As a photographer I love to shoot relaxed bridal portraits.
Of course I always include a few formal bridal poses, but mostly I want you to feel super comfortable both in your gown the camera. For most girls, the bridal session is the first time you are wearing your gown out in public (I’m not counting all the times you have gone to the salon for fittings), and I want to make sure everything goes great, and you get photos you and your mother will love.
I usually start with a few of the very stiff, traditional poses, both from the front and the back. These are the standard southern bridal portraits. We find a great location with amazing light, and a pleasant background, then pose you for a full-length shot straight on, where you are holding your bouquet, and your veil (if you have one) flows over your shoulders. I get these done first, because its a safe shot, every mom expects one, and you are probably a bit tense.
Then, we start to have fun – we will try some other poses, scenes, and ideas. I like to mix it up, and have some fun, and encourage you to bring props like cowboy boots. One time, the bride even brought yellow Rubbermaid gloves to wear – you know, the kind you use when you are washing dishes.
Since your wedding gown usually isn’t ready months before your wedding date, the bridal session is scheduled very close to the actual wedding. I require a minimum of 3 weeks before so I can get you a framed 11×16 portrait (included with every session) to display at your wedding. Generally I try to schedule sessions on a weekday afternoon – that’s when the locations are less crowded, but I’m always able to work with your schedule. The bridal sessions usually last about an hour, and you are welcome to bring your mom, or best friend. Immediately after the bridals, I get the files processed and scanned, and present the proofs to you in a super-secret password protected gallery. Because I’m working so quickly to get them processed, I don’t have time to photoshop them all. They are proofs. I ask you to pick your favorite shot, and then I’ll do the work on it and send it of for enlargement.
And when it’s all over, you will get all the bridal pictures on the disc of wedding photos that I give to you after your wedding. So if you want to see more samples, or sign up for a stand-alone bridal session, please contact me, and I’ll get right back to you with a rate sheet and even more details.
PS: This is a beautiful 2-piece Monique Lhuillier gown with a bow, and parasol.
