Getting ready photos are a beautiful way to capture those intimate moments with your loved ones on the most important day of your life.

As a Long Island wedding photographer, I’ve gathered a couple things you can do to enhance your experience and elevate your photos!

Timeline

The first thing to keep in mind is how much time your photographer realistically needs to capture it. Having them rush through photos will not result in the photographer’s best work! For me, I need at least 1.5 hours. But of course, I will guide you through the timeline and do most of the work for you, all you really have to do is communicate with your other vendors and bridal party! You will also want to think about what you’ll wear before you get in your dress.

I will usually have you schedule hair and makeup to be completed 3 hours before your ceremony to be sure there is enough time for photos. This could be 4 hours if you are planning on a first look, but it varies for everyone.

The Space

The next thing you will want to keep in mind is the room you are getting ready in will be photographed. Try to keep at least one room, with good natural lighting and preferably a window or sliding door, clutter free for photos. This ensures you don't have any random objects like water bottles floating around in your wedding album.

This couple began their day in the Allegria Hotel where they got ready for the ceremony. The hotel has a modern yet romantic decor. The rooms inside the hotel feature a clean and neutral backdrop, perfect for wedding photography.

Another thing to keep in mind, if you want a dress hanging photo..there needs to be somewhere to hang the dress. Often times hotels do not have a place to take a dress hanging photo. However, this hotel, the Allegria, did! I highly recommend booking the Allegria for your wedding day getting ready photos.

Not having a place to hang the dress isn't really a problem if you aren't concerned with this photo - I do have some brides who don't care too much for it. I like to stray away from tradition and doing this JUST BECAUSE it’s what people do. But I like to mention it so ahead of time, so that if you wanted that photo, you can plan ahead! If you do request this photo and there is no place to hang the dress, consider trying to plan for time to take the dress outside to find a tree branch somewhere outside your getting ready space with a nice background that it can be hung on. You’ll also want something other than a plastic hanger to hang it on. It doesn’t have to be super fancy or personalized, just a wooden or felt hanger will do - plastic just doesn’t look great in photos!

NYC Wedding Photographer — Example of dress hanging in a bedroom, in case you’re getting ready at home.

The Details

For detail flat lays, you will want to keep all of your requested items in one place, like a box.

This may include: Accessories, jewelry, bridal sleeves, rings, ring boxes, invitation suites, vow books, perfume bottles, loose flower stems from florist, veil.

When I arrive, the first thing I will do is grab these details, find a window with some natural light and surface to shoot on, and get to work on your details.

The Groom

Last but certainly not least, prepare your groom for the big day too! Have him get 80% ready when I get there. Showered, hair done, dress pants, socks and shirt on. Also, have him set aside his details too. When I arrive, I will also capture his details, and then move on to shots of him and his best man/family putting on his jacket, tie, shoes, etc.

With these tips, I’m sure that your photos are going to be that much more stunning! If you are looking for a Long Island photographer to capture your wedding day, contact me here!