Rhiannon Hendricks
Wedding portraits are a fun and beautiful way to commemorate your special day. While some couples prefer fewer posed photos, portraits can be a great way to capture the magic of the day and create lasting memories. From traditional portraits to candid moments, there are many options to choose from. Portraits can be taken before, during, or after the wedding, and can include the couple, family, and wedding party. The time of day, lighting, and location are also important factors to consider when planning wedding portraits. Ultimately, the decision to have wedding portraits is a personal choice, and couples should do what feels most comfortable and meaningful to them.
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What You'll Learn
Bridal portraits before the wedding day
Bridal portraits are photographs of the bride taken ahead of the wedding day. They are usually taken one to two months prior to the wedding day. The bride wears a selection of outfits, including the wedding dress, rehearsal dinner dress, post-wedding brunch look, or after-party ensemble. These shoots can take place in several locations and can last between one and three hours.
Bridal portraits are a great opportunity to celebrate the bridal experience and can serve as a trial run for hair, makeup, and outfits. They can also be an empowering gift to yourself, capturing a moment in your life before your legal status changes from single to married.
If you're considering a bridal portrait session before your wedding day, here are some tips to make the most of your shoot:
- Choose the right time of day: Early morning, about one to two hours after sunrise, is ideal for soft, flattering light. It's also a quieter time in public places like city streets, parks, and beaches.
- Select a variety of locations: In addition to the traditional indoor locations, consider outdoor settings like a field of flowers, a snowy landscape, or a venue with interesting features.
- Bring different outfits: In addition to your wedding gown, consider bringing your rehearsal dinner dress, post-wedding brunch outfit, or any other special ensembles you plan to wear during the wedding celebrations.
- Include special details: Don't forget to bring your wedding day accessories, such as your veil, bouquet, jewellery, and shoes. These details will add a touch of magic to your portraits.
- Plan your hair and makeup: Ensure your hair and makeup are done professionally, or consider doing your own touch-ups for a more candid look. You can also schedule a fun brunch with your friends afterward since your hair and makeup will already be done!
Bridal portraits are a wonderful way to commemorate this special time in your life. Whether you choose to include them before or after your wedding day, these portraits will capture your unique beauty and the joy of this once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Regarding the presentation of the photographs, matting is a popular option for framing photographs. It can elevate personal photos, making them look like fine art. A mat, also known as a mount, is a piece of thin, flat material that is placed around the photograph within the frame. It creates a border and provides a sense of depth to the image. Mats come in various colours and sizes, allowing for customization to complement the photograph and the surrounding decor.
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Wedding photography packages
It's important to consider what is included in the package besides just the photographer's time. Some packages may include more photos, while others might focus on providing a full album. Online availability and video services can also be included, with some photographers offering complimentary engagement shoots as part of their packages.
When choosing a package, it's worth thinking about the style of photography you prefer. Some photographers offer a choice between glossy and matte prints, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Matte prints, for instance, are less reflective and don't show fingerprints, but some people dislike the visible paper texture. Glossy prints, on the other hand, may better suit those who want a smooth, even surface without the paper fibres showing through.
Additionally, you may want to consider framing options for your wedding portraits. Adding a mat or mount can elevate the look of your photographs, giving them a more professional and artistic feel. Mats come in various colours and sizes, and they can complement the flat nature of photographs, making them stand out. Framing with a mat can be especially effective for smaller prints, giving them more wall space, while larger artworks might look better full-bleed, with the artwork going to the frame's edge.
Ultimately, the right wedding photography package depends on your individual needs and budget. Be sure to do your research, compare packages, and choose a photographer who understands your vision and can provide you with an enjoyable and memorable experience.
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$16.99
Posed vs natural wedding portraits
Wedding photography is an art, and photographers employ various techniques to capture the magic of the day. There are different approaches to wedding portraits, with some photographers preferring posed shots and others opting for a more natural, reportage style.
Posed wedding portraits are a more traditional approach, where the photographer spends time moulding and creating beautiful moments throughout the day. They often use backdrops and lighting to enhance the images and will direct the couple and their guests to ensure the perfect shot. This style of photography ensures that everyone looks their best, with the photographer manipulating the light and the pose to create a flattering image.
Natural wedding portraits, on the other hand, aim to capture spontaneous moments as they happen. The photographer stands on the sidelines, allowing the day to unfold naturally and documenting the events as they occur. This style is often referred to as "photojournalism", capturing the raw emotions and interactions of the day. While it may seem that these shots are entirely unposed, a skilled photographer will often use subtle techniques to guide the subjects without them realising. For example, they might ask the couple to walk hand in hand or look into each other's eyes, creating a natural moment that wouldn't have happened without direction.
Both styles have their advantages and can result in stunning images. Ultimately, the choice between posed and natural portraits depends on the couple's preferences and the photographer's style.
When it comes to presenting wedding portraits, the choice between glossy and matte finishes is also a matter of personal preference. Matte paper is often favoured by photographers as it is less reflective and doesn't show fingerprints like glossy paper. However, glossy prints are recommended for weddings as they do not show the texture of the paper. Adding a mat to a photograph can elevate it, making it appear more like a fine art piece. A mat provides extra space around the image, allowing it to breathe and giving it a different perspective.
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How much time is needed for wedding portraits?
The time needed for wedding portraits can vary depending on several factors, such as the number of people being photographed, the location, and the couple's preferences.
On average, wedding photographers recommend allocating 1.5 to 2 hours for wedding portraits. This allows for a mix of traditional and creative shots, as well as individual portraits with the bride and groom. For example, if you have a large family and many guests, you may need more time to capture all the desired groupings.
Some couples choose to include a "first look" photo, which captures the moment the couple sees each other for the first time on their wedding day. This option allows for formal portraits to be taken before the ceremony, freeing up time afterward to enjoy with guests. In this case, 45 minutes to an hour is usually sufficient for the first look and couples' portraits.
If you are working with a single photographer and have a small group, one hour may be enough time to capture the desired portraits. However, it is important to consider potential delays, such as hair and makeup running late, location changes, or waiting for guests to assemble.
Additionally, some couples opt for night shots during the reception, which can add another 20 to 30 minutes to the timeline.
It is always a good idea to consult with your wedding photographer to determine the ideal timeline for your specific needs and preferences. They may provide suggestions for formal portrait groupings and advise on how to save time while ensuring all desired shots are captured.
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Wedding portraits with family
Planning and Preparation:
Before the wedding, it is essential to plan and prepare for family wedding portraits to ensure a smooth and enjoyable process. Work with your photographer to create a shot list of all the desired family photo groupings. This will help keep the photo session organised and on schedule. Communicate with family members about the photo plan and their preferences, especially if there are any complicated family dynamics. It is also a good idea to have the next group ready to step in while one group is being photographed to minimise downtime.
Timing and Location:
The timing of family wedding portraits typically depends on the wedding day schedule and finding a time that works best for all family members. Ideally, you want to find a location with an epic view and the best lighting for your portraits. Natural light is usually preferred, but if the view is a priority, artificial lighting can be used to illuminate the family.
Must-Have Family Photos:
There are several must-have family photos that couples typically include in their wedding portrait collection. These include portraits with immediate family members such as parents, siblings, grandparents, and their significant others. Capturing moments with grandparents can be especially heartfelt, whether posed or candid. If cousins are an important part of your life, a group photo with them can be a lovely addition to your album. Don't forget to include children if the couple or their siblings have any.
Candid and Heartfelt Moments:
In addition to posed portraits, candid photos are guaranteed keepers. These can include capturing the pre-wedding jitters and well-wishes from loved ones before the ceremony, as well as reactions during meaningful speeches and toasts. Dancing with parents and laughing with partners over toasts are also special moments to capture.
Framing and Presentation:
When it comes to framing and presenting your wedding portraits, you can enhance their impact by using mats. Mats can elevate personal photographs, giving them a fine art feel. They add extra space around the image and provide a professional look. Mats work especially well with smaller prints, helping them stand out and giving them the wall space they deserve. For larger prints, a narrower mat in proportion to the artwork is recommended. You can choose from various mat colours, including white, black, grey, or more vibrant options like blue, green, or red.
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Frequently asked questions
A wedding mat is a piece of thick paper or card with a photo in the middle that guests can sign.
A Permawriter pen is recommended to ensure that signatures do not fade.
Cover the edge of the mat with removable tape to prevent signatures from being written too close to the edge.
A 4" mat may be too small, so a 6" or larger mat is recommended to accommodate messages along with signatures.
Displaying a mounted bridal portrait at the reception is a personal preference. Some people find it odd or uncomfortable, while others plan to display their portrait alongside other photos.
