Top tips for wedding morning photos -

This is an exciting part of your day. All the anticipation lies ahead and if you’re not getting ready with your partner there will be even more anticipation! This makes the morning photos even more special. Those moments that for women include laughing with friends, buttoning up dresses, sipping champagne, and for men trying to work out button holes, doing up cufflinks and also enjoying a drink with their friends. Ideally you will be getting ready close by to each other so I can switch between the two but where this is impossible that’s when having a second shooter comes into its own.

There are a few things you can do to make your pics look great. Read on for my top tips for wedding morning photos.

Light in your space

This is something that will make a huge difference for your morning photos. Whilst it’s unlikely you will choose a dark dingy space (!) having good lighting is essential and a place with big windows and natural light will be your best friend. Not least for the face it will make it so much easier for your hair and make up people too. Position yourself near windows for the hair and make up and I will be able to capture some dreamy shots with gorgeously flattering skin tones.

close up of bride holding mirror having make up done

portrait of bride looking away from the camera poised with hand on chin

keeping it tidy – but real

In keeping with my documentary style of photography, I’m not going to go mad fussing about tidying up the space around you. That could just be a bit annoying and intrusive. But shifting a few items out of the main shots will make a bit of difference to the overall look of your gallery (ie Sainsburies bags, full rubbish bins etc).

bridal party in morning getting ready bedroom

bridal party getting ready in large bedroom

all in the details

In order to create the full story of your wedding I love to capture the details from the start of your day. It’s what I like to begin with when I arrive as it means I am not immediately directing the camera straight at you too. It helps to have the dress, shoes, jewellery, rings anything special you’re going to wear etc, in one place and without the labels in!

close up of two grooms doing up cufflinks

close up of mother doing up daughter's dress sleeve

timings

I hear time and and again from couples that the morning absolutely flies by. Especially from brides where more time is generally spent on hair and make up. I get that you might want to put your dress on last minute but my top tip is to have 45 minutes of being ‘ready’ before you have to leave. This grace period will mean as last minute mishaps, alterations won’t be utterly stressful. It also gives time for some gorgeous bridal portraits and shots with your bridal party. Trust me you will want this slice of time when it comes to it!