"Preparing for Pre-Shoot! A Complete Guide to Beautiful 'Hand Shots' in Japanese Traditional Attire"

2017.08.11 published

I Want to Take Wonderful Pre-Wedding Photos in Traditional Japanese Attire ♡

Brides who are considering pre-wedding photos in traditional attire, have you decided on the poses you'd like to do?

The white wedding kimono and colorful uchikake are special outfits that can only be worn during the bride's period.

Since it’s a valuable moment wrapped in bridal attire, you want to capture plenty of happy wedding photos with incredibly beautiful poses, right? ♩

@natsumi__wedding_

If You're Taking Pre-Wedding Photos in Traditional Attire, "Hand Shots" Are Essential ♡

That said, simply capturing full-body shots in traditional attire can end up looking repetitive. While full-body photos are important, having all of them be full-body shots can make the photos feel monotonous.

Therefore, a recommended photo-taking method is "hand shots" ♡

As the name suggests, hand shots focus only on the hands, and this style of photography is popular for its heartwarming and cute results＊

@a.and.k_170610_wedding

There are various ways to take hand shots, and this time I will introduce four popular styles! ♡

Hand Shot Pattern ① Holding Hands

The first style I will introduce is the classic holding hands shot ♡

Instead of tightly gripping each other's hands, gently resting your hand on your partner's hand creates a Japanese-style modest atmosphere, showcasing your nails beautifully in the hand shot ♡

@dog_mt050324

Of course, you may also want to take a photo with your usual way of holding hands＊ It's a wonderful capture that evokes the image of the natural smiles of the couple ♩

@Weddingaya617

Instead of holding hands, holding fingers and making the "pinky swear" pose is also cute ♡

While making the pinky swear, if you exchange promises, you’ll be able to remember those promises whenever you look at the photo ◎

@ma0408_wed

Hand Shot Pattern ② Red Thread

Next, I will introduce the red thread＊

The red thread is often associated with "LOVE" or "♡", but for traditional attire, it's recommended to pair it with "sakura mizuhiki" ♡

@aj.can

There were brides who hand-crafted the auspicious character for “long life” (寿) using red thread＊

The dots on the character forming a heart is lovely ♡

@chi_shio

Hand Shot Pattern ③ Rings

Hand shots featuring wedding rings or engagement rings are also recommended methods＊

Let’s take romantic wedding photos focusing on the rings that symbolize your eternal love ♩

The classic approach is for the bride to place her hand on the palm of the groom’s hand, and then to place the wedding ring on top of the bride’s palm＊

@jh0617.wd

A shot of the ring exchange is also one of the patterns you should capture＊

Let’s take two scenes: one where the groom puts the ring on the bride’s hand and another where the bride puts the ring on the groom’s hand ♩

@Weddingaya617

There are also brides who wear handmade origami rings instead of wedding rings＊

The combination of traditional attire and origami is fantastic ♡ You might also create rings using mizuhiki or decorative cords, which could look wonderful too ♩

@0513harumasa

Hand Shot Pattern ④ Yorisohi Amulet

Finally, I will introduce the "Yorisohi" amulet for marital harmony sold at Nogizaka Shrine in Roppongi, Tokyo＊

The amulet featuring the white wedding kimono and hakama is one of the essential items for traditional pre-wedding photos ♩

@dog_mt050324

It's recommended for the bride to hold the Yorisohi amulet while the groom gently wraps his hands around it ◎

@xxch_kexxwedding

If You're Taking Pre-Wedding Photos in Traditional Attire, Include Hand Shots in Your Instructions ♡

I’ve introduced four recommended methods for hand shots for brides considering pre-wedding photos in traditional attire＊

While hand shots do not show the entire traditional attire, the focus on shooting items is a delightful point for wedding photos ◎

@k_wedding_k

With the hands of the traditional attire peeking in, you can capture elegant photos ♩

Brides taking pre-wedding photos in traditional attire should definitely include "hand shots" in their instruction sheet to capture wonderful photos! ♡

@0610_wedding