Bridal Portraits and Wedding Photography Tips
Your wedding day is one of the most special days of your life, a really special day full of love, laughter and memories to treasure. As a wedding photographer, my job is to capture those moments in a way that tells your unique story and personality. From bridal portraits to couple shots, every detail matters in creating wedding photos you’ll love forever, so each image reflects the emotion and beauty of your special day.
I specialise in finding quirky moments that show your personality.
What Are Bridal Portrait Sessions?
A bridal session is a way to focus on the bride before the big day. This separate portrait session allows you to feel comfortable in front of the camera and show off your wedding dress, veil, bouquet and makeup, so you feel confident and self-assured as you see your bridal look come together. Whether in a photo studio or at your chosen venue, bridal portraits give you a relaxed space to create amazing images without the time constraints of your wedding day. It’s also a great opportunity to try your hair and makeup and make sure everything looks perfect on camera.
It’s an addition to your wedding, but it does suit brides who want to have extra time with a photographer and get that perfect shot.
What do you capture with photographs on your wedding day?
On your wedding day every moment can be a great picture. Here are some photography ideas I love to use:
Morning Prep: Start with shots of the bride getting ready in the bridal suite. This can be a great way to get classic pictures and also more unexpected pictures. I like to include friends and family that may be in the room too, especially during the moments of putting on the wedding dress or accessories.
Couple Portraits: Obviously, you will want to get some romantic bride and groom shots. I try to get a mixture of posed and relaxed moments. These relaxed moments allow for real emotions to shine through. It’s so much fun to get a picture where the bride and groom have their real personalities on show.
Close Ups: From the bouquet to the wedding attire, capturing close ups of these elements adds depth and personality to the wedding album.
Candid Moments: Some of the most treasured photos are the unplanned moments – laughter between guests or a stolen glance between partners.
Favourite Parts: One of my favourite parts of the wedding day to photograph is the fun, personality-rich group shots of the bridal party and groomsmen. These moments are always full of energy and genuine smiles.
What would you do a pre-wedding shoot?
Engagement photos or pre-wedding shoots are a great way to get to know your photographer and calm those pre-wedding nerves. These sessions help couples feel comfortable in front of the camera and give fun opportunities to try out poses and ideas. It’s the perfect time to experiment with each pose, trying out different ways to position yourselves for natural and memorable photos.
What are the best ways to get bridal pictures?
Beautiful bridal portraits is more than just posing, it’s about capturing authenticity and personality. Every aspect of the bride should be beautifully captured, so memories are preserved for years to come. Here are some tips:
Natural Light: Whether it’s golden hour or soft window light, natural light enhances every detail – from the bride’s dress to her makeup.
Experiment with Lights: Try different lighting techniques and equipment to enhance the mood and clarity of bridal portraits, especially in tricky or low-light conditions.
Scout Locations: Find secret spots at your venue to use as portrait backdrops, and think about how the setting will affect the lighting and overall feel of the shoot.
Close Ups: Take close-up shots to show off the details of the wedding attire, accessories and personal touches.
Photograph the Dress: Make sure to photograph the wedding dress and bridal portraits with attention to lighting and composition to get great images.
Style Choices: Choose a style for the shoot – such as vintage, editorial or high-fashion – to influence the mood, theme and presentation of the bridal portraits.
Stand Out Elements: Use creative poses or unique elements to make certain parts of the portraits stand out and add artistic interest.
Movement: Shots of the bride adjusting her veil or walking can add movement to your photos. Pay attention to the dress the bride will wear, as it’s usually worn only once, and show it off in a way that highlights its beauty and significance.
Relaxed Poses: Simple directions and light chat helps brides feel at ease and get real expressions.
Lighting Techniques
Lighting is one of the most important elements in wedding photography, especially when it comes to bridal portraits. The right light can turn a simple moment into a magical memory, highlighting every detail of the wedding dress, bouquet and the bride’s natural beauty. As a wedding photographer, understanding how to use different types of light—whether it’s soft window light during a bridal session or the golden hour at the wedding reception—can make all the difference in getting the best wedding photos.
How can I make sure the lighting is right for my wedding photographs?
Natural light is a photographer’s best friend. Window light for example creates soft, flattering shadows perfect for elegant studio portraits or intimate bridal portrait ideas. Shooting during the golden hour—just after sunrise or before sunset—bathes the bride and groom in a warm, romantic glow, making every photo shoot feel extra special. If you’re doing a bridal session, consider scheduling it during these times to get beautiful bridal portraits with a dreamy, ethereal quality. The blue hour, which is just after sunset, offers a cooler, more dramatic light that can add a sense of mystery and sophistication to your wedding photos.
Of course not every wedding day has perfect daylight. That’s where artificial light comes in. Tools like softboxes, umbrellas and reflectors help photographers create soft light, reduce harsh shadows and bring out the best in every detail—from the intricate lace of the wedding dress to the sparkle of the bride’s hair accessories. Using these tools a photographer can ensure every portrait, whether taken in the middle of the day or late in the evening, looks polished and professional.
Direct sunlight can be both a challenge and an opportunity. While it can create strong contrasts, a skilled photographer knows how to use it creatively—perhaps by positioning the bride so the sun acts as a natural spotlight, or by using a veil to diffuse the light for a softer effect. Digital cameras today offer incredible flexibility, allowing photographers to adjust settings on the fly and capture every moment, from the morning preparations to the last dance at the wedding reception.In the end, mastering lighting techniques is the key to making every bride and groom feel confident and look stunning in their wedding photos.
Whether you’re after classic studio portraits, candid shots at the ceremony or creative bridal portrait ideas at your favourite venue, the right light will help you get images that capture the magic, romance and elegance of your day. So when planning your wedding photography don’t forget to think about the light—it’s the secret ingredient to unforgettable memories and beautiful bridal portraits.
Wedding Photography Schedule
To make the most of portrait time on your wedding day plan ahead! Sneak out during golden hour for couple portraits or schedule breaks during the reception so you can get all those magic moments without feeling rushed. A good photographer will work with you to create a timeline that fits seamlessly into your day.
Why Simon John Photographer?
I love telling stories through photography and I specialise in creating images that show the joy and beauty of your wedding day. Whether it’s bridal portraits, couple shots or candid moments with guests, I’ll make you feel comfortable and relaxed throughout every session. We’ll create an album full of images that will be treasured for years to come.
Let’s Capture Your Day!
Your wedding is a celebration of love, fashion and personality – a special time to be preserved forever. Capturing memories at weddings is essential to ensure every moment is remembered. Looking for inspiration or ideas for bridal portraits or wedding photography? Let’s chat! Whether you’re having an intimate ceremony or big reception, I’ll make sure every detail is photographed beautifully, including the wedding cake as a focal point of the reception.
Ready to get started? Get in touch today for more information on sessions tailored to your vision!
