The much mentioned First Look Wedding Photo

You see it written in blogs. You see it talked about on social media. But what actually is a first look wedding photo?

And why the hell should you have one?

What is a first look wedding photo?

A first look is what it says on the tin. It is the first time you see each other, dressed and styled for your wedding ceremony.

The standard first look photo is when the bride walks down the aisle and the groom sees her for the first time in the dress.

All very heteronormative and traditional, but it doesn’t have to be.

Should you have a pre-arranged first look photo?

There are good reasons to have a pre-arranged first look wedding photo.

For example: if you are walking down the aisle together. Or where it would be difficult to capture you both in the same photo when one of you is walking down the aisle.
Constraints of where I am allowed to stand and take photos from. Or at outdoor ceremonies if one of you has the sun in their back…

In any scenario where the photo would not show both of you very well, we should take a first look wedding photo before you head to your ceremony.

First look photo with your dad or your mum 

Sometimes I am asked to take a first look wedding photo with a parent or a grandparent.

If you have not shared what your look will be with your family and you would like their reaction, then this is something you might want to do.

Taking the photos will only take us a few minutes.
The most difficult part will be stopping your family from coming into your room to “check how you are getting on” before you are ready for the photo.
Employ siblings, bridesmaids and groomsmen to shield you if necessary.

First look with children

If you have children who are getting all excited about “mum dressing up as a Disney Princess” or “dad dressing up as Willy Wonka” (not my words! Straight from the mouth of children!), you might want to arrange a first look photo for them.

Children’s reactions vary, and there is no guarantee of what will happen.

In fact, I had one child hesitating to approach their mother because they had never seen her in a long dress and weren’t sure whether this person “with only one big leg” was really their mum.

But when you get the wide eyed admiring glances you want for photos, they will become a firm favourite in the family album.

The golden rule of first look wedding photos

Don’t flipping peek! The first look cannot be repeated or faked.

If you are wondering about whether or not to have a pre-ceremony first look wedding photo, or how to manage it, just ask me.

I am happy to share my experiences and advice what will work. You can find my contact form here.

Bright blessings,

 Alternative Wedding And Handfasting Photographer UK and EU