groom looking at his watch before his wedding ceremony

Top reasons to have groom prep shots

It’s pretty standard to see bridal prep shots all over social media. Less likely is to have photos from the grooms’s side. Often this is because he simply doesn’t want it and I’m not here to persuade anyone otherwise. Your day, your way. However, it can complete the story and add depth to your gallery – especially if you are going to have an album. From experience, a lot of grooms imagine it all being very awkward and don’t want photos of them ‘getting dressed.’ However, I tend to focus on the latter stages of the getting ready morning. Read on find my top reasons to have groom prep shots.

Familiarity with the photographer

It can make a huge difference to the day in terms of building a rapport. If you’ve read all the blurb on my site you will know that my relationship with a couple is an integral part of my work. The more time we’ve spent breaking the ice and being around each other, the better the photos will be. If I have spent time with the groom and his nearest and dearest, it sets a great tone for the day. The banter continues throughout and everyone is much more relaxed around me.

  • groom doing up his shoe laces
  • father doing son's tie up
  • close up of button hole
  • groom opening bottle of beer
  • grooms standing behind each other doing final touches doing up shirt collar
  • groom sharing an intimate moment with his mother smiling at each other
  • groom and his party chinking glasses
  • close up of two grooms doing up cufflinks
  • groom and best man putting on cufflinks
  • groom pulling a funny in face in the mirror wearing white dressing gown
  • natural shot of groom's party doing up ties

Telling a story

In my mind the grooms side is just as important in terms of telling a story of a wedding day. Once the grooms party is ready and drinks are cracked open, there’s a lot of fun natural candid shots to be had. Seeing these moments between great friends is a unique part of the day which won’t be repeated at any other point. There is camaraderie, playfulness, jokes and great banter. To capture that on camera really will add more depth to your final gallery.

Details shots

Detail shots aren’t just assigned to the bride and her gang. There’s a lot to shoot on the groom’s side. Not least the putting on of button holes! Oh yes, this always gets a laugh. No one really ever knows how they go on and you tube is often called upon. But this is why I can come in useful too – as you can imagine I’ve done a few in my time. So those final touches of the groom’s party – tying a tie or putting on a buttonhole again all add something to the final gallery. Feedback from brides or the other grooms is always unanimous. They are so happy they decided to have photos from a part of the day they just don’t see of each other.

My one big bit of advice for guys though: don’t put your mobile phone in your pocket! The outline of a mobile phone just does not look good in photos. Get your best man/woman to take it from you for the day.

For other wedding tips and advice see more blog posts here.