Five Fabulous Tips for a Fantastic Bridal Pictorial – Wedamor
Engagement and prenuptial pictorials are a common practice for would-be married couples to go through. There are even post-nuptial pictorials as well as honeymoon photo shoots. Up until recently, bridal pictorials weren’t so common, but there are signs that these are set to become just as popular.
So, why have a bridal pictorial, and what makes a great one?
Only For the Bride
There are brides who want to commemorate their last few days of officially being single as well as celebrate their entrance into marriage. Before they say “I do”, they want a memento of these times by having a pictorial without the groom. Sometimes, the bride wants it with her family and close friends alongside. There are other times when a bride-to-be may opt for boudoir photography. The latter is often given to the husband as a special surprise gift on their wedding day (or night).
If you think you want to have the same pictorial done before your wedding day, then you have to take note of some important things. Here are five fabulous tips for a fantastic pre-wedding photo shoot:
1) Choose a Concept
This is the time to indulge in your creative fantasies. Whether you want to be a superhero (more along the lines of Wonder Woman than Bridezilla!), a Grecian goddess, or to go for a whimsical look, make sure your pictorial concept is something you are comfortable with.
Look up pegs online and see if there’s anything that will interest you. While there are so many pictorial concepts out there, choose one that has a personal meaning to you. Personalizing your concept by adding unique touches that speak of your personality will make it more memorable and special.
2) Pick a Photographer
When you want to look as good in photos as you do in real life, make sure that you choose a professional photographer.
Look for a photographer who is a master at enhancing your features. There are those who are gifted with the eye of capturing the most beautiful moments. Go online and check out the reviews. Ask family and trusted friends for recommendations.
Make a shortlist of possible photographers whose photographic style you like. Browse through their website and see their online portfolio. If you have the time, you can even visit their studio to get a better grasp of how they do business.
3) Set a Meeting
When you have at least three photographers that you like, arrange a meeting with them to have a more personal feel of how they work. This would be a good time to see if they understand your concept, discuss your budget, and answer any other questions that you might have regarding the shoot.
Once you have decided on “the one” (photographer, that is), then request for another discussion. This time, it is to go over the details of the pictorial such as the concept, date, time, venue, how many people will come from his or her team, and other pertinent details.
It’s best to have a face-to-face meeting so you can also establish rapport with the master behind the lens.
4) Find a Venue
Location is one of the most important factors for a shoot. A beautiful ambience helps set the tone and provides more options for a pictorial background.
Some choose to have their bridal shoots in an enclosed space like a studio or their own home. Others prefer to shoot on location – a coastal escape, a mountain resort hotel, or even the undulating sand dunes of a desert. Wherever you choose your location to be, make sure that you will be comfortable since it might take a few hours to a day (depending on how extensive you want your photo library to be).
Take into consideration the weather (especially if it’s outdoors) and the time of day. If it’s scorching hot, your makeup might melt off. Make sure there are people who can assist you and act as your “production team” – those who are in charge of snacks and drinks, outfits, make-up and so on.
Recommended Read: Four Ways to Preserve Your Wedding Mementos Forever
5) Prepare Yourself
With the flurry of activities preparing for the shoot and the wedding, brides often overlook themselves. Don’t go down the same road.
Make sure that you are well-rested before the shoot. If you can, go to the spa and pamper yourself. When you are relaxed and well-rested, you would look better in the pictures.
On the day of the shoot, make sure you eat a healthy, balanced meal so you don’t go hungry and risk feeling unwell during your shoot. You can also have your hair and makeup done or have a team on the set for quick touch-ups. Get rid of negative vibes and just be yourself.
Blossoming Bride
It’s your day and you are entitled to make it the best it can be. If it involves having a special pictorial for the bride alone, then go for it. When you’re feeling good, then chances are, you’ll be looking good too.
The most important tip for your bridal shoot is to enjoy and have fun. You have made the necessary preparations and made sure that everything is in order. Even if something goes awry or not according to plan, don’t let it ruin your mood. Sometimes, the most unexpected things can be the most exciting things to happen. Just ride on that happy cloud, smile, and pose for the camera.
— Author Bio —
Stefanie Descheemaecker is the Studio Manager at Stu Williamson Photography at The Palm Jumeirah – Fairmont Hotel in Dubai. She has been with the company for almost 3 years and is the driving force behind the success of the business. A keen amateur photographer, Stef combines her natural creative eye with a strong business acumen to help Stu Williamson Photography become the most trusted and successful photography business in the UAE.