12 “Getting Ready” Wedding Photos Every Bride Must Take

12 “Getting Ready” Wedding Photos Every Bride Must Take

Congratulations on your wedding day! We know you’re juggling many responsibilities and coordinating with caterers and vendors to ensure everything comes out perfectly. We’re honored that you are considering Erie Photography on your special day. Our professional wedding photographers will be there to help you find the best spots for photos at your wedding venue, along with a variety of excellent and flattering poses for your wedding album. Here are our votes for 12 getting ready wedding photos every bride must take.

Dress Off!

Your wedding photographer will be sure to take plenty of photos of you in your wedding dress, but sometimes, your pose might not showcase the patterns correctly. If you love your dress, consider asking your wedding photographer to take a few quick pictures of your dress hanging up on its own or of you holding it before you put it on (especially if your dress is only rented, not bought). A standalone photo of your wedding dress can save your eyes some strain if you ever want to page back through the wedding album to recall some details about your dress.

Accessories Too

Have you got accessories for your wrists or hair? Consider having your Photographer arranging them on your dresser or a tray and take a picture of them, too. These cute but simple photos detailing exactly what jewelry you wore on your special day might end up being some of your favorites.

Hairdressing

Doing your hair will take some time, but the results are always beautiful. Be sure to snap several photos of your hair being pulled, brushed, curled, or braided for a fabulous photo shoot that helps you feel just as relaxed and beautiful as you are! Hairdressing photos are always some of our favorite getting ready wedding photos.

Show off the Bridesmaids Getting Ready Too

Your wedding day may be all about you, but don’t forget to acknowledge the great friends who are behind you all the way! You aren’t the only one getting ready to dress up for a special day. Do your bridesmaids have coordinated “getting ready” outfits such as bathrobes or even pajamas? Don’t let those cute memories get forgotten in the busyness of the day! With advance planning, you can prepare fun props for all your bridesmaids to hold, such as coffee cups or some bridesmaids gifts you’ve picked out just for them.

Flower Power

Your bouquet is prepared just for you, and while your flowers may wilt, your photos of them are forever. Before the day’s heat can start to dry your bouquet up, take advantage of the morning to pose with your bouquet, standing and sitting for a variety of bride getting ready photos.

Puppy Pride

If you’re taking bridal photos and haven’t gone far from home, then ask your photographer in advance if it’s possible to take a few pictures with your beloved family pet. While you may not want to hold your furry friend while wearing a white wedding dress, capturing a shot of your perfect pooch looking fondly at you while you get ready for the day can make for a memory you’ll treasure forever.

Candid Shots

You can’t plan the perfect candid shot, and that’s part of the fun. But while you and your bridesmaids are hanging out together, ask your photographer to keep an eye out for good moments to take bridesmaids getting ready photos.

All in a Row

Once all of your bridesmaids are wearing their dresses, take plenty of photos of everyone lined up in a row. There are many ways to pose together, including:

  • The first moment your bridesmaids see you walk out in your dress
  • Bridesmaids arranged behind and in front of the bride
  • Bridesmaids hugging the bride
  • Bridesmaids helping the bride with the back of her dress, her shoes, or her accessories
  • Lying together in the grass or on a clean floor
  • Facing away from the camera, perhaps with arms behind each other’s backs (This is a great way to show off your wedding hairstyle!)
  • Jumping for joy

You’re sure to find some true favorites in this collection of bridesmaids getting ready photos!

Flower Girls

Thank your flower girls with photos that they’ll look back on fondly, perhaps even on their wedding days! A personal shot with each one of them will perfectly capture their cheerful innocence and will make an adorable photo for years to come.

With a Family Member

Your mom, dad, and siblings will be right there with you to enjoy this special day, and they’ll be ready to make just as many memories of this day as you are. Ask your photographer to take getting ready wedding photos with each of your parents and siblings individually, too (plus some family shots all together once you’re all dressed and prepared for the big day).

Mix Casual and Formal

Even if your wedding feels like a very serious occasion, don’t be afraid to take some shots of you looking loose and relaxed while you get ready for the day. Laugh, smile, and love the experience, whether you are taking photos of yourself getting ready on your own or with your best friends.

The reverse is true, too. If you’re having a blast on your wedding day, it may be difficult to reign your energy in. Give it a try anyway for a photoshoot of formal getting ready wedding photos. Once the rush of energy and nerves that you feel on your wedding day has passed, you will surely be glad to look back through your wedding album and find a mix of both casual and formal photos taken on your special day.

Putting on the Veil

The time to walk down the aisle is near. In these final moments, before you face your groom (whether tearful or somber), this is a getting ready wedding photo that you won’t want your photographer to miss.

Can’t wait for the big day to arrive? We can’t either! Erie Photography is full of professional wedding photographers who will be certain to make you feel comfortable even if you are juggling a million things to do. Sit back, relax, and smile wide. We’ll take care of the rest. Contact us today at (814) 246-2148 with any questions or special photo requests you may have.

Capturing Your Unique Wedding Portraits

Erie Wedding Photography is a full-service photography studio that offers the best in wedding photography and videography services.

We are a professional Erie wedding photographer with over 10 years of experience.

Our goal is to provide you with beautiful, high-quality images that capture your special day in the best way possible.

Contact us today for more information about our wedding photography services or to schedule a consultation!

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Other Services We Offer

Our team is available for your next project.

Erie Photography is a world-renowned production studio that offers a wide variety of photo and video services. We are proud to be the biggest photography studio in our region, and we can help you with your next project. We have been operating in Erie PA  or 12+ years, and we have a lot of experience in Photography & Videography Services We offer a wide variety of services, including photo shooting and video production. Check out our other Services for more information!

Weddings

Wedding Photographers

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Video

Wedding Videography

Photo Booths

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Book Erie Photo & Video Services to Capture YOUR Unique Story. 

Erie Photography™

Erie Wedding & Event Services
Wedding Planning | Wedding Disc Jockey | Erie Wedding Photography | Wedding Photo Booth | Wedding Videography
1001 State Street, Erie, PA 16501
814-246-2149 | info@erie-pics.com | www.erie-pics.com

How Much Does a Wedding Photographer Cost?

How Much Does a Wedding Photographer Cost?

Wedding Photographer Cost Explained

How much does a wedding photographer cost? That’s usually the first question that comes up when someone begins searching for their wedding photographer. But, in reality, it should be one of the later things considered. Still, we want you to be in the know so let’s dig in.

Your Wedding is one of the biggest celebrations of your life. And regardless of where you stand on things like floral arrangements or late-night reception snacks, you need the best photographer to capture your moments, because your Wedding Photos are the one solid thing you walk away from your wedding with. After months of planning, your wedding day will fly by in an instant. So, that’s why your photographer is one of the most important wedding day vendors you can invest in. They capture every moment that makes up your wedding day so that twenty, thirty, or even fifty years down the road your photos will remind you of the magic on that day.

wedding photographer cost

The Budget Rule

Most couples follow the standard Wedding Budgeting Rules that say how much a Wedding Photographer Cost will be. Traditionally, the budget says you should spend 10% of your overall wedding budget on Photography. Anywhere from 10-20% is average. But who follows the rules anymore? If Wedding Photography is high on the list you should be willing to pay more than just 10% of your budget. There are places in your budget to wiggle. For instance, maybe a large extravagant floral centerpiece isn’t an essential part of your wedding decor. You can lower the cost of your floral budget and put those extra funds to work for the Wedding Photographer of your dreams. Another sweet tip is to go with a Sweetheart Cake versus a traditional tiered Wedding Cake.

See more about how to break down your wedding budget here: How Much to Spend on Wedding Photography.

Need more help budgetting? Talk to a real wedding planner at Erie Wedding & Event Services

Average Wedding Photographer Cost

I know you want a quick answer to the question How Much Does a Wedding Photographer Cost?”, but the reality is there is no quick answer.

A Wedding Photographer can cost anywhere from $500-$30,000 or more! That’s a really big gap and I’ll explain why. There are a ton of different factors that play into how much a wedding photographer charges. So, where you need to focus most is on the value of your investment to get what you really want. There is a rule with anything in life that I love. You can have it cheap, fast, and good. But not at the same time. You get 2 out of 3. If you want it cheap and fast it ain’t gonna be good. If you want it cheap and good it ain’t gonna be fast. And lastly, if you want it fast and good it ain’t gonna be cheap. 

Here are some factors that can influence the cost of wedding photography:

wedding photographer cost

Lifestyle

There are many types of Wedding Photographers with the biggest distinction being between a full time professional and a part time hobby enthusiast. A pro invests more time and money into photography because it’s more than a passion, it’s a career. A hobbyist will charge less because they invest less into their craft.

Location

We have to be honest with ourselves here. A Wedding Photographer in NYC is going to cost far more than one in rural Kansas. The cost of living and doing business in your local area (or the area you’re getting married in) is going to greatly affect the cost of your Wedding Photography.

wedding photographer cost

Experience

It just makes sense that an experienced Wedding Photographer cost is going to be more than a beginner. An experienced photographer offers you the advantage of having been there, done that and seen it all. They can cope with the flow of your wedding day without missing a beat. In addition, they understand exactly how to relate to you and your wedding party to make everyone feel comfortable. Not to mention, they have had years to develop a ‘relationship’ with their equipment. They know it like the back of their hand. There’s no guessing which lens to use for the best shot or what angle they should shoot from in the lighting.

What They Offer

Every photographer is unique. I’ve read about highly experienced Wedding Photographer cost in large urban locations of $5,000 or more for Wedding Day coverage but don’t include any actual photo delivery. The newlyweds are responsible for paying for any prints, canvases, or wedding albums they want from their day. Some photographers offer full day coverage (12 hours) and others charge by the hour. If you want to know what they offer it’s best to ask and make sure this is the perfect photographer for you.

wedding photographer cost

So, Why Does a Wedding Photographer Cost What They Do?

I know we haven’t quite answered the question “How much does a wedding photographer cost?”, but I promise we’re getting to it!

Your Wedding Day is a once in lifetime experience and if you’re like most brides you want to perfectly preserve those moments to relive later. So, it’s a good idea to understand what your investment is going towards. Every Wedding Photographer is different, but generally your Wedding Day breaks down into:

  1. 1-3 Hours of Initial Emailing, Phone Calls, and Consults
  2. 2-3 Hours of Engagement Session with travel and shoot time
  3. 1-5 Hours of Editing Engagement Photos
  4. 4-10 Hours of Timeline Prep, pre-wedding planning, site visits, and consults
  5. 10-20 Hours of Wedding Day work with equipment prep, packing, setup, shoot coverage, tear down, travel back and forth
  6. 10-25 Hours of Wedding Day Editing
  7. 1-4 Hours of after Wedding Day consulting and design work on any albums or other items purchased.

In addition to the 60+ hours of time spent on each Wedding is the investment into delicate and expensive cameras, lenses, lighting, and software for editing.

wedding photographer cost

Finally, we come to the answer to the question How Much Does a Wedding Photographer Cost? Let’s break down a little closer to our local area to give you an idea of what you should expect to pay for an experienced Wedding Photographer in the Erie, PA area.

We did a little digging online to see what the going average rate is for Wedding Photography in Erie Pa. According to sources such as The Knot and WeddingWire couples in the Erie area paid an average of $2,500.00 for Wedding Photography in 2021. An amazing online Wedding Calculator Tool called The Wedding Cost Report estimated that you can expect to spend around $3,100 in 2023. We estimated including an Engagement Session. The break down was:

Engagement Photography: $400.00

Wedding Photography: $2700.00

Remember that many Photographers include an Engagement Session in their Wedding Photography Packages when you’re looking over your budget and planning on how much you should set aside. Also, you’ll need to take into consideration a few other things besides cost when choosing the ideal Wedding Photographer for you. In fact, cost should be last on your list of importance. 

*Wedding Photographer Cost may not include delivery of prints, albums, and/or digitals. It’s really important to ask those questions! Find out What to Ask a Wedding Photographer Before Hiring!

I think it’s super important to note that these prices are average and can be tallied from amateur/beginner rates all the way through the pros. The cost for a professional wedding photographer in Erie is currently closer to $4,000+.

Let's Talk About Your Wedding Day

Ready to jump in and talk to a wedding photographer about what they do and how they will capture your day? We’re waiting to chat about your love story!

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Other Services We Offer

Our team is available for your next project.

Erie Photography is a world-renowned production studio that offers a wide variety of photo and video services. We are proud to be the biggest photography studio in our region, and we can help you with your next project. We have been operating in Erie PA  or 12+ years, and we have a lot of experience in Photography & Videography Services We offer a wide variety of services, including photo shooting and video production. Check out our other Services for more information!

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Erie Photography™

Erie Wedding & Event Services
Wedding Planning | Wedding Disc Jockey | Erie Wedding Photography | Wedding Photo Booth | Wedding Videography
1001 State Street, Erie, PA 16501
814-246-2149 | info@erie-pics.com | www.erie-pics.com

How to Find the Best Wedding Photographer

How to Find the Best Wedding Photographer

Finding the BEST Wedding Photographer

With so many things to do before the wedding, you might be worried you’ll rush through the planning process and make a few mistakes along the way. Hey, it happens, but you want to be extra careful when choosing a photographer. At the end of the way, the pictures are all you’ll have left to remember it.

Finding the best wedding photographer takes time.

We’ve put together this guide to show you have to hire a photographer that matches your style and budget. Make sure you keep reading below for some helpful tips!

best wedding photographer

1. Don’t Put It Off

When it comes to planning a wedding, finding the best wedding photographer might not be at the top of your priority list. But don’t get so distracted booking the venue or buying your dress that you put off hiring a wedding photographer until it’s too late.

If you wait too long, you’ll have trouble finding a quality photographer that’s available on your wedding date.

It’s a good idea to start looking for a photographer a year in advance. This will give you time to “shop around” and find someone you like. Do your best to have your photographer booked at least nine months before your wedding.

The last thing you want is to end up without a professional photographer on your special day. After all, you can’t just give your uncle a camera and expect to get good pictures.

Wondering Why You Should Hire a Professional Wedding Photographer?

2. Pick a Style

A photographer does so much more than capture the memories of your wedding day. The pictures they take should portray the feelings of love, happiness, and excitement that went along with it. In order to feel the emotion in the photos, you need to pick a photographer that encompasses your style.

For example, do you like beautiful, candid shots, or are you looking for more classic, portrait-type pictures? Spend some time looking at wedding pictures on websites like our Pinterest account to get some ideas. There are also huge differences in how photographers edit. Some are Bright & Airy, some are Dark & Moody, while most tend to provide Classic Photos that look natural and capture the day. 

If you have a hard time pinpointing the exact style you like, that’s okay. You can search for photographers with similar styles so you get what you love.

Need a little more help? Check out our Guide to Wedding Photography Styles.

best wedding photographer
best wedding photographer

3. Make a List of Potential Photographer Choices

You shouldn’t just pick the first photographer you come across online. Instead, do some research and put together a list of your top three to five favorites.

Spend some time looking through their websites, visiting their social media pages, and reading reviews on third party sites like Google. Check out this blog to figure out which review sites are best: What Wedding Planning Sites Can You Trust? This will help you learn more about them and give you a better idea of how they conduct their business.

Stay away from anyone that has a lot of negative reviews or doesn’t respond well to negative reviews. Things like blaming other people or worse, the client, can be a red flag. Your wedding only happens once, and you don’t want to run the risk of hiring a bad photographer.

What exactly does the Best Wedding Photographer do for you? Find out: Ultimate Guide to Wedding Photography

4. Schedule Interviews

Now that you have a list of photographers you like, set up an interview with each one. You should do this in person if possible, but if that doesn’t work out, give them a phone call. You can use this time to introduce yourself and tell the photographer about your partner, your wedding day, and what you’re looking for. Don’t be afraid to ask plenty of questions. It’s better to ask than to run into miscommunications or problems later.

You should also ask to see albums of their past work. If you’re talking to them over the phone, see if they can send you their portfolio over an email instead. It’s also a good idea to find out if they will bring any backup equipment to the wedding with them. This way, if something goes wrong, they will still be able to catch beautiful photos of your special day.

Keep in mind, cost shouldn’t be your main concern. Price reflects quality. It’s better to invest more money in a reputable photographer than to get blurry, unflattering pictures.

best wedding photographer

Some of the questions you shouldn’t forget include:

  • “Are you available for my wedding date?”
  • “Will you photograph any other weddings that week/weekend?”
  • “Will you have an assistant?”
  • “How many weddings have you photographed?”
  • “Have you worked at our venue before?/Will you visit the venue in advance?”
  • “What is your photography style?”
  • “How much do you charge?/What packages do you have?”
  • “Can I customize your photography package?”
  • “How long will it take to get my photos after the wedding?”
  • “Can I order the photos directly from you?”
best wedding photographer

5. Consider Their Personality

The best wedding photographer will be with you at all times on the more important day of your life. Because of this, you’ll want the photographer to be someone you get along with well. Otherwise, your wedding can quickly turn into an unpleasant experience.

Trust your gut.

If your instincts are telling you a photographer isn’t the one, take your business somewhere else. Don’t hire anyone until you find a photographer you enjoy being around. In fact, scheduling an Engagement Session with your photographer will help you decide if they gel well with you. Find out more here: 5 Reasons to Have an Engagement Session

You can also ask friends and family who have already gone through a wedding for their experience with certain photographers as well as check out online forums. Avoid red flags. And really think about who you are. If you are super shy and get uncomfortable with someone really outgoing they aren’t the best fit for you. On the other hand, maybe you need someone outgoing to pull you out of your shell. 

6. Set up a Test Shoot

When searching for the Best Wedding Photographer this is the MOST crucial step…and it’s why we’re kind of mentioning it twice. This is a good way to work with the photographer in person so you know if they have good chemistry with you and your partner. It can also show you if the photographer has everything you’re looking for, such as posing skills. Once you get the photos back, you can see if you like them and if they’re good enough for your wedding.

If you still haven’t done an engagement shoot, this is a good way to do it. Even if the photos don’t come out well, you’ll have time to redo the shoot with a different photographer.

Your wedding photoshoot will leave you with some of the most important pictures of your life, which is why it’s so important to find the best wedding photographers in your area.

 

best wedding photographer

Now Your Ready to Talk to REAL Wedding Photographers

Picking a time to chat with us is so easy! Just drop us a line by filling in the contact form and we’ll get back to you ASAP to talk about your wedding experience. 

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Other Services We Offer

Our team is available for your next project.

Erie Photography is a world-renowned production studio that offers a wide variety of photo and video services. We are proud to be the biggest photography studio in our region, and we can help you with your next project. We have been operating in Erie PA  or 12+ years, and we have a lot of experience in Photography & Videography Services We offer a wide variety of services, including photo shooting and video production. Check out our other Services for more information!

Weddings

Wedding Photographers

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Book Erie Photo & Video Services to Capture YOUR Unique Story. 

Erie Photography™

Erie Wedding & Event Services
Wedding Planning | Wedding Disc Jockey | Erie Wedding Photography | Wedding Photo Booth | Wedding Videography
1001 State Street, Erie, PA 16501
814-246-2149 | info@erie-pics.com | www.erie-pics.com

Why Hire a Professional Wedding Photographer?

Why Hire a Professional Wedding Photographer?

Why you Should Hire a Professional Wedding Photographer

So you’re getting married and you have done your homework. You have picked your caterer, the venue, the cake, the centerpieces, the dresses, and everything is going just as planned. Now it is time to pick your wedding photographer, the person who will capture the moments you will cherish for a lifetime in pictures. Maybe you could ask your cousin who is an amateur photographer. He will do it for free, and you could save some money.

Why is this not a good idea? Why do you want to hire a professional wedding photographer for your wedding day? There is an enormous benefit to having a professional photographer for your wedding and these benefits far outweigh what you save in your budget by having your cousin do it for free. These pictures are the memories of your wedding day that only happens once, and that will never fade away.

professional wedding photographer

Benefits of Hiring a Professional Wedding Photographer

After reading this article, the benefits will be clear if having lasting memories of your wedding day that you can share and cherish the rest of your lives together is important to you. This is an easy decision. Hiring a professional photographer ensures you get the best quality pictures using the best quality equipment. Cameras are only a very small part of the equation in capturing the perfect photograph.

Camera Equipment Knowledge

Sure anyone can purchase a DSLR | Nice Camera, but only those experienced professionals unlock its full potential. You want to hire a pro wedding photographer because of their skill and equally important because of the equipment they use. Your amateur cousin might have a nice SLR with a zoom lens, but usually, they will be restrained by not having a variety of lenses and not being of the professional caliber. The type of equipment is just as important as the person behind the camera. You want the top of the line equipment and the top of the line photographer who has the knowledge of how to use that equipment.

Many amateur or beginner photographers also shoot in a setting called ‘auto’. That means they let the camera decide for them how the image will look and they save in jpeg. I know…camera terms. But shooting in auto and saving in jpeg means zero editing can be done. A professional shoots in manual, controlling each aspect of the image. That’s how we get those creamy backgrounds. We also save our images in a multi-layer format that let’s us take your images into photoshop and fine tune them for the best results. 

Education and Experience

Professional wedding photographers are called professionals for a reason. There is much more to photography than just pushing a button. There is finding the best lighting, knowing your camera inside and out, and capturing the perfect tone and moment in a photograph. Most amateur photographers just don’t have the expertise to be able to find these things that many photographers have gone to school for and have years of experience with. We also invest in on-going education. Our company is enrolled in photography courses from one of the leading Photography Education Companies in L.A. and we are associated with and frequently talk with other nationally recognized photographers who are artists in the trade. 

How much will all of this gear and education cost you? Find out How Much a Wedding Photographer Costs.

professional wedding photographer

The Wedding Photographers Role

Another huge reason to hire a professional wedding photographer and not let your novice photographer family member is less distraction. A family member will want to also celebrate along with everyone else. This leads to shots being missed because they are chit-chatting with other relatives they have not seen in a while, or because they are too busy eating or dancing. Another thing to think about is other guests are more likely to step out of the way for a professional photographer because they know they are getting paid and are not part of the family, so the roles are defined. If you have your cousin the amateur shooting everyone there will step in front of them and not respect the role that they are supposed to be playing in the day.

Wedding Photography Style

Hire a professional whose style matches yours and who will create the type of pictures you want. If you were to ask an amateur photographer what kind of style you wanted they are most likely not going to understand the difference between modern, fine art, traditional, photojournalist, or candid pictures. Can they deliver to you what you exactly want? Most likely not. Think this through thoroughly and make sure your wedding photographer matches your style and go with the professional who immediately understands what you are talking about when you say what you want.

Find out a little more about Wedding Photography Style.

Technology

Everyone needs to invest in their career to become successful and professional photographers are the same. Professional photographers have the best equipment in the industry and produce superior photos because of it. Even though you can easily go out and buy a good camera that can produce amazing pictures, there is often more technology that goes into it than just the camera such as lights and special lenses. Technology goes beyond just our gear, however. We also invest in state of the art editing software and specialized computer monitors that are color calibrated for our editing processes! And we maintain professional websites, client gallery systems and so much more. We’re looking to give our clients the best experience possible. 

professional wedding photographer

Professional Photography Investment

A professional photographer that you hire is going to be committed to your project. If something happens on the day of your shoot, the photographer is contractually guaranteed to make sure the job is still done on time. An amateur photographer, on the other hand, might not be held by a contract and if something does happen, time and possibly money can go down the drain.

All of these reasons go back to quality. By paying for a professional photographer, you are paying for professional, quality photos of your business. At Erie Photography, we provide the absolute best quality in our photos and are willing to go well beyond to capture the beauty of your home or office. Click here to see some of our work and see what a professional photographer, like us, can do.

Communication and Reliability

Due to the importance of the photographer as pointed out above. The photographer needs to be a professional and not an amateur relative or friend. You need someone who has years of experience dealing with all the hiccups that come with the day. A professional will know how to communicate with the wedding party at where they need to be and when they need to be there without making the wedding party feel like they are in the way or not part of this big day. No amateur, no matter how good, will be able to maintain the distance and impartiality needed while still offering the intimacy/support needed and still get the shot.

Erie Photography has online guided planning forms and we are here every step of the way to assist you in making your Dream Wedding a Dream Experience.

Patience

You need to hire a professional that you, the couple, are comfortable with. Think about the amount of time you will be spending with this person on one of the most important days of your life. The professional photographer needs to be the best combination of experience and patience with understanding. They need to jive with your personality and be able to make your personality shine brightly on the wedding day. You need a professional that will remain calm with things that may go a different direction than originally planned for, someone who is flexible and goes with the flow of the day but yet keeps some structure in tack.

professional wedding photographer

Your Professional Wedding Photographer Provides More

On your wedding day, there is no person you will be spending more time with than your photographer from the getting ready shots to the departure. The one constant around you is the professional photographer that you have hired to catch every memory and every moment without being noticed. The photographer is the one who will notice the little details such as lipstick on the teeth or boutonnieres being put on upside down. They will let you know and help try to fix it. Even if you have a wedding planner they will not be your shadow all day but your photographer will. The photographer will be the one organizing the wedding party to go to where they need to be and keeping everyone calm when anxiety/emotions arise.

Need some help deciding How to Budget For the Best Professional Wedding Photographer

Ready to talk with a Professional Wedding Photographer?

We don’t charge to talk about your wedding day and we’re pretty friendly. We’d love to answer some of those tough questions you may have to help you decide who is going to capture your love story. 

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Other Services We Offer

Our team is available for your next project.

Erie Photography is a world-renowned production studio that offers a wide variety of photo and video services. We are proud to be the biggest photography studio in our region, and we can help you with your next project. We have been operating in Erie PA  or 12+ years, and we have a lot of experience in Photography & Videography Services We offer a wide variety of services, including photo shooting and video production. Check out our other Services for more information!

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Book Erie Photo & Video Services to Capture YOUR Unique Story. 

Erie Photography™

Erie Wedding & Event Services
Wedding Planning | Wedding Disc Jockey | Erie Wedding Photography | Wedding Photo Booth | Wedding Videography
1001 State Street, Erie, PA 16501
814-246-2149 | info@erie-pics.com | www.erie-pics.com

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Book Your Wedding Photographer in Erie Pa

Are you ready to talk to a real live wedding photographer? We can’t wait to talk to you about your love story and how we can help preserve it for you. 

See More Amazing Wedding Photography Tips & Tricks!

Erie Photography Services

Other Services We Offer

Our team is available for your next project.

Erie Photography is a world-renowned production studio that offers a wide variety of photo and video services. We are proud to be the biggest photography studio in our region, and we can help you with your next project. We have been operating in Erie PA  or 12+ years, and we have a lot of experience in Photography & Videography Services We offer a wide variety of services, including photo shooting and video production. Check out our other Services for more information!

Weddings

Wedding Photographers

Portraits

Senior Portraits Photography

Commercial

Business Branding Photography

Video

Wedding Videography

Photo Booths

Wedding Photo Booth Rentals

Book Erie Photo & Video Services to Capture YOUR Unique Story. 

Erie Photography™

Erie Wedding & Event Services
Wedding Planning | Wedding Disc Jockey | Erie Wedding Photography | Wedding Photo Booth | Wedding Videography
1001 State Street, Erie, PA 16501
814-246-2149 | info@erie-pics.com | www.erie-pics.com

What Are Bridal Portraits?

What Are Bridal Portraits?

If you’re only planning one day of photos in your dream dress—the wedding day—you’re missing out. Bridal portraits are a dry-run for the big day; they’re a wedding-day stress reducer, a reassuring run-through, and an excuse to wear your gown more than once. That’s why many brides favor this wedding tradition.

What Are Bridal Portraits? 

Bridal portraits are photos taken several months to weeks before the wedding where brides don their dresses for a solo photoshoot in a location of their choice. The bride can gift print portraits to her parents and spouse or even display them as décor at the reception.

This time in your life is essential to remember. “These portraits are a snapshot of you the year you got married. You are a powerful, beautiful woman, and when you look back in five, 10, or 30 years, it will be wonderful to see who you were and who you have become.”

bridal portraits
bridal portraits
bridal portraits

Why Take Bridal Portraits? 

Sure, bridal portraits are yet another add-on, but brides and photographers swear by them for several reasons. Even the most perfectly planned wedding can get a bit chaotic; since wedding-day bridal portraits are taken during those crunch-time moments. Just before leaving for the ceremony or right before the reception, during couple photos, relying solely on wedding-day bridal portraits may leave you feeling rushed and stressed out.

At the same time, individual bridal portraits give you the flexibility to have fun and be creative. One of Our favorite bridal portrait sessions would’ve never worked on a formal wedding day. “I like to throw in something fun at the end—like my last bride who bought a bundle of helium balloons for some fun and silly shots. The possibilities are endless.

While most brides in the south choose wedding-dress bridal portraits, Some of our brides opt for boudoir photos instead. “I ask them to bring two outfits they feel comfortable yet sexy in, with the last one being something wedding-related,” she says. “For example, my last bride brought along her cathedral veil.”

Whether it’s wedding-dress bridal portraits or boudoir, you can get a lot out of your photo session. Try printing your photos on canvases or make a photo book for your groom-to-be. You can even go old-school and print out small, wallet-sized photos so your spouse can take a sexy reminder of you wherever they go.

bridal portraits
bridal portraits
bridal portraits

Bridal Portrait Tips 

Just like your engagement photos and wedding day, perfecting the bridal portrait starts with feeling comfortable. As with any professional portraits, make sure you stay true to yourself. Your images will mean that much more to you. Professional makeup and lashes are great, and they do make a difference for the camera. If you’re a more natural girl, keep it simple. If you like to glam it up, go all out.

Many brides coordinate their hair and makeup trials with their bridal portrait sessions. This is a great way to see how your styling will look in photos. In some cases, you may want a touch more eyeshadow come wedding day. Or, you may realize your dream hairstyle is a bit too tight. After seeing your bridal portraits, you can ask for changes like looser curls or enhanced makeup ahead of your big day.

Beyond hair and makeup, it’s best to coordinate bridal portraits with your seamstress well ahead of time. Let them know your portrait date as soon as you have it so they can plan your alterations and fittings accordingly. This will ensure your dress is as flattering in bridal portraits as it is on the big day, plus it gives you the chance to solve any issues ahead of time (such as a stubborn zipper or busted button).

Ask your mom or maid of honor to join you for the session. Just like your wedding day, these bridal VIPs will help you fluff your dress, fix your hair, and keep you looking your absolute best.

bridal portraits

Where to Take Bridal Portraits 

Wedding days are nothing if not jam-packed, which gives you limited time and location options for scheduling your family, couple, and bridal party photos. With bridal portraits, though, it’s entirely up to you. If there’s a location you’ve been dreaming of, choose it. If you and your parents have a memorable childhood spot, such as docks along the lake, try that. Some brides also choose to have their portraits at their venue for consistency and sentiment.

In the end, it comes down to following your heart. It’s all based on your personality and the look you’re going for. We are accustomed to asking our brides what they love to do most, then suggesting locations that feature their personalities.”

bridal portraits

When to Take Bridal Portraits

One thing to keep in mind is the time of day. Just like engagement photos, you’ll want early morning or evening photos to capitalize on that golden-hour light. Both sunrise and sunset have unique effects. “Depending on your setting, soft light is best in the early morning, but if you want rich color and sun flares, that hour right before sunset is golden!

The most common timeframe for bridal portraits is roughly one to two months before the wedding. This is around when hair and makeup trials happen anyway, plus you’ve likely selected those wedding-day accessories like shoes and jewelry by then as well.

Logistically, book the portrait date with your wedding photographer well in advance to avoid any conflicts—especially if your wedding is in peak spring or summer wedding season. Many photographers offer bridal portraits as part of their wedding packages, especially in the south.

Ready to Schedule Your Bridal Portraits?

Our team has experience capturing brides during those key moments before the ceremony when their makeup, hair and emotions are fresh. Remember to book enough time with your photographer to capture those intimate moments before your ceremony. Bridal Portraits are a MUST HAVE.

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Erie Photography Services

Other Services We Offer

Our team is available for your next project.

Erie Photography is a world-renowned production studio that offers a wide variety of photo and video services. We are proud to be the biggest photography studio in our region, and we can help you with your next project. We have been operating in Erie PA  or 12+ years, and we have a lot of experience in Photography & Videography Services We offer a wide variety of services, including photo shooting and video production. Check out our other Services for more information!

Weddings

Wedding Photographers

Portraits

Senior Portraits Photography

Commercial

Business Branding Photography

Video

Wedding Videography

Photo Booths

Wedding Photo Booth Rentals

Book Erie Photo & Video Services to Capture YOUR Unique Story. 

Erie Photography™

Erie Wedding & Event Services
Wedding Planning | Wedding Disc Jockey | Erie Wedding Photography | Wedding Photo Booth | Wedding Videography
1001 State Street, Erie, PA 16501
814-246-2149 | info@erie-pics.com | www.erie-pics.com

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