Welcome to my blog. On this page you will find articles I personally write about the photography industry and my work. You will also see blogs showing the photos from many of my photo sessions.
The first look is for many brides and grooms an integral part of the wedding day.
Before I go on, I have actually encountered couples who had never heard of the “first look.” So, here’s a brief explanation. A first look is when a bride and groom find a private spot and reveal themselves to each other after they are dressed and ready for the wedding. The moment usually is just between the bride and groom — and usually the photographer and videographer — but sometimes close family members or friends are nearby to watch. Who is there should be the decision of the bride and groom. I suggest others not make themselves present unless they are requested to be there.
While some still want to follow the old tradition of not seeing each other before the ceremony, the first look in my opinion is the way to go. Here’s four reasons why you should consider doing a first look.
So without further ado, here are my four reasons to have a first look:
The first look captures the bride and groom together as they look their best. The bride has just had her hair and makeup done and has gotten into her gown. The groom has just gotten dressed and spiffed up. It’s before the ceremony, the photos and anything else. They are looking the best at this moment than they will the rest of the day. A couple hours later, hair and makeup may be a little more faded due to time, humidity, the atmosphere, or whatever. Why not present yourself to each other at this moment.
The moment the groom sees his bride for the first time is once in a lifetime. He will never forget it, and neither will the bride. Consider whether this moment might be best shared privately, away from the spectators at the wedding. It is the only time the bride and groom really have a chance to share a private moment together for the entire day.
When the bride walks down the aisle, everyone is watching her. It’s a spectacular and grand moment, and also a very public one. It’s a far cry from the private moment a bride and groom share during a first look. Making the first look private allows the bride and groom to relax and express their feelings for each other without thinking about who is watching them. Sometimes, couples who have had first looks are more relaxed during the ceremony. Why? I think it could be that the pressure of seeing each other for the first time is over.
A wedding photographer really wants to capture emotion, and the emotion between a bride and groom at a first look is real and raw. It is much easier to photograph that emotion at the first look than it is during the ceremony. Your first look photos can capture feelings of excitement and love and can be among the most treasured photos of the day.
There you go — my four reasons why brides and grooms should do the first look.