Have you ever admired those beautiful black and white 'getting ready' wedding photos? Where the bride is filled with anticipation of the big moment, and the room is filled with glowing white light, and bridesmaids in lovely outfits help put the final touches on? Would you like to have some of those images from your wedding? Yes? Here is how to make it happen.. you can help them!
First, think about your 'getting ready' room. Does it have a window? A large window? If you have any control over selection of the room to get ready, pick a room that has the largest window. In an ideal scenario, the windows should be facing North, and if you are seeking total perfection, make sure there is a sheer curtain that can be pulled over the window if it gets too bright. This ensures the most beautiful natural indoor lighting for your getting ready session. Of course, flash can compensate for a lack of natural light, but it rarely looks as soft and flattering...
Then, think about the number of people that will be with you in that space. Will there be room for moving around for everybody? If you can't procure a large dressing room, make sure to limit the number of people dressing there. I've been is many crammed dressing rooms, where it is impossible to make a step back from the bride without bumping into someone!
Now, have you ever wondered why these getting ready photos are almost always black and white? Here is the answer: black and white treatment camouflages the mess. Dressing rooms are always a bit messy. There are often random conflicting splashes of color in all things found in the dressing rooms. But there are also many objects that can not be camouflaged by color conversion - laptops, kettles, TV remote controls, sneakers, jeans - usually inside-out on the floor.. plastic bags... fast food packaging... All of that has ended up in my frames at times because in the constrained dressing room you just can't avoid it. What's the lesson? Try to remove or hide non-wedding elements so that they don't clutter your background! If your bridesmaids change in the room before you get there, ask them to stuff in the closet all of non-wedding items.
Let's talk about small details. Your something old, new, borrowed and blue. Jewelry, shoes, little gifts for the bridal party, maybe your garter... Your dressing room is the best place for your photographer to capture all these things, before the real wedding rush starts. But he or she needs to know what they are and where are they in the room! Ask your maid of honor to lay those items in a visible spot and point your photographer there. Give him a few minutes, and these items will be beautifully arranged for close-up shots - they will make a great addition to your wedding album, and you will know for sure that nothing was missed by the camera.
Finally, the ‘putting on the dress’ sequence. Your bridesmaids should be dressed up and ready when they help you into the dress. Otherwise, your images will show your emotions after putting on the dress, while surrounded by women with half-done hair, in tank tops and jeans… Not so romantic! Also, if your bridesmaids are ready about 20-30 minutes before you are, it gives your photographer a chance to do individual portraits of them.
All of these combined will help your pro get the best images for you!
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