Franklin Dean
Capturing the perfect shot of a wedding dress is a challenging but essential part of wedding photography. The wedding dress is often one of the most important elements of the day for the bride, and a good wedding photographer will ensure that the dress gets its fair share of the spotlight. There are several techniques to highlight the wedding gown and create a memorable photo: experimenting with different angles and perspectives, focusing on the finer details of the dress, using the right equipment, and incorporating the location of the wedding into the shot.
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What You'll Learn
Use the right equipment
Wedding dress photography is a crucial aspect of the big day, and it is important to use the right equipment to capture the perfect shots. Here are some tips to help you prepare and ensure you have the necessary equipment to photograph the wedding dress:
Firstly, consider bringing your own hanger for the dress. While the bride may already have a nice hanger, bringing your own can add a unique touch to your photos. A classic wooden hanger can create an elegant look and complement the dress beautifully. You could even suggest a customized hanger with the bride's name and wedding date as a thoughtful gift.
Next, ensure you have the right camera equipment. It is ideal to have two camera bodies with different storage cards, providing backup options and allowing for different lens choices. A lens with an aperture of f2.8 and focal lengths of 24-70 and 70-200 is versatile and suitable for most wedding photography styles.
Additionally, consider using A-clamps, which are inexpensive and useful for adjusting the fit of the gown. They can help create a more flattering silhouette by pulling in the width of the dress, especially if you are working with a sample gown that may not be the bride's exact size.
For tulle or multi-layer gowns, bring Static Guard to ensure that each layer falls smoothly and doesn't stick together due to static electricity. If you are photographing a gown with a train, be prepared to use the "fluff-and-run" technique, where an assistant lifts and gathers air under the train to create a voluminous look before gently placing it down for the shot.
Lastly, for shooting white gowns against a bright background, bring large black cards to create negative fill and define the silhouette of the dress. Barn doors or egg-crate grids can also increase contrast and enhance the lighting setup.
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Shoot from different angles
Shooting from different angles is a great way to capture the wedding dress in all its glory. Here are some tips to achieve this:
Firstly, don't be afraid to experiment with various angles and perspectives. Move around the dress, capturing it from the front, back, bottom, and above. Pay attention to the little details, such as the sequins, embroidery, beadwork, and neckline, and use close-up shots to highlight these unique features. If the dress has a train, try different angles and positions to capture the whole train in a grand, dramatic composition. You can also ask the bride to twirl, showcasing the skirt area in stunning ways.
The location of the wedding can provide interesting angles and backdrops for your shots. If you're outdoors, look for natural elements like trees or architectural features to include in your photos. Shooting from a 120-degree angle will create drama and contrast, especially with the shadows cast by the dress. Utilise reflections by placing the dress near reflective surfaces like windows, mirrors, or even using your smartphone to create unique reflection portraits.
When shooting indoors, large windows or doorways can provide beautiful backlit shots. Sheer curtains can help soften the light, creating a bright and airy feel. If you're looking for a more dramatic effect, off-camera flash can add light direction and shadows, especially with dresses that have shiny embellishments.
Remember to keep the dress as the star of your photos, even when exploring different angles. Symmetrical compositions can be powerful, placing the dress front and centre. Don't be afraid to rotate and shoot from different sides of the room, as this can help you discover angles that enhance your photos.
By following these tips and experimenting with different angles, you'll be able to capture stunning photos of the wedding dress, showcasing its unique details and beauty.
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Focus on the details
Capturing the beauty and elegance of a wedding dress is an essential part of wedding photography. Here are some tips to focus on the details and create stunning visuals of the wedding gown:
Before the bride wears the dress, take advantage of its pristine condition and capture some standalone shots. Hang the dress in a well-lit area, ensuring it retains its shape and form. This allows you to focus solely on the gown's design and intricate details. Use a camera's macro mode or a dedicated macro lens to highlight elements like lace patterns, embroidery, beadwork, and fabric textures. These close-up shots can create a beautiful prelude to the images of the bride wearing the dress, showcasing the artistry and emotions tied to the gown's meticulous details.
When shooting the dress on its own, experiment with different backdrops and locations. Hang the dress on a classic wooden hanger against a window, a tree, or any aesthetically pleasing backdrop. If you're outdoors, incorporate interesting architectural features or natural elements into your shots.
For tulle and multi-layer gowns, ensure that each layer falls smoothly without bunching up. Use products like Static Guard to eliminate static electricity and achieve the desired flow. If you want to enhance the volume, consider using multiple petticoats or stuffing the gown with dry-cleaner plastic bags to create a fuller look.
When the bride is wearing the dress, continue to focus on the details by experimenting with various angles. Shooting slightly above the gown can elongate it and emphasize its features. Sideways shots can highlight the silhouette, while shooting from below can showcase the train and create a sense of majesty. Play with different perspectives to find the most visually appealing compositions that accentuate the unique characteristics of the dress.
By incorporating these techniques, you can beautifully capture the details of the wedding dress and create a memorable visual narrative for the couple.
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Ensure the dress is in pristine condition
Wedding dresses are intricate and delicate, and they can be prone to yellowing, oxidation, and other forms of damage. To keep your wedding dress in pristine condition, consider the following:
Choose a Professional Preservationist
Wedding dress preservation is a specialised process that requires the skills of a professional. Choose a preservationist who is trained to spot the unseen and deal with all types of stains, from invisible marks to visible splashes of red wine. They will be able to create a treatment plan for each type of stain and formulate a specialised cleaning procedure. Preservationists will also know how to handle the delicate fabrics, intricate details, and embellishments that wedding dresses often feature.
Clean the Dress
The cleaning process is the single most important part of preservation. It is best to act as fast as possible after the wedding to avoid cleaning and preservation headaches in the future. Even if your wedding gown seems to be in good condition, there may be invisible stains that will set in, oxidise, and darken over time. When handling the dress, always use white cotton gloves to prevent oil and dirt transfer from your hands.
Store the Dress Properly
Once your dress has been cleaned, it should be stored in a preservation box or garment bag using acid-free materials. The box should be placed in a temperature-controlled room, out of direct sunlight, and away from dampness or humidity. A closet shelf or under the bed is usually a suitable location. Avoid hanging the dress on a hanger, as this could stretch the fabric and cause it to lose its shape over time. Regularly inspect the dress for damage or pests, and address any issues promptly.
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Use a hanger that complements the dress
Wedding dress photography is an art, and a key element of this is the hanger. A hanger can make or break the shot, so it is important to select one that complements the dress.
Firstly, consider the material of the hanger. Classic wooden hangers are a popular choice, as they are elegant and timeless. They can also be customised with the bride's name, the wedding date, or other details, making them a keepsake. Velvet hangers are another option, offering a luxurious and soft feel. They come in a variety of colours, including blue, which could be the "something blue" for the wedding. Acrylic hangers are perfect for a modern, minimalist look, and they can feature stunning gold, champagne, or rose gold script with painted flowers.
The hanger should also be considered in relation to the backdrop of the shot. For example, if the dress is hung on a tree, a window, or a doorway, a wooden hanger might complement the natural or architectural features. If the wedding has a spring theme with lots of blooms, a colourful velvet hanger or a hanger with painted flowers could fit in beautifully.
It is also important to ensure that the hanger complements the dress by providing shape and structure. Some dresses may need additional support to maintain their form when hung up. This can be achieved by using tissue paper, plastic, or a dry-cleaning bag stuffed inside the dress. Binder clips can also be used to bring in the waist and create a more defined silhouette.
Finally, consider the hanger as a prop in the narrative of the wedding day. The hanger can be a symbolic representation of the dress, the bride, and the occasion. It can be a feature in the "getting ready" photos, adding to the story of the day and creating a sense of anticipation.
In conclusion, when shooting a wedding dress, it is important to use a hanger that complements the dress aesthetically, structurally, and narratively. It is a small detail, but it can make a significant difference in creating captivating and memorable photographs.
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Frequently asked questions
To make a wedding dress look its best, you should focus on capturing its unique features. Shoot from various angles to showcase the dress from different sides and emphasise its details. Shoot from above to emphasise its length and from below to showcase its train. If you're shooting a white gown against a white background, use large black cards for negative fill to define the silhouette of the gown.
In addition to a good-quality camera, you'll need different lenses, a portable flash and flash diffuser, and a tripod. If you're shooting the dress by itself, hang it on a strong and durable hanger in a well-lit area, ensuring that it retains its shape and form.
If you're shooting the dress without the bride wearing it, hang it on a classic wooden hanger to create a more elegant look. You can hang it on a tree, by a window or doorway, or anywhere with an aesthetically pleasing backdrop. If you're shooting the bride wearing the dress, avoid posing with her shoulders and hips squared to the camera, as this shows the widest line of the waist.
