The getting ready part of the day is one of my favourites. It's where I get to meet your nearest and dearest, settle into the day, and start capturing the real connections between you, your family and friends before everything kicks off.
Not everyone wants coverage at this point and that's absolutely fine — but if you do, it's worth knowing that if there are two of us on the day, we can split up and cover both of you getting ready at different locations so nothing gets missed.
It’s all about the real connections between you, your family and friends.
Let the day flow, naturally
My first tip is to not get too caught up in what needs photographing. I'm there to capture the story of your day — let me do my thing, blend in and be part of the hustle and bustle.
Documentary wedding photography is at its best when nothing is posed or pre-empted. The real moments are always the best ones, and getting ready is full of them.
Getting ready together, apart, 20 minutes down the road from each other — I've seen it all and there's no right or wrong. However your morning looks, it's yours.
The only practical thing worth knowing: if you're at separate locations and want both of you covered, that's where a second photographer earns their place.
Allow time for details
If there are things you want me to focus on — your outfit, flowers, jewellery, anything that matters to you — the getting ready part of the day is the best time for it. Just mention it beforehand so we can make sure there's time.
Personally, real moments are always what I'm drawn to. But details can be beautiful too, and if they're important to you then they're important to me.
Either way, allow at least an hour and a half before you need to leave for the ceremony — that's what gives us the time and space to do everything properly.
I am there to capture who you are, and I'm coming after your inner goof!
It's also a great idea to let your party know, well in advance, they are going to be photographed. It's ok if they are nervous, just let them know that I get that completely and that they are free to tell me to not photograph them close up until they are comfortable. It's all good!
I'm gonna just say it — I'm not really about photographing you stark nekkid. So just before you put your outfit on, I'll leave the room when it's right for you. Then I'll pop back in for the last little details if that's something you want captured!
One of the most popular shots right now is the first look — that moment when the person giving you away sees you for the first time in your outfit.
This might shock you, but most of the time I stage the scene for this. I control (within reason) where and when it happens. Sure, that isn't documentary at all — but as long as you're clued up on why, whatever happens within that scene is fair game.
Think of it like an ad lib film. I've set the best possible light and background, and all you have to do is walk in with an open heart. I don't stage the reactions. I don't tell you what to say. And I don't insist this happens at all.
Zero judgement if it's not for you — I do not NEED to do this. But if it matters to you, I hope my approach works.
Share this story
