Famed designer Charles Eames said it best, “The details are not the details. They make the design.” That’s basically how we approach bridal detail shots. They help tell the story of the wedding day, and, as wedding photographers, our goal is to document our couples’ love, as well as the entire story of their day. And even though we definitely like to go the non-traditional route by using a prism or going off location to where our couple is getting ready, whether it’s a hair salon, barber shop, or their own home, we won’t miss the more traditional bridal detail shots.
All those details that are important to your brides need to be included in the images delivered to the couple. So, when you are preparing for your first, or next, wedding, make sure you have these “5 Bridal Detail Shots” included on the wedding day shot list.
(Rewind: 3 Ideas to Inspire Creative Getting Ready Shots)
BOUQUET
Before the bouquet gets tossed, get some images! Think about it: while the flowers won’t last forever, and won’t look nearly as excellent if dried/preserved, some great images of the bouquet will for sure! You’ll want to get some shots of the bouquet in unique positions, incorporating the location of the wedding/venue. And be sure to get a few shots with your brides holding them as well.
Hair/Makeup
One of our favorite parts of the wedding day is hanging with our brides as they prep for their day. We definitely recommend showing up to the hair salon if that’s where your brides are getting their hair done. We also think it rocks to get some shots of the makeup artist applying makeup on the brides, maids of honor, bridesmaids, etc. These will definitely be really rad, memorable images, and will help the couple remember the stylists who were integral in the preparation of their wedding day. And the couple dropped some cash on hair and makeup, so get it documented!
Rings/Jewelry/Mementos
We love to incorporate the venue/getting-ready location into the ring shots, and these are great opportunities to get creative, especially as ring shots are very common. Also, don’t forget the rest of the jewelry: earrings, bracelets, or that sentimental locket/necklace! Including the entirety of the brides’ accessories is a must to capture the entirety of your brides’ wedding day look.
(Related: 8 Must-Capture Wedding Detail Shots)
Dress
Photographing the dress is a common practice, but this is another great opportunity to connect the details of the story, and we recommend making use of the location. Remember, connecting the details to the venue will make the wedding day story come alive, so use the surroundings. And, it’s a good idea to incorporate a unique hanger–maybe even something vintage that you or your couple scored at a thrift shop or from a relative (i.e., raid your great aunt’s closet).
Shoes
They say “the shoes make the man.” Okay. We get that. And we agree. But if you agree with that then you’ll surely agree that shoes are (other than the dress) what people will notice most about brides on their wedding day. The shoes are an extension of your brides’ personalities, whether they went for a more traditional heel or a nontraditional pair of sneakers. Whatever the flavor, you certainly want to capture some images of the shoes.
Conclusion
There’s a lot involved/going on with brides on their wedding day: getting hair done, having makeup applied, and dialing in all the other wedding day details. A bit of planning ahead, and including detail shots, will not only help to de-stress the wedding day but also add a bit of fun into the overall getting ready experience! Make certain your clients enjoy every moment, and include each of the above-mentioned “5 Bridal Detail Shots” so that you don’t miss a moment of the story.
If you’re looking for some specific getting ready shot instruction, or wedding day photography instruction in general, SLR Lounge has got you covered! You can start your wedding photography journey here, with instruction on wedding photography communication and planning. And SLR Lounge just released ‘Photographing the Groom,” which you can access here. And remember, Premium Members get access to the entire workshop, along with hundreds of tutorials and hours upon hours of educational content; check out “6 Reasons to Join SLR Lounge Premium” and sign up today, friends. You won’t regret it!
What are your favorite bridal detail shots? Share an image below! Leave a comment below! And, as always, feel free to continue the conversation (by sharing your images and/or thoughts) over at Facebook, on our every-growing SLR Lounge Photography Community page.
