wear that dress- only once! UNLESS you take bridal portraits, and then lucky you, you get to feel like a princess TWICE!

Scheduling bridal portraits is the perfect way to have a “test run” of your wedding day hair and makeup. More often than not, makeup and hair consultations are not free. I know I would be a nervous wreck if I did not know what my hair was going to look like until the day of my wedding. You can bet that I will be scheduling a consultation before my wedding. This is also the first time you get to see your complete look come together- your dress, veil, accessories, shoes, hair, and makeup. Take the uncertainty out of your wedding day, and schedule a trial run on the day of your portraits. Your bridal session is also a great time to learn how to move in your dress. You can practice taking slow steps, picking up your veil, etc.

Have you ever held a bouquet of flowers non-stop for an hour? Probably not! The majority of brides I photograph choose to buy a bouquet for their bridal session. It looks amazing in photos, and it allows you to practice holding the bouquet properly. This may sound funny, but it takes some time to learn how to hold a bouquet. They can be bulkier and heavier than you think! It’s natural to want to hold your bouquet up by your chest, but the proper placement is by your belly button. Your wedding day will be a breeze once you are familiar with your mobility in your dress and how to hold your flowers.

Check out more tips from a photographer’s perspective HERE!

Part Two

Lastly, taking bridal portraits allows you to have a canvas or framed print on display at your wedding. Most brides put this on or near their welcome table. IMPORTANT TIP: If you set up your welcome table long before your ceremony starts, make sure to TURN OVER the canvas or frame so that the photo is not showing. You don’t want your groom or guests to see the photo before you have a chance to walk down the aisle!

There are a lot of benefits of taking bridal portraits…and that’s not to mention how much fun we have during the session! (Side note: the timeline of a wedding day is jam-packed, so this is your chance to take portraits in a leisurely setting). If you are considering bridal portraits, my advice to you is to GO FOR IT! Brides who take bridal portraits are more comfortable in front of the camera on their wedding day, and it shows!

If you have already booked your bridal session, I hope this post will encourage you to treat yourself to professional hair + makeup and a bouquet on the day of your session!