How Do I Prepare for my Bridal Photoshoot? | Boston Bridal Photography

How do you get ready for your bridal session with Ryan Richardson Photography?

While it’s nowhere near as high stakes as a wedding, it can feel like a lot of pressure ahead of your Boston bridal session. After all, you want to look your best and capture those moments forever. However, with a little bit of preparation, you can ensure that your bridal session goes smoothly and that you end up with beautiful and timeless photos.

Here are some tips to help you prepare for your bridal session:

Schedule hair and makeup: 

Professional hair and makeup can make a big difference in your photos. Schedule a trial run in advance to ensure that you're happy with the look, and book your stylist for the day of your session as well. This can be the same look you intend for your wedding day or something dramatic and different since you won’t have to worry how it’s going to hold up after a few hours of intensive partying.

Consider your location: 

Think about where you want to have your bridal session. Do you want to shoot indoors or outdoors? In a studio or a natural setting? Consider the lighting, scenery, and overall atmosphere of the location. The advantage of having a bridal session is that you’re not constrained by the logistics of a wedding day, so while many couples might reuse their venue (especially for anniversary shoots) there’s very little limit to the possibilities.

Practice posing: 

Posing for photos can feel awkward at first, but with practice, you'll start to feel more comfortable. Look at bridal magazines and online resources for inspiration, and practice different poses in front of a mirror. Your photographer will also guide you during the session, but it's always helpful to have a few poses in mind. Consider \setting up a mood board to share with your photographer to inspire certain shots.

Bring accessories and props:

Contemplate bringing accessories like jewelry, shoes, and a veil to add some variety to your photos. You can also bring props like flowers or a favorite book that reflects your personality and style. If you’re setting up your Boston bridal session in advance of your wedding, then it can be a great time to get those flat lays and detail shots done without having to worry about them on the day of the wedding. Before or after your wedding, don’t worry about getting an exact duplicate of your bouquet if that isn’t in the budget - consider some bouquet alternatives or go with something more modest since it can help give you something to do with your hands and add a great splash of color to a portrait.

Take Care of Yourself: 

The day before your session, make sure to get a good night's sleep and stay hydrated. You might also consider doing a little light pampering while you’re getting ready or having your nails done - many brides use an upcoming shoot as an excuse to treat themselves to a spa day or other little indulgences so they’re feeling confident and radiant. This will help you feel energized and refreshed, which will show in your photos. 

Relax and have fun: 

Most importantly, remember to relax and have fun during your bridal session. The more relaxed and comfortable you are, the better your photos will turn out. Thankfully with a bridal session there tend to be a lot fewer nerves, so if you’re feeling tense about wedding portraits this is a great way to break the ice. Trust your photographer and enjoy the experience of capturing this special moment in your life. 

Preparing for your bridal session takes a bit of effort, but the end result will be worth it. Follow these tips and book with us today to make sure your session goes smoothly.

Ryan Richardson is a wedding and portrait photographer serving Boston and beyond; including Cape Cod Weddings, New England Weddings, Massachusetts Weddings and Rhode Island Weddings.