It has traditionally been the case that your wedding photographs are taken after the ceremony, but before the reception, and that they are fairly choreographed and static… this works well for a lot of people, but a new trend has surfaced: first look photoshoots.
First Look Photoshoots
A first look photoshoot involves a series of photographs that capture soon-to-be spouses unveiling their wedding “looks” to each other (and perhaps the wedding party) before the actual ceremony. This is one of the biggest trends in wedding photography right now. The idea is to capture more dynamic, candid photographs which embody the glee, joy, romance, and thrill of the big day. The resulting photos can really tell a lot about the couple, too: sassy or soppy, classic romance or best-bros in life and love… this is all about you and your partner. If you’re not so sure about what you want just yet, here are some pros and cons to help you decide
Reasons a first look photo shoot can be great:
- You’ll shave some time off the process of getting from your ceremony to your reception; traditionally the photos are taken after the ceremony, but first look shoots happen before the ceremony. This means that your long day gets a little shorter for your guest, and secondly, that you can make the most of the best daylight even if you’re having an afternoon or sunset wedding.
- These photos are less pressured and busy than those traditionally taken after the ceremony, and they will really show your personalities. Furthermore, however, this arrangement frees up your photographer to catch candid moments between you and your guests throughout the day.
- If you’re nervous (which most people are) a first look photoshoot can help with this; by allowing you to focus on yourself, your future spouse, and your close family and friends before you have to take the spotlight. Just remember, this is all about you.
Reasons to avoid a first look:
- If you’re a staunch traditionalist, a first look photoshoot may not be for you; it’s far from traditional and it does change the flow of the day in some very specific ways.
- Perhaps most importantly, it will change your entrance; if you subscribe to the romantic notion of seeing your partner well up when they first see your wedding day look a first look shoot is not for you.
- The fact that your partner, and possibly some of the wedding party, are in the loop before the rest of the guests, too, can change the mood in the ceremony; some people love the idea of everyone sharing the wonder and awe at the same time.
- If you want an extended number of people in your official wedding photos, a first look shoot may be inconvenient.
At the end of the day, however, it’s up to you. There are no hard and fast rules, Following your heart and instincts and everything else will fall into place.
