Of all the photos from your wedding, a handful will become the ones your family reaches for first. Very often those are the bridal portraits: you, your dress or lehenga, the jewelry you chose so carefully, and an expression that says exactly how that day felt.
After years of photographing brides across Maryland, Washington DC and Virginia, we've noticed that the best bridal portraits rarely come down to luck. They come from a little planning, good light, and a bride who feels calm enough to be herself. Here is everything we share with our brides before their portrait session.
When to take your bridal portraits
There are three good options, and each one gives you something different.
On the wedding day, right after getting ready
This is the most popular choice. Your hair and makeup are fresh, your outfit is perfect, and the excitement in your eyes is real. We usually plan 20 to 30 minutes for portraits straight after you're dressed, before the first look or the ceremony.
At golden hour during the reception
If your venue has a garden, a terrace or even a big window, slipping away for 15 minutes in the last hour before sunset gives you warm, soft light that flatters every skin tone. Many of our favorite portraits come from these quiet minutes away from the crowd.
A separate bridal session
A dedicated session, a few weeks before the wedding or after it, takes all the time pressure away. You can try different locations and looks, and nobody is waiting for you to come back to the party. It's especially popular with South Asian brides who have several outfits and want each one photographed properly.
Light makes the biggest difference
You don't need to know anything technical, but it helps to understand why some light is kinder than other light.
- Window light is soft and directional. Standing a few feet from a large window is one of the most flattering places a bride can be.
- Open shade, like a porch, a tree canopy or a building's shadow, protects you from harsh sun and squinting.
- Golden hour adds warmth and a gentle glow, and makes gold jewelry and embroidery sparkle.
- Midday sun is the hardest light to work with. If your portraits have to happen at noon, we'll find shade or bring our own lighting.
When you choose your getting ready suite, ask for the room with the biggest windows. It's one of the easiest ways to get better photos, and it costs nothing.
Posing that doesn't feel like posing
Most brides tell us they feel awkward in front of a camera. That's completely normal. Our job is to guide you just enough that you never have to wonder what to do with your hands, but not so much that you look stiff.
- Give your hands something to do. Hold your bouquet low at your hip, adjust your veil or dupatta, or touch your earring. Hands at rest with a little bend in the wrist always look graceful.
- Shift your weight. Lean onto your back foot and bend the front knee slightly. It softens your whole silhouette.
- Turn your body, then your face. Angling your shoulders away from the camera and turning your face back toward it is flattering for everyone.
- Move. Walk slowly, twirl, let your veil catch the breeze. Movement brings energy and real smiles.
- Breathe out before the photo. A slow exhale relaxes your shoulders and your jaw instantly.
Hair, makeup and outfit tips for photos
- Book a makeup trial and take photos. Look at them on your phone in daylight and with flash. Makeup that looks perfect in the mirror can photograph differently.
- Ask for a long lasting finish. Matte or satin foundation holds up through a long day and avoids shine in photos.
- Keep blotting papers and lipstick nearby. Ask a bridesmaid to carry them for quick touch ups before portraits.
- Steam everything. Wrinkles show clearly in high resolution photos, especially on veils and dupattas.
- Do a mirror walk. Practice sitting, walking and turning in your outfit so you know how it moves.
The bridal portrait shots to ask for
Every bride is different, but these are the portraits most of our brides end up loving:
- A full length portrait that shows your entire outfit and the train or flare of your lehenga.
- A close portrait with soft focus on your eyes and jewelry.
- A back view that shows the details of your dress, blouse or hairstyle.
- A veil or dupatta shot, with the fabric framing your face.
- Your hands with your rings, henna or bangles.
- A candid laugh. Ask your photographer to make you laugh, or bring your best friend to stand behind them.
- A window portrait, quiet and simple, before the day gets busy.
What if you're nervous in front of the camera?
You're in good company. Here's what helps most:
- Do an engagement session first. It's the best rehearsal you can have, and by the wedding day the camera feels familiar.
- Keep your circle small. Fewer people watching means less pressure. One trusted friend is plenty.
- Play your favorite song. Music changes your expression more than any posing tip.
- Trust the process. The first few frames are always a warm up. By the tenth photo, almost every bride has relaxed.
The most beautiful bridal portraits aren't the most posed ones. They're the ones where you look like yourself on the happiest day of your life.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a bridal portrait session take?
On the wedding day, 20 to 30 minutes is usually enough. A separate bridal session runs about one to two hours, which allows for outfit changes and a couple of locations.
Can I do bridal portraits after the wedding?
Yes. Many brides love a relaxed session a week or two later, with no schedule to worry about. Just keep your outfit pressed and plan your hair and makeup again.
Where are good places for bridal portraits in Maryland?
Historic estates, gardens, stone churches and waterfronts all work beautifully. Annapolis, Baltimore's Mount Vernon neighborhood and National Harbor are some of our favorites. Our guide to photo locations in DC, Maryland and Virginia has more ideas.
Plan your bridal portraits with us
Bridal portraits are included in our larger collections, and we also offer standalone bridal sessions. See our photography styles to find the look that feels like you, browse the packages, or check your date and we'll help you plan the perfect session.
