Here are a few tips to help you prepare for your bridal portraits:
7 Tips for Preparing for Bridal Portraits
1) Choose the Right Professional Photographer
Bridal portraits are something you will cherish for the rest of your life. You do not want to leave them to chance with a photographer you do not trust. That means doing some research and asking and for the right person.
- Ask other recent brides for recommendations.
- Put your social media networks to work.
- Search Instagram for images you love.
- Find someone local.
- Make sure you choose someone who will be pleasant to work with.
When you have narrowed your search, you do not want to hesitate to schedule your bridal session. Good photographers will likely be booked several months out. Scheduling your bridal portraits should be one of your first wedding planning priorities.
2) Scout Some Beautiful Locations
Your wedding photographer may have something in mind for your portraits, but it would be fun for you and your friends or partner to scout some locations. Wilkesboro and North Wilkesboro have beautiful, charming downtowns. We are just a short drive from stunning views along the Blue Ridge Parkway like those found around Doughton Park. We are also not too far from Stone Mountain. Some areas are going to be crowded on the weekends, so schedule your bridal portraits on a weekday if possible.
3) Schedule the Session for Golden Hour
Scheduling a time for your bridal portraits is not about choosing something convenient. This is one of the most important things you will do before your wedding ceremony. You need to plan your whole day around golden hour - the magical part of the day just before sunset when the light is perfect. Whatever you do, make sure you give yourself and your photographer plenty of time to get those hour shots.
4) Remember Your Accessories
If there was any question about what to bring, if you think you might need it, bring it. This includes:
- Flowers and your bouquet
- The shoes you plan to wear for the ceremony
- Your veil and any other dress accessories
- Earrings and other jewelry
- Anything special to you and your partner
It is better to bring it and not use it than regret not having something special after the session.
5) Get Your Hair and Make-up Done
Your bridal portraits session may happen before your big day, but you want to get your hair and make-up done as if it is as special as the ceremony. Your photographer and stylist may have thoughts on whether to do your hair and make-up as you will have off for your ceremony or to do something unique for the bridal portraits.
6) Do Not Worry About Your Dress
It is natural to wonder whether spending the day outside in your dress could new it up, but your dress is going to do well and look beautiful in these photographs. Schedule a friend to come along and help you with the train; otherwise, enjoy the day in the dress to which you said yes.
7) Plan to Have an Amazing Day
This will be a wonderful day. It is a chance to wear your dress, spend time with your friends, and reflect on the special day to come. Your bridal portraits day is one to circle on the calendar as something you anticipate and will treasure. It is not a task to check off your busy planning checklist.
You want this day to be special and memorable. You want to choose a bridal photographer who understands the value of choosing this session. I do not have to tell you how much the right photographer can make a difference in every post of your bridal portrait experience. If you are searching for a bridal portrait photographer in and around Wilkes County and the foothills of North Carolina, I would love to meet you. Contact Times Treasured Studios for more information about wedding photography. I will ask questions to get to know you, learn what you value in wedding photography, and help you plan your bridal portraits.