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In the last post in this mini-series we talked about the wedding photography timeline. That dovetails nicely into today’s topic – the getting ready photos. “Getting ready” consists of any of the preparation time that happens before the ceremony: makeup, hair, getting the dress on, hanging out with the bridal party, practicing vows, pacing around the room, etc… On occasion I will get a bride and groom who might not be so keen on having photos taken during this portion of the day. I always, always, always advise them to let us cover it. Here’s why.
The Story With No Beginning
Have you ever picked up a book and started reading it from the middle? Have you ever read a story that just didn’t bother to have a beginning? There’s something strange about a story that doesn’t have the beginning/middle/end structure to it. Your wedding story is no different. If your wedding photos start when the door opens for the bride to walk down the aisle, there’s no build up to the climax, no pretext for the main plot. A good story has elements that build, dynamics that move you, and a complete context to holistically convey an emotion. Getting ready photos are critical to your wedding photography collection if you want to have a complete story. Let us be there.
The Warm-Up
Let’s face it. Most people who get married are not professional models. That’s not to say that they lack in the looks department, but rather they’re not quite used to being photographed so intensely, so incessantly, and so closely. Having photos during the getting ready portion of the day lets you shake out the nerves and butterflies that might be associated with this semi-foreign experience. It’s better to get a feel for it so you’re not thinking about it while the officiant is actually marrying you.
No Regrets
Still not convinced? I’ll make a deal with you – if you really still don’t want the getting ready photos for whatever reason, let us come anyway. The deal part is that if you don’t want to look at the photos, then you don’t have to. I can almost promise you that when some more years pass you by, you’ll be glad you have those photos and you will eventually want to look at them and relive your day from start to finish. If you lock us out of the room that morning and there’s no record of that part of the day, there’s no recourse. It’s a one time thing. We don’t charge extra for it, so let’s do it.
We Make It Happen
We feel pretty strongly about this (if you haven’t picked up on that yet). That’s why all of our packages include at least 8 hours of coverage. That lets anyone, no matter what package they choose, have some time to allot to this portion of the day.
Do it. You’ll be glad you did.
Series Information
Next we’ll be talking about the same day slideshow. What is it and why should you have it?
If you missed the intro to this series, you can catch it right here – How To Choose Your Rhode Island Wedding Photographer Series Introduction.
