When meeting with a photographer most couples are unsure of what a first look is, let alone if they want one or not. If you’re like me and had no idea what it is, I’ll explain. A first look is when you see your bride or groom before the wedding. This is a private moment between away from all family and friends. After you’ve seen each other we then have built in time for portraits of the two of you, family and friends.
The way I set up a first look is to have the groom facing away from the direction the bride will be coming. If there is another photographer I will send them with the groom to wait. In the photos below of Eric and Jane, I was able to get some great portraits of Eric waiting before Jane walked down the dock. I photographed this first look by myself so I set Eric and motioned for the Jane to come when she was ready. Jane walked up behind Eric, taped him on the shoulder and then Eric turned around. Then I was there to capture that moment and enjoy seeing each other for the first time.
I love doing a first look because the day just runs so much more smoothly then. We can get all your portraits finished as well as family and bridal party pictures. You will then be able to attend your full cocktail hour! If that isn’t a great incentive to do a first look then I don’t know what is!
Depending on the time of your ceremony, squeezing portraits into the hour before the reception can sometimes be a crunch for time. If you’re having a fall or winter wedding, the sun might be setting early which also makes it difficult to do portraits after the ceremony. If you do a first look, we can arrange to have as much time as you like! A lot of couples don’t like the idea of seeing each other before the wedding which I understand. Making this decision can sometimes be difficult so you both need to be in agreement. If your wedding schedule just does not allow for a first look or maybe its a small wedding and it doesn’t make sense. Either way, its something to consider and talk with your photographer about when you’re planning your day.