Your personal Photographer’s Guide for the Bride-to-be

Being a bride is a little bit like being a starlet for a day: There will be hair and makeup, a beautiful dress, and paparazzi (me, the wedding photographer) that will follow you everywhere you go.

Being photographed all day long, can be a little overwhelming if not intimidating for those, that think they are not photogenic in front of a camera or even do not like a photo been taken.

But getting amazing wedding pictures is not difficult. There are plenty of tiny tricks for making sure you look your absolute best in each and every shot.

 

When You think about Makeup, keep it simple

You don’t want to look too different on your wedding day. The best bridal makeup is about being the most beautiful version of yourself.

In other words, if you generally go light with your foundation and lipstick, this is probably not the day to experiment with  different styles.

You want to look at your photos later on and see yourself, as you really are, so my advise to my brides is to stick with neutral shades designed to enhance their natural features.

Of course, if your general makeup style or the culturally preferred style for your wedding is strong makeup, then please stick to it too. I personally do not have a preference either way. I really love simply understated makeup as well as bold and wild colours and ideas.

And yes, of course you don’t have to play it too safe. A wedding is also a perfect time to try out something different for an ultra-feminine look, such as a bold red lip or ultra-expressive eyes.

Pre-wedding I would recommend bringing your skin into shape with a combination of masks and moisturizers, plenty of sleep, healthy food and exercise.

 

 

Get to know the fine details

Once your makeup is complete, set it with a fine powder, which will not only seal it in place, but also prevent a shine in the wedding photos.

Bring a fine lip liner and keep it with you all day to give your lips the contour, they need for the photos.

If you’re wearing your hair up, make sure you put foundation on ears and neck. This is so that your face doesn’t appear to be a different color than the rest of your body.

It might not be noticeable in lowlight, but once the photographer uses flashlights, such little details really matter.

Find a photographer that you trust and with whom there is chemistry

Speaking of picture-perfect images, it’s essential that you get to know your photographer before the big day.

If they are a stranger, you’ll end up with weird shots. It’s very important that bride and groom are comfortable, is my opinion, thats why I like to meet with the couple beforehand to learn as much about them as possible.

If you plan a destination wedding, a FaceTime chat works too.

I my all-day wedding reportages I include a pre-wedding shoot, that takes place anytime between booking and wedding date. This photo session I have designed to spend some time together, to get to know each other, to speak openly about any thoughts you might have directly with your photographer, and to work together as photographer and “models”.

When you then meet again on the wedding day its like: “Oh Hi, how are you? Nice to see you again.”

The much loved (by my brides and myself!) getting-ready shots exist for a reason: These moments are really personal and emotional. Letting your photographer in on them will set the tone for the rest of the photos. It leads to better pictures later on. Trust me!

Master a go-to pose

When it comes time for the posed shots: Practice a little before the big night and let it become a habit to have a good posture, rehearse with your loved one to take a few snaps of each other beforehand.

As an experienced wedding and portrait photographer I direct you into the right pose that suits you and makes you look your very best.

But please never forget:

The best images of the day are often the candid shots. The pictures where you are looking authentically like you.

When bride and groom are ignoring me and simply enjoying their day, I get the best shots.

That means that sometimes pretending your photographer isn’t there and just enjoying the moment may be the best strategy.

Those who have had a pre-wedding shooting with me, know that already.

Find a wedding location that you love

Do look at a few locations that could be good for you. Once you find the perfect one it hits a spot and you instantly know, this is the one. (As it is with the dress as you might know already.)

When you feel relaxed and happy at your chosen location and in good hands and taken care of by the service team, then you and the guests radiate happiness and fun.

If you still are looking for places that I may help you with, why don´t you browse through my personal favourite locations in the Rheingau area where I live. It is partly written in German. 🙂

 

Secret beauty tips

My fool proof and loved (I am her biggest fan) go to cosmetics to prepare the face pre-wedding (also in my own case) I personally find in Charlotte Tilbury´s amazing cosmetic line, led by the “Goddess Skin Clay Mask” and the legendary “Magic Cream”. I promise you wont regret the invest. I also like MAC Cosmetics and some Dolce Gabanna and Dose of Colours Lipsticks as I prefer the nude shades with matte and long lasting looks they offer.

Here again I cannot stress enough, if you use a certain lipstick or brand, then stick to it, as it will make you feel more yourself in your skin.

That is what we all want to achieve: Be yourself, enjoy your wedding day, shine from within and be the most beautiful version of yourself. I will make sure to capture your day beautifully.

I hope my insider photographer´s guide with useful tips to look good in your wedding photos, gives you a lot of inspiration and motivation.

Lets create some magic on your wedding day!