Introduction: The wedding day is a tapestry of moments, but some of the most intimate and emotionally resonant occur before the ceremony even begins. The ‘getting ready’ phase is a time of quiet reflection, joyful anticipation, and cherished interactions with loved ones. As a #[WeddingPhotographer], capturing these moments with artistry and sensitivity is paramount.
Main Content
Every wedding story has a beginning, and for the bride, it often starts with the careful preparations. This image, featuring a bride outdoors with her bouquet and umbrella, perfectly illustrates the serene beauty of this time. My approach is to document these moments discreetly, ensuring the resulting images are natural, emotive, and truly reflective of the atmosphere.
The Vision Behind the Shot
In this photograph, I focused on the bride, positioning her centrally to make her the clear subject. The beautiful off-the-shoulder white dress with its sweetheart neckline and delicate straps was a key element. I wanted to highlight the details – the dried flower bouquet, the silver heart pendant necklace, and even the water droplets on the clear umbrella, which add a touch of atmospheric realism. The backdrop of green foliage and the building with large windows provided context without distracting from the subject. The aim was to create a visually striking portrait that captures the essence of bridal elegance and calm anticipation.
Client Experience & Value
For my clients, the ‘getting ready’ photos are more than just pictures; they are tangible memories of the morning’s story. They capture the bond with bridesmaids and family, the excitement of stepping into the dress, and the transformation into a bride. My presence during this time is calm and unobtrusive, allowing you to relax and enjoy the moments. I ensure that the final collection of images from this phase is rich with emotion and detail, seamlessly integrating with the rest of your wedding day coverage to provide a complete narrative.
Technical Approach
This shot was taken in Autumn, utilising my Canon EOS 90D with the EF28-135mm lens. I chose an aperture of f/4.5 to achieve a shallow depth of field, ensuring the focus remained sharply on my subject while softly blurring the background. A shutter speed of 1/200s was sufficient to freeze any movement, and ISO 250 helped maintain image quality in the available light. The focal length of 28mm provided a suitable field of view for this environmental portrait. No flash was used, relying on natural light to maintain the authentic feel of the scene.
Featured Individuals
Special mention must go to Sophie Franklin (@sophhfranklin), who provided the wonderful hair and makeup for the bride.
Key Concepts
This image touches upon key wedding concepts including #getting-ready, the #wedding day, #hair-and-makeup, and capturing crucial #wedding-day details.
Summary & Booking
The ‘getting ready’ phase is an indispensable part of the wedding day story. It’s where anticipation meets excitement, and I believe it deserves to be captured with as much care and artistry as the ceremony itself. If you value authentic, emotive photography that tells the complete story of your wedding day, from the first moments of preparation to the final farewells, I would love to hear from you. Let’s connect and discuss how we can create timeless memories for you.
Visit my website to explore my portfolio and book your wedding photography consultation: https://garywallage.uk.