Décor to menu, a plethora of elements go into planning a wedding regardless of its scale or size. Sure, all aspects are important for a memorable celebration, but some are a bit more cherished than the others. Among the latter, the bridal trousseau surely finds its spot on the top of the list. Whether you brought your wedding outfit after months of store hopping or it was love at first sight, finding “the one” is where it all starts. But that dream bridal look doesn’t end there. Hair, makeup, accessories and jewellery are mindfully curated to tie the look together. After countless sprees, trials and efforts, relegating your most important dress in the back of your closet is a hard pill to swallow. The good news is you can capture its memories and details for years to come with a bridal photoshoot.
Not sure what is it or where to start? We got a top-tier wedding photographer Mohsin Ali to reveal everything you need to know about a bridal photo session. The expert, behind Mohsin Ali Photography, he has covered weddings across the world and is known for documenting every detail, big and small effortlessly. Learn everything about the shoot, ahead.
Firstly, what is a bridal photoshoot?
A bridal photo session, also known as a bridal portrait, is a separate shoot where the bride-to-be gets into her wedding wear. It is an opportunity for her and her photographer to capture her trousseau, from the glamorous cocktail gown to the classic wedding lehenga, against a stunning backdrop. It is perfect way to get a complete bridal experience and enjoy your pieces.
When and where does it happen?
As you may guess, a bridal shoot, much like a pre-wedding shoot, takes place before the ceremony. Some brides may choose to do the portraits days before the wedding celebrations begin, while others may choose to do it just hours before the function. The location is a personal choice and above all dependant on the time available. On the day of sessions happen at the venue. For brides who plan in advance, shoot location spots are endless, from a studio and a beach to a memorable spot or a favourite restaurant. Either way I always do a thorough recce of the place to plan the photoshoot.
How long does a bridal photoshoot take?
The more time the bride can give for the bridal photo shoot the better the portraits will turn out. I don’t like to rush the bride, especially if the shoot is on her most special day. Depending on the time of the wedding and the location, I always give guidance to the bride on planning the shoot. I also take notes of the approximate time their hair and makeup will take to be able to backtrack and plan. Typically, it takes 45 minutes to 2 hours to shoot one look if done at the venue. In case of outdoors, it takes longer. But it is case by case.
What is your process when it comes to a bridal portrait shoot?
My muse is always the bride. I make sure the bride’s shoot feels seamless, while she is having the time of her life. When it comes to bridal portraits, I work with the bride and her personality to create images that are a reflection of her. This is why right from the first meeting; I try to build a connection with the brides and understand their vision for their portraits because not every pose or aesthetic can work with every bride. I don’t have a template to follow—I tailor my approach every time. The idea is to make every wedding look different, whilst keeping my core aesthetics and their style.
Why should you consider one?
With the kind of stressful lives we live, we often tend to forget making time for ourselves. What could be a more opportune time than your wedding to celebrate yourself. A bridal portrait is a great way to get started and create some amazing photographs in your element. As time passes, these make wonderful keepsakes to look back and reignite your memories and even feel empowered. Needless to say, a photoshoot will also make you more confident in front of the camera.
Above all, I understand that brides have spent a lot of time, effort and money on the wedding look of their dreams. The most important factor for me is to capture every intricate detail that sometimes get missed during the ceremony. I document not just the outfit, but also the embroidery, the blouse, the veil and everything in-between. For me, pictures of the jewellery, hair & makeup and accessories are also just as important to preserve.
For more information
Mohsin Ali Photography
www.MohsinAliPhotography.com
