Should you consider a wedding photographer for your Bridal shoot? Yes, by a long shot…and here is why.
 
It takes a lot more than just picking up the camera and shoot hoping for the best. Chances are most wedding photographers don’t do fashion, models, or beauty photography or have done it long enough to have exceptional experience in setting up lightings (I don’t mean natural lights only), studio/outdoor environment, wardrobe styling, concept planning, model directing, etc. and if you insist they’ll just take you to a nice park and do some natural lights candid type of shots and be done with you.
 
First thing that came to your mind is probably “my wedding photographer can do the same thing, no?” – Typically your Bridal session may be included in your Wedding package but it is limited to a short timed session that will only allow for some quick candid/natural type of shots. Your wedding photographer simply may not have the same capability to create these creative shots as fashion/beauty photographers do or hasn’t been devoted to creating concept like this.
 
Here is my take as a published fashion photographer: To create a spectacular bridal shoot like this, you will need to know your lightings and location well – ambient and external, and as well as planning your concept – ability to plan your shots, direct your model and/or assistant to create your shots, and last but not least your post editing skill to perfect the final look. All of these elements have to come together without skipping a beat.
 
Final tips for photographers and brides to be:
  • Only accept exceptional work – You don’t want to rush through your shoot hoping for the best, you’d want the best!
  • Before you book your shoot – Ask your photographer if he/she can create the concept/style/look you’re after – Don’t just look at their portfolio!
  • Photographers – Take your time to create your best shots, don’t move on until you get your shots right even if it may go over your session time. There is no point in getting no quality in numbers.
  • Brides to be – Plan your Bridal shoot separated from your Wedding day, typically a week or two before or after your wedding. You will have your most amazing photos that you’ll be able to proudly pass down to many generations to come.