subject: Bridal Photography: Tips For Prepping, Control And Finding The Perfect Place [print this page] The wonderful thing about photography is that you can make an image out of just about anything. Depending on where you live, there may be some obvious places for a bridal shoot. You may have a famous landmark in your area. It may be a beautiful park, a rose garden or a modern downtown. In fact, many of your competitors may have the exact same venue stamped all over their portfolio.
I have to stress how imperative control is. Can you imagine letting one of the guests at a wedding directing the bridal party as to where and how to pose everyone? Never! This is your time and you are being paid to let your creative spark shine.
I'm a wedding photographer in College Station, TX. Although I do have many clients in Houston, Austin, San Antonio and Dallas, I can always find great bridal venues right here. We don't have skyscrapers and a downtown such as Houston's, but we do have a rustic and historic downtown area, landmarks, and of course, Texas A&M University. Travel a few short miles out of city limits, and you get a beautiful and scenic country side. You can usually find treasures along the way. I was driving to San Antonio one day and noticed an old rail line bridge in the distance, so I took the detour and I am determined to use it as a gigantic prop! If you think outside the box, your town may have all of the elements that make for amazing photo shoots. You may have old buildings, theaters, alleys, rail roads, stair cases or beautiful courtyards. The last thing you want to do is have your bride posed in front of the same statue as your competitors. To have a unique portfolio is one of the most important elements of attracting new clients.
During the consultation with your client, let it be known that you are more than a photographer. You are an artist, and the more control you have over certain elements, the better the images will be. I always ask the bride to give me a full day. I need a day reserved from her agenda just for our shoot. I tell her that I want her relaxed and with no other engagements that day. A bride who is worrying about having to meet with another vendor or to meet an appointment will show all of those concerns in her photos. So I make sure she sets aside a day for me only. This is also a great time to mention that you know many great venues that would fit her style and unique personality.
Finally, when you have accomplished being the one who chooses the bridal shoot venue. Go and scout the place. Take your camera and a notebook and document the spots you like. Draw a quick stick figure sketch of the poses that come to mind and get your lighting right. In the end, you will have great about the fact that you have that much control over your own work. You won't get all of them, and that's okay. The ability to improvise is a beautiful attribute, but it's always great to get to have that option every now and then.
