Summer is a wonderful time for bridal portraiture. The days are longer, the weather is mild, and the flowers are blooming. You know what though – winter is also a fantastic time to take bridals. Traditional bridal photography will always be popular, but current trends are shaking things up a bit by incorporating alternative-style shots into the bridal session, and even including the groom himself. Read my tips on how to nail those gorgeous shots!
Bridal Photography Tips
Include The Groom
Groomals, bridals portraits that include the groom, have become increasingly popular. I like photographing groomals and encourage every bride to consider having the groom in at least half the shots. After all, how many pictures of yourself do you really need?
Why not have the best of both worlds? Think of groomals this way – bridal photography only better. Why not spice up your session by grabbing your groom and including him in the fun. His frame will be a great prop to augment your beauty.
Gromals make the wedding-day photography less stressful. Between your engagement photos and groomals, you’ll have more than enough professional photographs of just you two that you love. The wedding day, itself, can then be centered around your family and friends. Of course, the special couple will always be the main attraction.
First Looks Are Fun
First looks naturally flow out of a groomal session. Not everyone opts to do them, but they sure are fun! The look on the groom’s face when he first sees his bride-to-be is priceless. You’ll want to remember this special moment for years to come. Though they don’t take much time, first looks pack a lot of punch – they’re just plain awesome.
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Wear A Veil To Capture The Light
I love veils. They show off the beauty of any wedding dress, and add a splash of sophistication and class. Let’s just say they make a bride look more bridally (is that a word?) Shots where the veil catches the light are absolutely stunning. Veils add variety because they can be used in so many different ways.
Veils can be used as a prop. Drape it over the bride’s face, and you’ve got yourself a photograph brimming with moody emotion. Looking for an air of mystery? How about a coy look? Or a shy one? Use the veil to your advantage!
It’s the best when a veil catches the wind. It lends an air of mystery to the photograph. Veils are easy to take off and on so you don’t have to include them in every shot.
Keep It Natural And Have Fun
Your favorite photos will be the most natural-looking ones. If your photographer suggests a pose that you aren’t comfortable with, speak up. There are no shortage of posing ideas so your photographer won’t care. Do your best to relax, and enjoy the session. Laugh, smile, and embrace. Focus on the emotion between you and your husband-to-be. Your images will burst with authenticity.
Hopefully, you’ll only have one bridal session so make it fun! This is a day to celebrate you and your individual beauty and style. The dress, veil, jewelry, and makeup are all essential features of this special day so enjoy primping and pampering yourself. Oh, and don’t forget the bouquet. It adds a burst of color!
Key Points
There’s nothing more stunning than an elegant bride brimming with excitement and anticipating all the possibilities that lie ahead. Being in love makes a beautiful woman even more lovely, and that special inner glow will show in her photographs.
Are you a bride-to-be? Are you more traditional or playful? Let me know in the comments:)
My wife does photography for every occasion, however her favorite genre is babies. Babies grow so fast and all the magical moments should be frozen and shared. I like the images on your post.
Bridal photography is stunning, especially if it’s taken in a gorgeous location. It can get pricey though but if you want to remember that day it’s an amazing investment, and you get what you pay for.
Hi Trevor,
I agree with your wife. Baby photography is awesome. Babies change so fast, it’s important to capture the special moments, and with babies, there’s no shortage of those moments. Photographs are so fun to go back and look at through the years, and the same goes for bridal portraits. Thanks so much for reading and commenting!
I liked the photographs that you shared.
Bridal photographs capture the special moments the couple will cherish for a lifetime.. Your tips and ideas reminded me of how important it is for the bride and the photographer to communicate.
Planning the desired shots can be a lot of fun. Which is part of the reason I am visiting this page.
Your post also reminds me of the importance of ensuring that the photographer will have adequate skills to produce the quality of photographs desired. Not all photographers are equally gifted.
Thanks for sharing a fun post.
Thank you Sondra. Bridal portraits are so elegant. Communication between the photographer and wedding couple is crucial. I always ask the bride before her shoot if there are any poses she wants me to be sure and get. I try to develop a good rapport as that factors into the final images.
I really appreciate your comment!