Bridal Portraits
It is no secret that one of my favourite parts of the day to photograph is that moment when the bride is in her dress for the first time on the morning of her wedding and we have a few moments of quiet for some lovely bridal portraits. I normally find a nice bit of window light and ask my bride to just look out of the window. It is very simple. But makes for a stunningly beautiful window lit portrait. Window light is my favourite and taking portraits of my brides in this way is also my favourite.
Theatrical portraits
I really love the theatre and it has always been an influence in my wedding photography. I love the look of my subjects standing in a natural spotlight and window light can create this beautifully. Sometimes I might want to switch off all the lights in the room, and it may seem really dark, but with just a small shaft of light coming through the window, a beautiful natural spotlight for my bridal portraits is created.
This one below is of Sophie at Thoresby Hall
A moment of quiet
After the hustle and bustle of the morning preparations, taking a moment to just sit or stand in the stillness for a bit before getting ready to walk down the aisle can be a really calming thing to do. I normally suggest that everyone is ready about 20-30 minutes before needing to leave in order to have a bit of time for portraits. But sometimes even when we don’t have that time. Just taking 5 minutes for portraits is helpful. Not only to get those gorgeous window light bridal portraits. But to allow yourself a moment of calm before the wedding gets underway and everything goes 100 miles an hour! Take the time to have this moment. It is really a lovely thing to do.
The one below is Ellen at Hothorpe Hall and Woodlands
Don’t worry about the space
As an experienced wedding photographer, I have taken beautiful bridal portraits in the middle of a messy bedroom (chucking hangers and dress bags and slippers and dressing gowns across the room for a tiny bit of space) to grand hotels and even bell tents. The location is not important. The moment is what counts. There will always be somewhere for me to capture this portrait, whether it is on the stairs, outside in the garden, next to the kitchen window or in a bathroom. I have found the perfect light in all sorts of places.
The photo below is Millie at Willow Marsh Farm
I love a reflection
Reflections are so much fun. I love getting a reflection in my bridal portraits. Sometimes through a mirror on the wall. Sometimes a painting with a glass frame. Sometimes a puddle or even the window itself. If I see two of you I let out a little squeal of delight. It’s always fun to capture reflections in photography. Here is one from the last year.
Below – the gorgeous Billie at Swancar Farm
More of my bridal portraits from 2023
