Atlanta Wedding Photographer

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9 easy ways to improve your “getting ready” wedding photos

Andrea de Anda Photography

Getting great photos on your wedding day usually has a lot to do with planning. Here are a few quick tips for getting the absolute best getting ready shots possible:

  1. Clean up the clutter. If you're getting ready in a hotel room, use the drawers and closets and keep clutter out of the way. If you don't have a space to put everything, pick a dedicated corner that's as far from the main action as possible. This keeps the photos of getting ready and putting on your dress clean and simple.

  2. Seek out gorgeous window light. Window light always makes for beautiful, soft lighting that makes you look awesome.

  3. Leave extra time for hair and makeup. Hair and makeup set the tone for staying on schedule throughout the day, so be sure to leave some buffer time in the timeline so that you can take your time and avoid stress.

  4. Have your details ready to go. Put your most important details in your shoebox or another pretty box so they're ready for photos. Starting with the dress, shoes, invitations (include two sets so I can photograph the front and back in one photo), perfume, your something borrowed/blue, and any other sentimental details.

  5. Make sure your florist delivers flowers during this time. This is the time to pin the boutonniere on the Groom and Groomsmen and Bride and Bridesmaids will want to have the bouquets for Bridal portraits. 

  6. Have everyone else get dressed before you. It's always nice when the people helping you get dressed are already dressed and looking polished while they help you with your dress.

  7. Save your earrings, jewelry, and shoes for last. I always like to get a photo of the bride putting on these finishing touches after she's in her dress.

  8. Don't worry about whether you're doing it right. I'll give you light direction on where to stand and how to hold your dress while you're getting into it.

  9. Don't forget to text your room number. If you're getting ready in a hotel, I'll likely remind you to text me your room number the day before (or the morning of if you won't have it until that day).