Renowned New York City wedding photographer Emma Cleary shares her advice on how you can help your photographer get the best photos possible. You can see more beautiful brides getting ready on her website and be sure to check the rest of her site for more real weddings and inspiration!
1. Provide us with a beautiful backdrop, Choose a space with plenty of space and light, a high ceiling, a bright open feeling. If your venue does not have a gorgeous and spacious bridal suite then splurge on a hotel room, you can use it for your wedding night too! Choose a boutique hotel rather than a large chain. There will be more character and it will feel less generic. The location you choose will determine the overall style of your photos, whether it be vintage, modern or romantic the location is key.
2. Keep the room tidy, designate a closet for coats and bags and throw away any packing material and plastic bottles. Put a person in charge of this so you don’t have to stress and the photographer doesn’t have to waste time cleaning. If you stayed there the night before perhaps you can request room service to tidy up before the photographer’s arrival.
3. Bring the invitation, this is a great time for us to take some shots of it.
4. Ask your bridesmaids, relatives and anyone present to be dressed and ready before the photographer arrives, they will be in the shots when you are getting ready.
5. Wear a nice white robe, this looks better in pictures than sweatpants. If you are wearing a satin one make sure to steam it.
6. Bring a hanger for the dress, you can purchase a custom made hanger in advance or a nice wooden hanger works just as well. The dress will come with a plastic one which doesn’t look so great in pictures.
7. Have someone in your party unpack and hang the dress (and throw away the stuffing and packing)
8. Sit near a window, photographers love window light this will be the best result, make sure the makeup artist has room for her stuff and there is room for the photographer to move around
9. Bring a small round mirror, give the photographer time to get a shot of you looking in it.
10. Have the rings with someone in the room, this is a good time to get shots of the rings, your engagement ring and the wedding bands.
11. Have the bouquets delivered to the room, I love using the bouquet in the getting ready shots, you can throw away the box they come in too.
12. Involve those close to you in the preperations, you can give each person a chore for a good photo op, perhaps a sister can button up the dress, someone else helps with your shoes, your Mom can put on your veil, a photo of the first time your Dad sees you is always very touching.
13. Open up the curtains and allow the natural light in.
14. Relax and smile, if you are nervous or anxious that will show in the photos. Enjoy the day and don’t worry about anything!
COMPANY: Emma Cleary Photography
WEBSITE: http://emmacleary.com