I'm frequently asked... How do you take "good" getting ready pictures? There's no one answer, but rather 1,000 tips. When I'm telling a wedding story with photos, I'm thinking of a few things:
1. Capturing Meaningful Details (Close-ups of Hands, Jewelry, Makeup)
How It Works: These close-up compositions focus on small, intimate actions—like a hand brushing against a necklace, fastening buttons, or applying makeup. They highlight the preparation and thoughtfulness that go into a wedding day.
Why It’s Powerful: These details anchor the viewer in the moment. Instead of showing the big picture, they zoom in on meaningful parts of the story, inviting the viewer to notice and appreciate the smaller aspects of the day. For example:
The ring shot draws attention to commitment and love.
Makeup and earring adjustments convey elegance and care.
2. Using People to Frame Details - Small Details Express Big Stories
How It Works: In the shot of the hands fastening the back of the bride’s dress, the arms and lace naturally frame the intricate buttons, making them the center of attention.
Why It’s Powerful: People in the frame provide warmth and context, while their placement directs focus. This composition not only highlights the delicate details of the dress but also reminds the viewer of the care and love present in the moment. It feels personal and inviting.
This different approach than traditional portrait photography where cropping body parts is a big no-no.
3. Playing with Light and Shadow
How It Works: The natural light in these compositions creates soft highlights and shadows, enhancing texture and depth. For example:
In the lip gloss application shot, the bright background contrasts with the subject, isolating her profile and emphasizing the anticipation of the moment.
In the dress fastening image, the warm light accentuates the textures of the lace and hands, adding a sense of timeless beauty.
Why It’s Powerful: Light is a storyteller in itself. It sets the mood, creates focus, and draws attention to specific areas, helping the composition feel soft and romantic.
Try using big windows and lighting your subject from side. Even in a really small space like this hotel, you can create beautiful moments with nice side lighting.
4. Highlighting Emotion Through Subtle Gestures
How It Works: The compositions focus on quiet, natural moments—a hand softly holding a necklace, a smile during makeup application, or a gentle touch on the bride’s dress.
Why It’s Powerful: These moments are unscripted and authentic. They don’t scream emotion but whisper it, allowing viewers to feel the warmth, joy, and anticipation without it feeling forced or overly dramatic.
Yes, each moment was directed. Meaning I was helping with the bride and her grandmother where to stand, where to sit, etc. But these are all completely in the moment.
Key Takeaways From These Compositions:
1. Focus on the Story in the Details: By zooming in on smaller actions, the compositions bring out the beauty in otherwise insignificant moments.
2. Frame Your Subject With Purpose: The use of hands, lace, or soft surroundings naturally guides the viewer’s attention.
3. Leverage Light and Depth: Soft light and a shallow depth of field create intimacy and direct focus, enhancing the emotional resonance of each image.
Hope you love this small selection of getting ready pictures!
Camera:
Canon 5D MK IV
Lenses:
35mm 1.4L II
85mm 1.4L IS
100mm 2.8L Macro
Edited in Lightroom Classic using JY Presets.
Settings: 1/640, f/1.4, ISO 100 for most. 1/160, f/2.8 ISO 160 for some. Your settings will vary.
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