Bridal Preparations – The Calm Before The Storm
When I’m asked to photograph the bridal preparations as well as the ceremony and reception, I know that their set of pictures will end up being a little more complete in the depiction of the day. Sometimes it’s possible to photograph both the Bride and Groom’s preparations, but if timings or logistics don’t allow for this, it’s usually the Bride who is photographed. It’s a chance for the Bride to get comfortable with a photographer around, as well as other members of the Bridal party, particularly the parents who may not be entirely at ease with documentary style photography. The last thing I want them to do is pose or show their awareness of the camera. So the first hour or so is usually very useful in my quest to become unobtrusive.
Once everyone is a bit more relaxed with a photographer in the room, I’m able to work at photographing those magic moments. By using the available light, being unobtrusive and watching the scene unfold, I’m able to capture beautiful, natural moments that would be impossible to recreate by posing and interfering. I won’t move and arrange items like dresses or shoes, but will look for those details within the wider scene.
These pictures are from a destination wedding in Bordeaux, France where both the Bride and Groom were preparing at the same venue, allowing me to photograph them both fully in their preparations.
