Before we became wedding photographers, we honestly didn’t know what a bridal portraits session is. Today we have to say that it is one of our favorites to photograph. Over the years, we have learned that we are not the only ones new to this beautiful tradition. Therefore, we decided to dedicate one blog post to provide you with information as well as inspiration.
Maybe you become as excited about it as we are, and you don’t miss out for your bridal portraits.
What is a bridal portraits session?
A bridal portraits session is a photography session where a bride gets photographed weeks before her wedding day. During this session, the photographer captures different poses and moments of the bride showcasing her wedding dress, makeup, and accessories. It is a great opportunity for the bride to feel comfortable in front of the camera and get some beautiful photos taken in a more relaxed setting before the wedding day rush.
Bridal portraits are not just a beautiful way to showcase the bride’s stunning gown and makeup, but they also capture the emotions, excitement, and love that surrounds the bride on the way to her special day.
We will go over five reasons why bridal portraits are a must-have and provide tips on how to take beautiful photos, choose the right location, and display and share your bridal photos.
Benefits of having bridal portraits taken
Bridal portraits are a must-have for a variety of reasons.
Firstly, a bridal portraits session provides a unique opportunity for the bride to showcase her beauty and personality. These photos allow the bride to fully embrace her bridal look in a relaxed atmosphere. This includes her dress, hair, and makeup, as well as any accessories she may be wearing. The result is a stunning collection of photos that capture the essence of the bride and her unique style.
This already shows the second advantage. You can use it as a great opportunity to decide if you are happy with your overall appearance and it leaves you with a chance to adjust, for example your hair or makeup.
Bridal portraits without time constraints of a wedding day are fun!
Another benefit of having bridal portraits is that these photos can be taken in a different venue or location that gives you a great addition to your actual wedding day photos.
You want to add some urban vibe photos to your southern style wedding? Perfect, go for it! We love to use the opportunity and create some artsy or fashion style photos, since lighting and location for a bridal portraits session are better to plan for.
Fourth, the photographs taken during a bridal portraits session can be used for wedding decorations, to prepare a special gift to your future husband or bridesmaids, or as a beautiful addition to your wedding albums.
Tip: You may even think about including some beautiful and aesthetic boudoir photos in a glamorous hotel suite, which makes for a special wedding-day gift for your spouse.
Last, but not least, things can go differently on your wedding day than you wished for. The weather might be worse, timelines could change, or you just want to prioritize other things over more photos on your wedding day. Your bridal portraits session makes sure that you have all the details already covered and you don’t have to worry about.
How to prepare for your bbridal portraits
Preparing for your bridal portraits is important to ensure that you get the best possible photographs. Firstly, it is important to choose the right time of day which complements the look you want to achieve. The golden hour, which is the hour before sunset, is the best time of day to capture beautiful natural light.
Harsh light or flash photos can be used to achieve a more editorial look. Make sure it fits the location you have in mind. No worries, we always help our brides with this task. Secondly, it is important to prepare your wardrobe. Make sure your dress and accessories are clean and wrinkle-free, and that your professional hair and makeup are scheduled for the right time.
Choosing the right location for your bridal photos
Choosing the right location for your bridal portraits can make all the difference in the final product. It is important to choose a location that reflects the style you are looking for. For example, if you love the outdoors, a garden or park would be a great location for your bridal portraits.
If you are a city girl, a downtown location with a cityscape in the background would be perfect. Or you might just want something different. Think of an elegant hotel room, an art gallery, museum, cocktail bar, or a parking garage might provide that different look you want to go for. There are so many options…
Tip: Always think out of the box and think of family and friends that might have access to some private estate or location, not accessible otherwise.
Ideas for unique and creative bridal portraits
There are many ways to make your bridal portraits unique and creative. One idea is to incorporate props into your photos. For example, you could use a vintage bicycle or car, a bouquet of flowers, favorite bottle of champagne or even a beloved pet to your photos.
Another idea is to incorporate your wedding theme into your photos. For example, if you are having a beach-themed wedding, you could take your photos at in a stunning beachfront Airbnb. Finally, let the photographer know your vision. We can use different angles and poses to make your photos that complement the style you want to achieve.
How to Display and Share Your Bridal Portraits
After your bridal portraits session, we encourage you to display and share your photos. One way to display your photos is to create a bridal portrait album. This album can be displayed in your home or given as a gift to family members at the wedding. Another way to display your photos is to create a canvas print or framed print. These prints can be included in the wedding decoration and hung in your home afterwards.
Ready for your bridal portraits session?
We hope you got inspired by our photos. Let us know if you are interested in a bridal portraits session with us. Some of our wedding packages already inlcude this great extra, but it can also be booked seperatly.
- Locations – Gibbes Museum / Hibernian Hall / Middleton Place / Downtown Charleston
- Props – The Pink Figgy / Juniper & Jasmin Designs
Are you ready for your session? Great, let’s get in touch and plan the details.
Looking for more some ideas for your Charleston engagement or wedding? Have a look at our guides with some helpful tips on the best Charleston Engagement Photo locations, our best Charleston wedding venue collection or just what you as a couple can do in and around Charleston.
Franzi Annika Photography | Charleston Wedding Photographers
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