We want to share a few trends, inspiration, ideas and tips to make your pre-wedding portrait sessions fun, memorable, and most importantly YOU! Before the digital age of wedding photography and most every household had at least one camera, the world of photography was a lot different. In 1826, the first photograph was produced. We have come a long way from that day. Producing only one image was a very costly and a time-consuming process. Now, in the digital age, we can produce hundreds of images quickly. With the help of a great wedding photographer, you can also have a those images produced beautifully.

Timing – if you are drawn to those dreamy golden natural light portraits, you will need to schedule your session around that time of day with your photographer. There is a time of day we photographers call the “golden hour“.  Its a magic time of day when the sun is closer to the horizon and the hues are warm and soft. The light is more diffused and the shadows are longer. This time of day is a great for those romantic shots you are yearning for.

image courtesy of Tara Swain

Wardrobe & Theme – we are seeing a lot more thought go into the “theme” and outfits with portrait sessions. The internet is your friend if you want to see what different outfits will look like paired together. Knit fabrics are the best to keep the wrinkles in your clothing from showing. Steer clear of lighter colors on areas that are not your best asset. The lightest part of the image is where your eye is naturally drawn to. We say coordinate, but not match. You can even create your own style boards on some clothing websites. Bring everything together with accessories! As for a theme, we say keep it unique to you. If you enjoy reading books, bring along some books. If you have a HUGE love for animals and your pets are your fur babies, bring them along. If you are thrill seekers and search high and low for carnivals and theme parks, ask your photographer if you can have your session at one of those places. Imagine three words to describe your style, your relationship and your personalities … combine these words to create a perfect session (with help from your photographer of course).

image courtesy of Arden Prucha

Professional Hair and Makeup – Yes. Do it … Set the curling irons and makeup down, a great makeup artist can make you look and feel amazing and your confidence will translate beautifully in the images. These are not your everyday pictures and you will be wanting to hang them in your home and give them to family, so splurge on this item.

Lastly, just have fun … you are spending time with your best friend and soul mate. You will cherish these images for years to come!