My Approach to the Wedding Day – Getting Ready
I typically arrive 30 to 60 minutes before my scheduled start time. Before documenting the getting ready part of the wedding day, Ι begin capturing the atmosphere with a few scene-setting shots.
I usually start with the bride. While she and her bridesmaids are getting their hair and makeup done, I focus on the details—like the dress, shoes, bouquet, and accessories. With the bride’s permission, I might hang the dress near a window, arrange the shoes into an elegant composition, or create soft, natural light still lifes of the jewelry. Lighting is everything, so I seek out soft, diffused light—often by a window—for these moments.
If the room’s lighting isn’t ideal, I’ll make subtle suggestions—never intrusive, always in service of the image. Once she’s positioned beautifully, I may make small adjustments to the background to ensure a clean, timeless frame. I keep conversation to a minimum during this time out of respect for the makeup artist and others in the room.
As she gets dressed, I step out and wait for the cue to return for those final, meaningful moments—the zip of the dress, the placement of the veil. These intimate moments are captured with my 50mm lens wide open at f/1.2, giving the images a classic, timeless feel. I spend around fifteen minutes ensuring I capture all the essential shots, including elegant portraits of the bride with her bouquet. If we have the time, I will suggest a location for a few more formal bridal portraits—always keeping things relaxed and natural.
I take a similar approach with the groom: a calm, observant presence, allowing the getting-ready process to unfold organically. I step in only when necessary to fine-tune the light or composition.
You may view my portfolio on my website: www.ymvisuals.com
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