Preparing for your big day should be enjoyable and hassle-free, and with a few helpful tips, your getting ready time can be just that. Think of it as the opening scene of a movie—you wouldn’t want to skip right to the ending, would you? Here are some common questions about getting ready photos, along with top tips from my experience on how to make the most of this special time on your wedding day.

What are getting ready photos?

Getting ready photos involve capturing the couple as they prepare for their big day, either together or separately. Many couples choose to get ready separately to preserve the surprise element, perhaps for a first look moment in a different location or as they walk down the aisle. As your wedding photographer, I’ll be there to capture everything—from popping champagne with friends to cherished moments like your mom helping you into your dress, as well as all the natural moments in between.

Typically, I’ll photograph one partner first, usually the one who needs to greet guests initially, before moving on to the other partner who will be walking down the aisle. Due to the tight schedule, many couples opt for a second shooter during this time. For instance, while I focus on capturing one partner, the second shooter can document the other, ensuring no special moment is missed.

How important are getting ready photos?

From a wedding photographer’s viewpoint, snapping getting ready photos isn’t just about adding more hours to the booking—it’s about making sure your wedding album tells the full story. Think of your wedding day like a movie, starting with the getting ready scenes and ending with the party. Just like a movie needs an introduction to set the mood and build excitement, these early moments lay the groundwork for your day’s narrative. Plus, it’s a chance for you and your loved ones to share quiet, intimate moments before the whirlwind begins. Amidst the busy day of greeting guests, getting ready is a precious time for calm and reflection.

How long should getting ready photos be?

I typically spend about an hour with each partner, ensuring we capture all the essential details like outfits, hair, and makeup. If one of you is faster or slower getting ready, we can adjust accordingly. Remember, a stress-free day means allowing ample time.

To maximize our time together, please ensure your bridesmaids have their hair and makeup done beforehand. Ideally, your makeup and hair should be nearly finished when I arrive, with final touches left for when I’m there to capture the moment.

While you may prefer privacy while getting dressed, waiting for my arrival allows us to plan what you’re comfortable with me photographing.

Professional makeup and hair usually take 2.5-3 hours, often running over schedule, so plan accordingly. If you need help with your timeline, you can check out an example timeline here.

Top tips on getting the best getting ready photos

Nominate a tidy team

Nominating family or friends to help keep things organised during your preparation. They can do simple tasks like picking up empty glasses and bottles or discarded hangers to keep the space tidy.

Prioritize natural light and space

To help capture gorgeous photos, natural light and space are essential. If you’re unsure which room to use for photos and as the designated mess-free zone, I’m happy to help you choose. Your tidy team can quickly declutter the room before I start taking pictures. Take Greta, for instance. She picked a room with big windows and with an artistic flair (matching her personality) at Gut Emkendorf, a popular wedding venue in Hamburg, Germany, flooding it with natural light. That decision gave her wedding photos a beautiful depth and a nice mix of shots, just like you can see in Greta & Shaahin’s wedding album.

Beauty in the chaos

Despite having friends around to keep things tidy in the morning, some of the mess may still be visible in the photos as I’ll be taking shots from various angles around the house. However, as a documentary photographer, I believe there’s a unique beauty in every moment, including the chaos.

Make sure there are plenty of space

The key consideration is ensuring your getting-ready location has ample space for everyone, including myself, to move around comfortably and capture every moment. If you have a group of five or more people, consider booking a suite or Airbnb with multiple rooms rather than a small hotel room. This allows everyone to move freely and ensures we have the space needed to create beautiful photographs.

How do you shoot a getting ready?

When I arrive at your getting ready location, I’ll greet everyone warmly, chat a bit without my camera, and make sure we’re all comfortable. Then, I’ll collect any accessories or details you want photographed, like jewelry, perfume, or invitations. After capturing these, I’ll take candid shots of you and your bridal party, maybe even a champagne toast. Next, we’ll focus on getting you dressed, including your gown and veil, aiming for natural, genuine moments. I’ll also take solo portraits of you as the bride or groom. Finally, I’ll accompany you to the ceremony. It’s really all about the laid-back vibes, the more stress-free you are, the better the pictures will be!

If you’d like to find out how it’s like work together and how I approach your wedding day as your wedding photography, please feel free to check our my experience page.

If you’re ready to start organizing your wedding in Hamburg and beyond, don’t hesitate to get in touch! I’m beyond excited to hear about your plans and thrilled to craft wedding photos that portray your unique story in an artistic and documentary, just as it was meant to be told. Reach out to me here.

Much love,

Jackie