Franklin Dean
A first look in wedding photography is when the couple sees each other for the first time after they've gotten ready and before the ceremony begins. It is typically a private moment, away from family and friends, and allows the couple to connect and relish in the day before being surrounded by everyone. First looks have become a popular trend in recent years as they provide several benefits such as easing nerves, creating more time for couple portraits, and freeing up the couple's schedule so they can enjoy more time with their guests. However, some couples may feel pressured to include a first look in their wedding day timeline, and it's important to consider if it aligns with their vision and comfort level. Ultimately, the decision to include a first look should be based on what feels genuine to the couple.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition | A first look is when a couple sees each other for the first time after they've changed into their wedding attire but before the official ceremony begins. |
| Benefits | More time together, more time with family and friends, more time for photographs, less pressure, more authentic emotions, less stress, more creative opportunities, eases nerves, more time for touch-ups |
| Drawbacks | Might be less meaningful to look at portraits knowing you weren't yet married, could be more nerve-wracking, pressure to react a certain way, outfit/makeup/hair could get dirty |
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What You'll Learn
What is a first look?
A first look in wedding photography is when the couple sees each other for the first time after they've gotten ready and before the ceremony begins. It is typically a private moment shared between the couple, away from the eyes of family and friends. The groom stands looking away from the bride, who taps him on the shoulder, and he turns around to see her for the first time.
The first look provides an opportunity for the couple to connect and relish in the day before being surrounded by family and friends. It allows them to ease their nerves and jitters before the official formalities of the day begin. It also spreads out the formal photo events, freeing up more time in the couple's schedule. By taking the bulk of the portraits before the ceremony, the couple can enjoy the cocktail hour with their guests without being pulled away for photos.
The first look can be an emotional and intimate moment, providing some of the most candid and raw photos of the couple as they are able to completely let their guard down. It can also be a chance for the couple to ground themselves and share their affections and excitement before the chaos of the wedding day.
While the first look offers many benefits, some couples may feel pressured to react and emote in a certain way during this intimate moment. Additionally, some may prefer the tradition of waiting to see each other at the ceremony. Ultimately, the decision to incorporate a first look into the wedding day should be based on what feels genuine to the couple.
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Advantages and disadvantages
Advantages
A "first look" in wedding photography is when the couple sees each other for the first time before the ceremony, usually about an hour or two before. This moment is often followed by a quick wedding portrait session, along with formal group shots with the wedding party and family.
One of the biggest benefits of a first look is the intimacy it provides for the couple to see and be with each other in a private setting, away from the hullabaloo of the wedding day. It provides a chance to connect and relish in the day before being surrounded by family and friends. It also allows couples a moment together before the chaos of the day really begins and can help ease nerves and jitters before the ceremony.
First looks also save time by taking a bulk of the photos before the ceremony, including portraits, wedding party photos, and family formals. This means that after the ceremony, couples can get to their cocktail hour or reception sooner, and there is less of a need for the photographer to rush.
Additionally, depending on the time of year and location of the wedding, doing a first look can allow couples to take advantage of the best lighting for photos. For example, if the wedding is in late fall or winter when the sun sets early, a first look can ensure there is plenty of time for photos in natural light.
Disadvantages
One of the main disadvantages of a first look is that it may require an earlier start to the day to ensure there is enough time for photos before the ceremony. This may mean an early start for hair and makeup and could affect the rest of the wedding day timeline.
Another potential downside is the additional cost associated with booking the photographer and/or videographer for extra hours to cover both the first look and the ceremony.
For some couples, the fact that they won't be legally married in their first portraits from the first look may be a bother. It may also be uncomfortable for couples who feel pressured to react and emote on cue during an intimate moment while photographers and videographers are present.
Lastly, some couples may prefer to stick to the tradition of not seeing each other until the walk down the aisle.
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Photography tips
Capturing the raw and authentic emotions of the couple is the goal of first-look wedding photography. Here are some tips for photographers to achieve this:
Communication and Setting Expectations:
It is important to communicate with the couple and understand their expectations for the first look. Discuss their vision, including who they want present, and use this to guide the setup. Respect their wishes, traditions, and privacy.
Lighting and Location:
Scout the location in advance to find a private spot, preferably outdoors during the daytime, with beautiful bright light. Avoid harsh or changing light, and instead, opt for open shade to ensure even lighting on the couple, creating flattering images. A clean and simple background will help draw attention to the couple's expressions.
Technical Settings:
Use a fast shutter speed, such as 1/500 of a second, to capture the fleeting expressions during the first look. A shallow depth of field (f/2 or f/2.8) can also be desired. Adjust the ISO based on the available light; don't be afraid to increase it if needed. Ensure all cameras have synced timestamps and consistent settings (white balance, shutter speed, etc.) for seamless post-production.
Posing and Angles:
Work with the couple to set them up at the right angles to capture their reactions and emotions. Guide them on when to turn and look at each other to ensure the moment is captured from all angles.
Authenticity and Candidness:
Encourage the couple to focus solely on each other and ignore the cameras. Remind them that this is their moment to create lasting memories. Allow their actions to be candid and personal, capturing genuine emotions.
First-look wedding photography is a special moment for the couple to connect and create intimate memories. Photographers play a crucial role in capturing these fleeting moments, turning them into lifelong treasures.
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Timeline and flow of events
A first look in wedding photography is when the couple sees each other for the first time after they've gotten into their wedding attire but before the official wedding ceremony begins. The couple picks a location away from family and friends and arranges a time before the ceremony for this private moment.
The first look should ideally happen 90 minutes before the ceremony. The groom gets into place first, looking away from the bride, who is tucked away nearby. The bride then walks up to the groom and taps him on the shoulder, after which he turns around to see her for the first time. This moment can be captured by one or more photographers and videographers, who will aim to be as unobtrusive as possible.
After the first look, the couple can take some time to connect and relax before the ceremony. They can then move on to taking bride and groom portraits, followed by wedding party photos and family portraits, getting the three main portraits done before the ceremony. This means that after the ceremony, there will be less of a rush to take photos, and the couple can spend more time with their guests and enjoy the cocktail hour.
The first look also allows for more creative freedom in capturing the couple together, next to one another, rather than being separated by rows of chairs when the groom first sees the bride walking down the aisle. It also gives the couple a chance to ease their nerves and spend some quiet time together before the ceremony.
However, it's important to consider that with a first look, the couple won't be legally married in their first portraits. For some couples, this is a significant factor, while others may not mind it. Additionally, incorporating a first look requires an earlier start to the day, with hair and makeup schedules adjusted accordingly.
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Who sees the first look?
A first look is a moment before the wedding ceremony when the couple sees each other for the first time that day. This modern wedding ritual breaks with the longstanding tradition that the couple should not see each other until they walk down the aisle.
First looks are typically done in private, with just the couple and the photographer present. This allows the photographer to capture raw, candid shots of the couple's emotions without any obstructions. However, some couples choose to have a "first touch" instead, where they connect physically but don't see each other, or even a first look with their parents or wedding party.
If you want to keep your first look as private as possible, photographers recommend choosing a secluded spot where you can enjoy the moment without any onlookers. However, some couples opt to have their "besties" watching from a distance, which can also make for amazing pictures.
While the first look is usually a private moment, it is followed by a quick wedding portrait session, along with formal group shots with the wedding party and family. These moments are often shared on social media.
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Frequently asked questions
A first look in wedding photography is when the couple sees each other for the first time after they've gotten ready and before the ceremony. It is usually a private moment shared between the couple, away from family and friends.
Doing a first look allows the couple to have a private moment together before the chaos of the day. It also helps ease nerves and jitters and creates a grounding force for each other. It also frees up more time in the schedule, allowing the couple to attend and enjoy cocktail hour with their guests.
Some couples might feel pressured to do a first look to get good pictures, but a good photographer will be able to capture beautiful portraits regardless of whether a first look is done or not. Another thing to consider is that if portraits are done before the ceremony, the couple won't be legally married in their portraits, and this might bother some people.
