Getting ready for your wedding is probably one of the most exciting times on your special day. The nerves, the excitement, and the feeling of being with your closest friends only hours before you get married is something that you’ll definitely want to get on camera. So, how can you ensure you get the best ‘getting ready’ photos that you possibly can? As someone who’s been photographing weddings for quite some time, I might have a tip or two. Ready to find out what I’ve learned?
PS – These tips are for both you and your partner! Once you’re done reading, send this article to your spouse-to-be.
Natural light is key
Having tons of natural window light is the key to getting stunning ‘getting ready’ photos. We want to use the least amount of artificial lighting as possible in order to get the most beautiful, flattering images we can. Chances are, your hair & makeup artist will prefer natural light too! When booking your getting ready suite, try and choose one that has no shortage of natural light, depending on what time of day you’ll be getting ready. You can even ask the concierge which rooms are best for this, and I promise your photographer will thank you. As you can see, the Airbnb Lea chose had tons of natural light, which made for some stunning shots!
Limit distractions
When choosing a room for getting ready photos, be sure to choose a space that has the least amount of distractions as possible. Flashy wall art and loudly patterned carpets aren’t the most ideal for clean, crisp photos, so try and keep that in mind. Wood floors and simple color schemes are definitely the way to go if you have the option. As you can see, Derek’s getting ready suite was neutral and pretty plain. The perfect backdrop for his photos!
Keep it clean
Trust me, I know how disorganized things can get when you’re in the midst of getting ready. And that’s totally normal. But when it’s time to take getting ready photos, I can guarantee you’ll want your space to be clean and organized. I recommend keeping all bags, suitcases, and snacks in a completely separate room or area to avoid clutter in the first place. If you have a wedding party you can even assign someone to make sure things are nice and tidy before your photographer arrives. Harriet kept her space super clean – and the photos came out great.
Pack your details
Who doesn’t love a good detail shot? Be sure to pack all your details and bring them to your getting ready location to ensure there aren’t any mishaps. If you feel like you’ll forget, you can always ask a family member or friend to remind you or even pack them for you. I highly recommend bringing two complete sets of your invitation suite, the rings, ring boxes, your shoes, your dress, any jewelry you’ll be wearing, perfume, vow books, any family heirlooms that are important to you, a nice hanger, and even a touch-up kit. In situations like this, you can never be too prepared. Here’s what some amazing details shots look like.
Don’t overcrowd yourself
I know how much fun it is to have all your favorite people getting ready with you. But when you’re taking photos, I promise you, it’s best to have only one or two people there with you. Not only are you limiting the amount of opinions in the room, but you’ll have much more space to breathe. You’re going to want plenty of space to move, and as much as you love your friends and family, you might end up feeling a little crowded! So try and keep the getting ready suite as minimal as possible when it comes to guests. Amanda and Brenna did a great job with this, and chose to just get ready together before they said “I do!”
Now you know how to get amazing ‘getting ready’ photos. What next?
So, you’ve got all the info you need to get the most amazing ‘getting ready’ photos, now all you need is the photographer. I would love to chat with you about your wedding and elopement – you can get in contact with me here. You can check out a few of my other galleries by visiting my portfolio, and from there you’ll be able to get a feel of my photography and editing style. I can’t wait to chat with you! To keep up with me day to day, you can also follow my Instagram.
