Welcome to our newest series:

Philadelphia Wedding Photographer

Tips for Fabulous Wedding Photos

We got so much love for our Perfect Timeline for Wedding Photography published by our friends at Philly in Love, we thought we’d break it down further, with each blog focusing on one portion of the wedding day with tips for both clients and wedding photographers. Our first blog, “bridal prep” focuses on just the girls as they get dressed for the day.

Wedding Dress and Shoes

Bridal Tip: Make sure you have a nice clothing hanger for your dress, with a hanger that swivels. It doesn’t have to be a fancy one with your new name, but try to avoid wire or dry cleaning hangers. And don’t forget to let us know if there’s something special sewn inside! Swatches of a loved one’s shirt is a lovely way to include them in your day, and we want to make sure to photograph it!

Photographer Tip: If you hang a dress in a window, you may need to use a pop of flash to avoid the bra pads showing, and if you’re really stuck for a place to hang the dress, bust out a light stand to hang it from!

The Shoes

Photographer tip: Artwork, a pretty chair, or even dresser drawer handles are all great places to showcase the shoes. I try to get a few different looks for the client to choose from. Reflective coffee tables, especially ones where you can hang the dress in the background are always good options.

Accessories

Once we shoot the dress and shoes, we like to get some shots of jewelry, hairpieces etc.  We choose a sunny window or an interesting texture to get some artistic photos of your stuff.

Bridal Tip: Having accessories all in one spot for us when we arrive is a HUGE help! You can have a bridesmaid help by removing tags from jewelry, buckle up shoe straps, etc.

Photographer Tip: We usually don’t photograph the couple’s wedding rings together until later in the evening. For the accessories, I like to use a combination of extension tubes on lenses I’d have with me anyway. A tiny video light is also key when shooting macros this way.

Candids

This is where our photo journalism background comes into play, as brides get their hair and makeup done and moms nervously corset the back of a gown.

Bridal Tip: Make sure anyone who’s helping the bride into her dress is dressed and ready before the bride.

Photographer Tip: Just because they’re candids, doesn’t mean you can’t place your subjects in pretty light first.  Hotel lights are the WORST. Place your bride near an large window if possible, and turn off all the other lights in the room. The closer your bride is to the window, the sharper the drop off of light. This is important to remember when you’re considering where the bride should stand.

Bridal Portraits

The last thing we’ll do before heading out to the ceremony or first look, are bridal prep portraits. I use a few opportunities throughout the day for portraits. When hair and makeup are fresh and pretty, nerves running a little high, the preparation bridal portraits are an important part of the day.  It’s lovely to see how her portraits evolve throughout the day.

Bridal Tip: This may be the first time of the day when you’re conscious of a lens in front of you, and I begin to direct your angles and positioning.  Take a deep breath and slow down. This is a moment to center yourself, be present and enjoy.

Photographer Tip:  The larger the light source, the more flattering the light, which is why we try to shoot portraits with the subject facing a large window.  I shoot with a 85mm 1.4 fairly wide open with all other room lights turned off.  I often find giving them a task such as “play with your necklace”, “pull your veil around your shoulder,  “count the trees outside this window” occupies their mind and gives them something to focus on.

Please come back for Part 2: Groom Prep!

For more unique wedding ideas and photo inspiration, check out our pinterest board at

BWR’s Wedding Inspiration