The Beauty of Pre-ceremony coverage
Pre-Ceremony coverage raises a lot of questions when couples are booking.
In this blog I want to explore some of the common questions and attempt to dispel some of the myths associated with pre-ceremony coverage in wedding photography packages.
No photos before my makeup is done!
This is the most common feedback I get when couples enquire about pre-ceremony coverage.
The myth associated with “unflattering” photographs snapped on the morning can put a lot of people off the option. But pre-ceremony coverage isn’t all double chins and bags under the eye! A professional wedding photographer will ease into the morning coverage. It will start with an introduction and then they’ll begin to read the room, all the while making sure everyone is settled and relaxed.
Pre-ceremony is the ideal time to photograph jewelry, capture a proud glance from a friend and even the finishing touches being applied!
For me, I’ll start with some detail shots of shoes, rings etc. so the people getting ready can get used to my presence. As I point my camera around the room I can get a sense for who does/doesn’t want their photograph taken. It’s important to know when to point your camera at someone and when not to. I’m not doing my job right if I don’t help the camera shy people relax.
The longer I’m there, the more everyone will relax and the natural interactions will flow. All of these special moments can be freely captured and documented for you to enjoy again after the big day. Being begind the camera it’s also important to note that we’re all human and we all have bumpy bits and creases that we’re not fond of. I’ve been shooting weddings as the primary shooter for 3 years now, so I know to use my discretion when shooting.
My general rule is this: If I wouldn’t like myself photographed like that, then I shouldn’t photograph others like that. It goes without saying the “like that” varies drastically, I won’t go into detail!
We won’t be doing anything fun!
If you think your morning won’t be fun, don’t forget your partner won’t be there. There will be lots of silly moments they wouldn’t want to miss!
This applies more so to the grooms prep….and I’m saying that from experience. Even the most mundane task can create a stunning series of images your bride will look back on and enjoy for many years to come. She’ll probably laugh every time she looks at said photographs too.
Take for example, exhibit A. How many groomsmen does it take to tie a shoe lace?
Spoiler alert, the shoe lace lost...eventually
That’s not to say the same can’t be said for the bridal party though. When it comes to wedding photography, particularly documentary photography, even the quickest fleeting moment can become a photograph you’ll cherish for years to come.
“There will be moments on the morning that you won’t even realise you want to remember, so don’t give yourself the option to forget.”
I don’t need the morning, I want fun photos later!
Use this as an opportunity to surprise your partner
The morning is without doubt the best time to get those fun photographs.
Your partner won’t be there and you won’t see these photographs for a few weeks. You’ll both be reviewing the photographs together, it’s always great when a photograph pops up that you weren’t expecting. Matching socks? Decapitating the bridal party? A passionate roar?
Or all of the above!
You could also use the morning as a chance to surprise your partner. You could send a message knowing they won’t receive it until after the big day. You could play a prank or a joke that won’t appear until the photographs are finished. There’s a million possibilities and permutations that can come from morning coverage and for that reason alone it’s a must have in my eyes.
In summary:
It’s all about the memories, you’ll look back on these photographs in years to come and cherish them. You won’t notice you weren’t wearing makeup or your hair was out of place. You’ll be brought back to the moment in an instant and all the memories will flood back.
Thanks for reading and all the best with the rest of your wedding planning.
Kind regards,
