How to Take Bridal Pictures
Bridal pictures offer the option of formally showcasing the bride without enduring the stress usually associated with the wedding day. By shooting several weeks, even months, before the wedding, the bride has a chance to relax and enjoy the attention. She can also chose a location that is more photogenic than her wedding location. Most brides display picture enlargements at their receptions and include them in any wedding announcements.
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Instructions
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Choose a location that complements the style of the bride and her dress. Get input from the bride, as you want her to be comfortable and confident. Note the season if shooting outside, and match to the anticipated weather of the wedding day. You want the photos to appear as if taken on the wedding day.
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2
Instruct the bride to bring a bouquet. It does not need to be real flowers as silk flowers photograph nicely, but it needs to be as close to the actual bouquet she will carry on the wedding day as possible.
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Start by shooting a full length shot. Have the bride stand at a slight angle if her dress has a train. Neatly fluff her dress, veil and spread out the train if necessary. Tell the bride to hold her bouquet with both hands at her waist or just below.
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4
Turn the bride and shoot a similar image, but from the back to showcase the back of the dress. The bride can look back over her shoulder or turn her profile to look into the distance. She can either hold the bouquet the same way or drop her arm to her side and point the bouquet to the ground.
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5
Zoom in on the bride's face, and shoot several angles. Some angles will be more flattering depending on the shape of her face. Experiment to find the best angle for your bride.
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Ask the bride to lean into her bouquet as if sniffing the flowers. This offers a contrast of the colors of her bouquet to her dress and veil.
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Catch a few candid shots of the bride smiling and enjoying herself. This helps her relax, have fun and could also capture her personality in addition to the formal shots you take.
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