Not that every moment can be, or should be, scripted. That's no fun. And a little annoying, actually. But there are many little things a bride can do to help create not just good photo opportunities, but enduring memories.
Example: Valerie had each of her bridesmaids and her mother perform little tasks during the dressing of the bride. Her sister sprayed a fine mist of perfume over her. A bridesmaid clasped her necklace. Another bridesmaid fastened her bracelet and yet another helped her slip into her shoes. Valerie's mom laced her dress and her dad poked his head in for a first look at his daughter. All are such little mundane gestures but each task gave Valerie a special moment with her most dear friends and family, and provided excellent opportunity for the photographer (me) to make special images of bridal preparations.
I don't know if Valerie did all this by design or if it was just a happy accident. What I do know is that great wedding photography can occur when these gestures and moments just naturally happen, allowing the photographer the opportunity to capture them as memories. And good photography comes from TIME- enough time to get a myriad of portraits in a variety of places, and enough to time to relax a bit and take things slowly so the wedding party is not rushing from Point A to Point B.
That's another matter of high importance - Point A and Point B. Your wedding venues and portrait locations are crucial to amazing photography. I hate to say it, but I'd be lying if I told you your getting-ready pictures in a dark church basement are going to be as lovely as the getting-ready pictures in a nice room somewhere. I'm not saying you have to go all out for some fancy inn. Not everyone wants to plunk down the change for yet another wedding day expense, and let's face it, some people just don't care all that much about photos from this portion of the day.
But if this IS a priority for you, a good preparations site will give a wonderful backdrop for touching moments, provide a relaxing environment in which you can begin celebrating your day with your girls, and provide a place for us to make portraits of your family and bridesmaids before the ceremony. This allows us to achieve your bridal portraits while your hair and make-up are fresh and it saves you precious time we can use for the full bridal party and couple photography between the ceremony and reception.
For obvious reasons, your ceremony and reception locations are critical. Look for natural lighting and nooks and crannies that could be good portrait backdrops. Architectural lines such as arches and beams, and interesting windows and details, add to your backgrounds.
All of this suggested, rest assured that every Strinni Studio bride- no matter how grand or simple your venue- will receive my 100-percent devotion to ensuring your photo opportunities are maxed. And most important, you should feel comfortable with your locations and situations. Don't do anything that feels like a "set-up" or "acting." Don't force anything. Take my advice into account, but do what feels right for you. I want to wow you with my pictures, but it's equally important that you look back on your day and remember it as an enjoyable, true expression of your self and your love.
View my work at www.strinnistudio.com
