Choosing A Getting Ready Space on Your Wedding Day

One of my favorite things to do is to educate my clients.  I’ll do this every chance I get to help them understand the many aspects that go into producing a beautiful photo. In prepping for a wedding, that means sharing tips for choosing a getting ready space.

Recently during a family session, one of the young boys asked me, “What is the most important element in photography? Is it the subject? The location? Is it the equipment?” My answer: “While all these elements must be present for an image, the number one priority to creating a great image is GREAT LIGHT! (FUN FACT: The word “photography” literally means “drawing with light”. The word originates back to the 1800s and comes from the Greek words phos, meaning “light”, and graphê, meaning “drawing or writing”.)

This is so important when it comes to choosing a getting ready space on your wedding day.

So how do we apply this concept to your getting ready photos?

The easiest way to illustrate an example of good room light is to picture a hotel room. The large window at the end of the room acts as a natural diffuser for the light coming through it, creating beautiful highlights and shadows on the subject standing next to it. The result is a breathtaking image full of depth and contrast. What does this mean for you? As a bride or groom, remember this light concept when choosing where you will get ready for your big day and choose a space with windows!! It’s such a wonderful time of excitement and anticipation as you ready to marry the love of your life!

Let’s look at some examples. What do you see in common in the images below (other than the fact they depict some beautiful poignant life moments!)? You can’t see it in all of images, but all the brides (and let’s not forget the grooms!) are next to or standing in front of a window. (TIP: Window light can also serve as a backdrop that allows us to create beautiful silhouette images!) (Oh, window light, how I adore you!!).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

To help you select your getting ready room, consider these tips:

• If possible, choose a room facing North (if you live in the Northern Hemisphere) for your getting ready space so that the light will be very soft and flattering.
• When you can, pick a large room for your bridal preparation. This will allow for everyone to be comfortable and also allow for shooting your getting ready images at varying angles to add variety to your gallery.
• Prior to the your photography start time, clear the preparation room from non-wedding related items, so that there will be a cleared space to photograph this exciting time of your day with minimal “things” in the back ground.  And don’t worry, I’ll help (and likely move all the furniture around in the room!)
• If finances allow, choose a suite or two connected rooms, so everyone’s “stuff” can stay in one room where everyone can get ready and dress, and we can then move over to the “clean” room to photograph your details and your bridal portraits.
• A non-photography tip: Make sure your room has sufficient outlets for phone charging, curling irons and other electronic equipment!

Once you’ve considered these factors, you’ll be able to narrow down your options and choose the perfect getting ready space for your wedding! And as you go about your day today, try and find and discern the light that is all around you! As in photography and life…stay in the light! 

Have questions about your getting ready space? Let’s chat! I’d love to help you choose a getting ready space for your wedding day.

Thanks for reading, friends!

~Pam