📸 How to Photograph FLASH and NATURAL LIGHT Wedding Getting Ready Photos
Vanessa Joy is a wedding photographer and educator helping photographers grow profitable businesses. She teaches photographers how to capture weddings beautifully and run efficient, profitable workflows—without sacrificing creativity or client experience.
If you’re a wedding photographer who wants to create emotional, story-driven images during the wedding morning, this post is for you. The problem we’re solving? How to capture getting-ready moments in a way that sets the tone for the day and tells a complete story.
How to Beautifully Capture Wedding Getting-Ready Moments
The getting-ready portion of a wedding day is more than just hair, makeup, and a dress—it’s the start of a couple’s biggest day, packed with emotional and visual storytelling opportunities. Done well, these images can elevate an entire wedding gallery.
1. Start with the Scene
When I arrive, I don’t rush straight into close-ups. I step back and capture the environment—the bridal suite, the décor, the lighting, and the overall atmosphere. These wide shots set the tone and create context for the story.
2. Use Thoughtful Composition and Angles
One of my golden rules: never photograph someone with only half their makeup done. Wait until the bride and bridesmaids are more polished so they look and feel their best.
I also seek out natural light, especially from windows, to create soft, flattering images without harsh shadows.
3. Focus on the Details That Matter
Getting-ready moments are full of meaningful details—the wedding dress hanging elegantly, a pair of heirloom earrings, the bride’s shoes, or the invitation suite. I photograph these before moving into candid shots, ensuring the gallery feels complete and luxurious.
4. Capture Candid Over Posed Moments
Real emotion beats stiff posing every time. I look for genuine interactions—a bridesmaid adjusting the bride’s train, the bride’s mother fastening her veil, spontaneous laughter between friends. These unplanned moments carry the most heart.
5. End with the Final Touches
As the bride steps into her gown, I focus on intimate, emotional frames—buttoning the back of the dress, clasping jewelry, or the deep breath before the aisle walk. These moments are rich with anticipation and make for timeless images.
Final Touches
Capturing wedding getting-ready moments is about observation, timing, and storytelling. By setting the scene, focusing on details, and letting emotions unfold naturally, you’ll create a set of images your couples will treasure forever.
