HOW TO PHOTOGRAPH BRIDESMAIDS
My Darlings, photographing a wedding is hard work! It is both physically and mentally challenging and requires one’s creativity to be on point at all times. And we mean all times, regardless if the day is running late, the weather is horrible, lighting is non existent or anything else you can dream up that may go astray. And yet, as photographers (creatives by nature) we always strive for the most beautiful photos every time at each wedding.
Can I get an AMEN!
So in light of documenting gorgeous photos we wanted to share a few tips on how to photograph the bridesmaids.
Her Best Girls!
These are our brides’ closest girlfriends and so it is import to us to document their relationships. And… because we as girls love things to match and look gorgeous (don’t hide it you know you do) most of our brides get matching robes for bridal party getting ready photos. I LOVELOVELOVE it! So the very first thing we do is find a non distracting spot with great light to capture our girls in their matching robes.
Keep in mind the best lighting may be outside of the getting ready room – so take some time to find it, it makes a world of difference in the photos.
We also start with this shot so our bridesmaids can then get into their dresses while we get styled shots of the brides details.
Individual Relationships
We always have the blessing of working with the most amazing brides who in turn always have amazing bridesmaids. Which makes sense since our brides hand-pick their bridesmaids. Each person is uniquely special to our bride, therefore on every wedding day we take the time to get a photo with our bride and each one of her girls individually. However, I am not a big fan of the just stand together and look at me photos. Yes those are in their full day edits – but I also like to include some real emotion photos. So when I have our bride standing there with one of her besties I ask them to turn to each other and share the funniest memory they can remember. And this is what happens…
In Action
Bridesmaids play a huge role in the wedding day so you want to be sure to get them in action. If the bridesmaids are helping our bride to get ready I make sure the space is clutter free with good lighting and enough room for everyone to fit. If the getting ready room is too small or cluttered to make this happen then I find a space that will work better. Yep, we head out of the getting ready room again if needed. And don’t be afraid to help pose the bridesmaids for a fabulous getting ready photo.
Bridesmaids First Look
Some of our brides opt to have one special person help them into their dress on their wedding day. Then they surprise their bridesmaids with a first look. I love this too. In this case I will set up the bridesmaids in the perfect location for lighting and background. I prep them for the bride’s arrival and have them all turn around and wait for the bride to ask them to look. The true emotions are priceless!
The Littlest Girl – Bridesmaid in the Making
Most of our bridal parties also include a flower girl or Jr. Bridesmaid. They are not always there during the getting ready photos so we make it a point to get a few individuals of our bride their them as well. After all, one day they with be a full fledged bridesmaid. Here again we like to have them looking at each other, rather than at us for a natural gorgeous photo.
Group Shots
This is the time for all the bridesmaids to shine together with the bride. We take 2 approaches to the group shots.
- The first approach is the traditional bridal party posing.
- The second is a more fun playful photo.
We do both an every wedding day. Make sure the location you select for these photos incorporates the look of the day. If the wedding is overlooking the mountains then get the mountains in the background or if the wedding is inside with great lighting then try shooting in the ceremony room. It helps to tell the story of the day. Be sure to have the bridesmaids all hold their bouquets for these photos.
Cheers to your photographing next wedding day!!
Moer Photography Tips:
http://hornphotographyanddesign.com/shop-talk/photography-a-windy-wedding-day/
http://hornphotographyanddesign.com/shop-talk/photography-recover-photos-bad-memory-card/
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