"[47 Images] A Guide to Capture the Perfect Scene and Composition for Your Preparation Shots"

2021.04.02 published

Absolutely Must-Have Preparation Shots

On the day of the wedding, the process of the bride getting her hair and makeup done and completing her bridal look is referred to as "preparation."

Preparation shots are vivid wedding photos capturing the scenes leading up to the bride's complete look.

Since these can only be taken on the wedding day, they are definitely photos you want to have.

Be sure to include them in the "shooting instruction sheet" that you share with the photographer ♩

@wedding____25

However, when it comes to preparation shots, there are various scenes and compositions.

In this article, we will comprehensively introduce many preparation shots taken by senior brides.

Find the photos you would also like to replicate in the same scene and composition! ♡

Preparation Shot Pattern ① Items Before Getting Ready

Before capturing your own preparation scenes, start with shooting your accessories.

This is the only time you can take a photo of all the items you will wear on your wedding day, such as bridal accessories and shoes.

@yuri08225249

I want the photographer to take a stylish shot from above like this ♡

The design of each carefully chosen piece of jewelry will be clearly conveyed.

@little.h___

Shots taken at window sills or on tables. A composition that conveys the atmosphere of the bridal room is also lovely.

@sasami.tori

Don't forget to capture the wedding dress as well! ♡

@paru_urun

A shot with the wedding dress and colored dress side by side is also desirable.

@mikuajiro

Preparation Shot Pattern ② Applying Lipstick

A classic preparation shot, the scene of applying lipstick.

It’s popular to have this shot taken up close to capture the overall atmosphere of the makeup.

@bearwd1912

An overhead shot provides a fresh and rare perspective that gives off a sacred vibe ♡

@nishi_wd

A composition focusing on just the mouth, intentionally leaving out everything above the nose. It really conveys the immersive feeling.

Since opportunities to capture a close-up of your profile are rare, consider having a shot taken from the side as well.

@lva__wd

Capturing a scene of applying lipstick from behind. You can sense the atmosphere and excitement of the wedding morning.

@mi.8877

A chic shot of applying lipstick in front of a mirror is also stylish.

@mai_wedding0312

Preparation Shot Pattern ➂ Putting on Earrings

Next is another classic: putting on earrings.

This one features a composition shot from the side.

@milkwd1104

A shot taken from slightly above shows the hairstyle and face clearly, making it easy to understand the bride’s overall look for the day. ♡

@lva__wd

A shot of the bride smiling while putting on earrings ♡ You can feel the excitement emanating from this image.

It would be great to think about what expressions to capture during the preparation shots as well.

@aya0910.wedding

Snap a photo of the scene when putting on earrings through the mirror.

A shot through the mirror is a composition you definitely want at least once.

@yuih_wd

After putting on the earrings, don't forget to ask for a photo focused on the accessories. ♡

This is actually a shot that can be often overlooked.

Preparation Shot Pattern ④ Hair Styling

Capturing the scene of getting your hair styled.

This shot features you putting on a hair accessory.

@nagisa_marry

When taken from the side, the scene takes on a sacred atmosphere.

A shot through the mirror conveys the lively process of completing the bride's look with great authenticity.

@chiiiii0601

I want to capture the changes in expression during hair and makeup... ♡ Looking back at it will surely revive those emotions.

Once the hair styling is finished, make sure to capture a close-up photo that clearly shows the hairstyle and hair accessories ♩

@coco_wdng

A record photo capturing your hairstyle is often missed and regretted by many past brides.

It’s best to include it in your instruction sheet! ♡

@ayago.wedding.0216

Preparation Shot Pattern ⑤ Putting on the Veil

Once the hair styling is complete, it’s time to put on the wedding veil.

The bride’s look is finally coming together! ♡

@h_a3110san

A preparation shot of spreading the wedding veil in front of the mirror.

@mai_wedding0312

If you want a photo with your hairstylist, be sure to capture the moment when you are having the veil put on in a two-shot! ♡

@wakana180826

A romantic shot of you checking the veil you just put on.

@mi.wedding.tm

A composition of you gazing intently at your reflection with the veil on ♡

@chee__wd

Preparation Shot Pattern ⑥ Putting on Shoes

Capturing the moment you put on your destined pair of shoes.

Sitting while your fluffy dress envelops you, and delicately placing your hand on your feet is a classic pose. You’ll feel like Cinderella ♩

@yuri08225249

In the same scene of putting on bridal shoes, using a crossed leg pose gives a slightly more relaxed vibe.

@meme0206

Including surrounding scenery, like views from the window or within the bridal room, in the composition is also lovely.

If you want to record your bridal shoes, take a close-up of the hands putting on the shoes.

@wedding_ichi_hawaii

If the shoes have a design element on the heel, a composition where you hold them at the waist may also work well.

Preparation Shot Pattern ⑦ Putting on Gloves

The scene of putting on wedding gloves.

A composition shot from the front conveys the bride's sacred presence.

The moment of having gloves put on also carries a special feeling.

@a.and.k_170610_wedding

After wearing the gloves, snap an up-close shot of your hands. ♡

@little.h___

By the way, don’t forget to capture the bridal nails before putting on the gloves! ♩

@wedding____25

Preparation Shot Pattern ⑧ Full-Body Shot from Behind

Among all the preparation shots, you’ll want a full-body shot of the bride from behind.

Since most of the scenes will be close-ups, having one full-body photo would be great.

@rmmm0527wd

A photo like this allows you to reminisce about the atmosphere of the dresser or bridal room anytime.

The fluffiness of the dress’s skirt is wonderful ♡

If you're getting ready in a hotel room, a full-body photograph that conveys the room's atmosphere is essential.

Preparation Shot Pattern ⑧ Completion

The bridal look is complete! ♡

While you can take many photos during the photo shoot, be sure to get a shot of the freshly completed bridal look in the bridal room first.

@milkwd1104

A cute shot of you checking your bridal look in the mirror is also charming ♡

If you're having a first meet in the bridal room, I also want you to take photos with the groom right away! ♡

A two-shot through the mirror unique to the bridal room is very popular.

@3a3i_1008wd

A natural shot of the completed bride chatting with the groom conveys their closeness ♡

Let’s Capture Wonderful Preparation Shots!

Preparation shots are popular in wedding photography. With various scenes and compositions, it’s recommended to summarize the scenes you absolutely don’t want to miss in an instruction sheet ♡

Let’s get romantic and lively preparation shots that make your heart flutter every time you look back at them ♩

(Note that brides have limited time before the ceremony, so be careful not to be overly ambitious! ♡)

@misamisa24