Should You Have a First Look?

If you’re planning out your wedding day timeline you might have been asked by your planner or photographer if you want to do a first look. If you’re on the fence or want to know the benefits of a first look than keep reading!

Still looking for a wedding photographer in the New England area? Let’s see if we’re a match!

First of all what is a first look?

It’s when the couple has a prearranged time to see each other before the ceremony. You’ll have a private moment to hug, talk, laugh, and kiss without any pressure. You’ll get to fully take each other in. And your photographers will be there to capture the whole thing for you to relive later!

As a photographer I love first looks and here’s why:

1. LIGHTING

If you’re getting married in the fall/winter with a later ceremony time it will be next to impossible to get light and bright outdoor photos after the ceremony. First looks also give you more time together! If you wait to see each other until the altar you’ll go right from the ceremony to photos to the reception with little time to talk or hang out with your guests.

2. LOGISTICS

Logistically it makes sense as I can get all of the important family and bridal party photos done before the ceremony. This way you and your family will actually be able to enjoy cocktail hour!

3. KEEP YOUR FAMILY FOCUSED

It’s much easier to keep people focused before the food and alcohol are served. If your guests are big drinkers it can be hard to corral people for photos once the alcohol and food come out. (You know which relative I’m talking about!)

4. SO FRESH AND SO CLEAN

Everyone's hair and makeup is fresher before the ceremony (especially in the summer)

5. ALL THE FEELINGS

It actually gives you 2 emotional moments together during the day. If either of you is very emotional the first look is when your photographer can really capture the facial expressions/tears. You could truly focus all of your attention on each other without an audience.

6. WORRIED ABOUT RUINING THE AISLE MOMENT?

In my experience it doesn't take away from the 'walking down the aisle' moment. When you round the corner with the music playing and catch that first glimpse of each other as you're about to commit to forever... everyone gets emotional! (Even me, I've cried at a stranger's wedding ;)

7. JUST CHILL

It can calm you down if you're nervous about walking down the aisle.

8. STRIKE A POSE

You’ll get more photos! With a first look we can do couples portraits before the ceremony as well as take a few more once you’re officially married!

Still don’t want to see each other before the ceremony?

Another option is a first look without seeing each other. If you look up 'blind first look' on Pinterest there's plenty of examples of a bride & groom holding hands around a door or standing back to back.

That would allow you to be together and talk before the ceremony (you could read letters to each other during this time too) but would save the big reveal for the aisle. If you have a videographer this will also give them great audio to overlay over your video.

All that being said, if either of you is still 100% against doing a first look that's your choice and your photographer should be happy to adjust the schedule to accommodate.

Are you getting married in the New England area and are looking for a light & bright wedding photographer?

Check out my wedding guide and let’s see if we’re a match!

How to Choose a Wedding Photographer

Choosing a wedding photographer is one of the most important decisions you can make for your wedding (other than who you marry) and it can be stressful and overwhelming.

The photography industry is not formally regulated and there are no degrees or licenses needed to operate a business. There's also no set standard on pricing so packages can vary widely between photographers.

Oh, and there are approximately 1 million photographers per square mile. How then should you chose?

1. First Identify Your Style

If you're not artistically inclined it might feel difficult to identify your photographic style. Try this exercise to determine your preferences.

Make a private Pinterest board and pin wedding images that you love. Go crazy and pin as many as you want.

Now go through them and try to identify some patterns. Are the photos light and bright? Dark and moody? Do they have a film quality to them or look like they belong in a fashion magazine?

Some of the basic photography styles are:

Traditional/Classic: Think your parents wedding photos with everyone posed and smiling at the camera. There’s nothing wrong with this style and most photographers will take some photos where everyone is looking at the camera, but if you want all of your photos to be posed and formal a traditional photographer will be your best choice.

Photo Journalistic/Documentary: The stealth ninjas among photographers and the opposite of traditional photographers. If you just want candid photos of your day this style is for you. Photojournalists don't direct any of the action. There's no posing, just documenting.

Fine Art: Involves dramatic artistic angles, creative lighting, and unique perspectives.

Lifestyle: My personal favorite! Lifestyle photography has an editorial feel to it. The subjects are usually posed but in a way that looks natural and often with movement. I love posing couples and then have them interact to draw out natural emotion.

2. Determine your Budget

As with most things in life, you get what you pay for. You can easily find someone to take your wedding photos for $500.

But… are you going to like them?

Generally speaking the price of the photography indicates the quality. Higher priced photographers usually have more experience, skill, and better equipment.

There are many different pricing structures that photographers offer and they should walk you through their packages and exactly what they entail.

Good photography is expensive and it’s a luxury service. But it’s also one of the few tangible things that will remain from your wedding day. You don’t want to spend a lot of money on a beautiful wedding and end up with photos you don’t love.

3. What Products Do You Want?

Some photographers only offer digital files. Some only offer printed products. Most offer a mix between the two.

While there is no wrong way to sell images to a client, make sure you are clear beforehand on what types of products your photographer sells.

Digital files are great to share on social media, but do you remember 3 1/2in floppy discs? What if all your images were on one, how would access them today? CD’s are almost obsolete, and even USB drives are being phased out!

Make sure you backup any digital files you receive on multiple devices. When you purchase a new device, be sure to transfer your photos!

Most photographers also offer heirloom quality print products. This is the best way to ensure your photos survive the generations.

4. Ask Friends for a Referral

If you loved the photographer from your cousin’s wedding ask for a referral!

Sometimes it’s easier to find a photographer through someone who has recently worked with one.

They’ll be able to tell you what it was like working with the photographer and if you love their photos they might be a good fit for you!

5. Do You Like and Trust Them?

In my opinion this is the most important thing to consider when looking for a photographer.

You’re going to pay this person a lot of money in the hopes that they will deliver beautiful images on one of your most important days.

You really need to like and trust this person to feel confident about your decision.

At the end of the day it doesn’t matter what lens they use or how many awards they’ve won.

Do they respond promptly to your communication?

Do they honestly and thoroughly answer your questions?

Do you like their personality enough to spend an entire day with them?

Will they love on your family and treat them with respect?
 

I hope this was helpful! If you have any questions about searching for a photographer or if you’re in the New England area and want a lifestyle wedding photographer I’d love to talk to you!