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How to Set Up an Unforgettable First Look Wedding Photo

How to Set Up an Unforgettable First Look Wedding Photo

As a wedding photographer with over a decade of wedding photography experience, I’ve learned a thing or two when it comes to setting up a couples first look wedding photo. Of course, we want to keep moments like these as organic as possible, but as a photographer of intentional moments, everything I do has purpose.

Curating an environment for the perfect first look wedding photo is an art in itself for a photographer to set up. Today, I’m sharing with you my top 5 tips to set up an unforgettable first look (without being fake!) You can keep a moment authentic while still going into it with a plan. ;)

Psst while we’re at it! If you need a wedding photographer to capture your own BIG moments – look no further. Contact me today!

Bellagio wedding photographer captures over the shoulder of two brides getting set up for their first look

1. Choosing the location matters

Many factors can play a part in WHY a specific spot is chosen for such an important moment. We try to pick a spot that has clean shaded light, is as private and as quiet as possible. Depending on your venue, we may need to sacrifice one of these things. But we will always try to check off the entire list.

first look wedding photo building anticipation looking over brides shoulder to other bride waiting with back turned
first look between two brides over the shoulder crying

2. Your First Look wedding photo should always reflect YOU

We give a little spiel to help you feel confident in how the moment is going to go down. Giving you a chance to ask questions if you’re nervous. If it’s a first look with a shoulder tap, we let both parties know what we need them to do. If we need to pause a few steps back for a proper dress fluff, we let them know ahead of time that we might need a sec to do that and get back into position. From there, the moment unfolds itself. We don’t tell you how to react or how to feel in this moment. You can laugh, cry, kiss, hug, whatever feels natural to you.

first look wedding photo between two brides at the patio of the bellagio in Las Vegas wedding photographer

3. We want to ensure that your documentation team is ready

The planning involved simply supports this. If you have a videographer, they might need to mic someone up to capture clear audio for your film. We also like to ask anyone else to step away to allow the moment to be as private as possible. How often on your wedding day does it get to just be you? (Well, and your photo/video team)

Each photo in this post features a peek at Kaleigh & Kathryn’s first look from their wedding in Las Vegas.

two brides standing outside crying tears of joy after first look wedding photo

4. Allow yourself to feel spontaneous

We don’t set any expectations on you, we just want to create a space where you can be genuine. We’re simply ready to anticipate what might happen as the moment as it unfolds. The planning leading up to this moment is to help ensure the best photos/videos for you to view later. Being yourself ensures that your ending gallery has photos that reflect how you two interact with one another, “this is so US!” is the goal.

two brides holding hands laughing on wedding day

5. Most importantly: Savor the moment!

Don’t rush through it – really let it linger. It can be easy to feel like you’ve checked it off your list and want to move onto the next thing, the formal photos, the big family list, etc. But we’re carving out this time specifically for you to take a breath TOGETHER. Soak it up. Take all the time you need.

Looking for a photographer to capture your most important moments like a first look wedding photo? Contact me today!