Why I Love “Getting Ready” Photos as a Documentary Wedding Photographer
As we’re figuring out their wedding timeline, I’ll often have couples ask me if they “really need getting ready photos.” Since the couples who typically hire me do so because they’re wanting true documentary photography for their wedding day (nothing forced, or staged, or faked for the camera), this, I think, is a fair question.
Mainstream wedding photography tells us that “getting ready” photos can only consist of overly-produced images that hold no real meaning to the couple. The bride and her bridesmaids having a pillow fight in matching pajamas. The bride’s mom smiling into the camera as she sloooowly zips up her daughter’s dress. And while there’s nothing necessarily wrong with a few cute posed photos (I’m always down if the bride or groom wants them!), couples hiring a documentary wedding photographer tend to dislike this exaggerated performance. In fact, these couples, the couples that I tend to work with, much prefer the idea of not having to acknowledge the camera at all.
So then what does this mean for the morning of the wedding day? What do “getting ready” photos look like if they aren’t staged to look like a sequence from a cheesy rom-com? In this blog, I will explain my process and philosophy for “getting ready” photos for couples who hire a documentary wedding photographer, and who therefore value intention, authenticity, and presence, and want these values reflected in their wedding photos.
Photos from Roselyn + Julian’s wedding at the Hotel Peter and Paul in New Orleans, Louisiana.
My Philosophy for “Getting Ready” Photos
As a documentary wedding photographer, I believe that it is my job to tell the full story of a couple’s wedding day. This means being there from the beginning to the end, because what is a story without the beginning? The morning of the wedding day is probably the most chaotic time of the day. There’s makeup everywhere, we’re all stepping on bobby pins, someone just spilled their coffee, Abba is on constant blast, the maid of honor is in the corner practicing her speech, and the air is thick with hairspray and anticipation. And despite what the algorithm likes to suggest, this chaos is not only beautiful but essential and worth capturing.
“Getting ready” time is full of little pockets of genuine authenticity. Everyone is in their rawest form, gorgeously human. Before all of the excitement that comes naturally with a wedding day, there is this. Life. Nervous anticipation and belly-laughter. Lipstick smudges on the backs of hands. Champagne spilled on the carpet. A side table already stacked with polaroids that your best friends have been taking all morning. This is the stuff that I want to capture. I don’t expect anyone to have to perform on their wedding day, especially not first-thing in the morning!
Picture this, everything that I described above is happening around you. Your best friend is doing your makeup. You see me in your periphery but you’re not really paying attention to me. You’re focused on the present moment. I am a fly buzzing around the room, angling myself around you and your friends to get the shots I see, but never interfering. Not invading the space or the moments happening in it, but becoming one with it. I’m flowing with the chaos around me. When it comes time for you to get in your dress, I don’t impose myself in the moment. I don’t ask you to repeat the moment so that I can get a different angle. When you think back on the morning of your wedding, you don’t remember me, or being forced into a variety of awkward poses. All you remember is the joy, the chaos, the love, and the anticipation—and your photos reflect that.
Photos from Emily + Mark’s wedding at The Maples Estate in Schoharie, New York.
3 Quick Tips to Help You Get the Most Out of Your “Getting Ready” Photos:
Get ready in a space with lots of natural lighting. If your venue’s bridal suite doesn’t fit your vision, consider renting an Airbnb or nice hotel room to use throughout the morning.
Make sure the space isn’t too cramped. If your space is too small, it will feel awkward and uncomfortable quickly. You will want this environment to feel relaxing, with room for you and your friends to spread out breathe!
Start early. If you’re debating between two times—pick the earlier time! This will ensure that you and your friends feel as calm as possible on this very important morning. We all know that one of the worst feelings in the world is feeling rushed! This will also ensure that the timeline doesn’t fall too far behind. More time = less stress.
Photos from Colleen + Ian’s wedding at the Tapestry House in Laporte, Colorado.
“Getting ready” time is essential for a documentary wedding photographer to be able to tell a couple’s full story. This part of the wedding gallery will be full to bursting with little moments that you may not have even noticed, but that you’re happy you get to see after the fact. It is my job as a documentary wedding photographer to intentionally capture the joyful chaos happening around me throughout your entire wedding day. “Getting ready” photos will make the wedding gallery look cohesive and comprehensive, and the ensure that the story of your day feels complete.
ABOUT BELLA GENOVESI
Bella Genovesi is a documentary wedding photographer specializing in film and digital mediums. She is based in Denver, CO, but she loves to travel and will gladly go anywhere for love! Her work combines the artistry of editorial and candid photography, so that every frame becomes a work of art, your wedding gallery a collection of moments that not only tell the story of your wedding day as a whole, but of your unique love story.
Interested in working together? Click the button below to inquire.