By Lei Lydle Founder and Editor Last Updated: 11/13/2005 9:59:19 PM

Almost all brides fret over where they should have their bridal shots taken for their bridal portrait. But, just relax! I have heard of brides taking pictures in churches, historic houses, in a field of springtime flowers, on a horse - you name it, your photographer has probably done it!

Although I am a recent bride, I am not an expert on bridal portraits so I asked a reputable photographer to give his advice on everything that a bride would want to know. Following is the advice given by Jerrod Brown of Jerrod Brown Photography in Birmingham, Alabama.

"First, I usually talk with my bride about the look and the kind of photos that she wants... Does she want something very traditional and conservative, or is she looking for photos with a more artistic and cutting contemporary look? Based upon this information, I ask the bride to suggest what her ideal place to have the photos made would be. I also try to make suggestions myself, that way we can plan the shoot together to make it work for her..."

"For more traditional looking photographs, I often decide to use a church, an older home, or shoot them in the studio with props such as Victorian furniture. For the more artistic shots, just about anywhere can be a valid location; in an old warehouse or abandoned structure, a wheat field, an orchard, a boat or an antique car; anywhere that can achieve a creative and artistic feel to the photo."

"As for the lighting situations, both indoor and outdoor settings work great. Sometimes, I use light from a nearby window, or use ambient (existing light) that is put off from lamps or other indoor lighting... I can also supplement that lighting with on-camera flash units, or strobes (studio lighting). In other cases, I can totally change the look of the scene with studio lights and light modifiying equipment."

"For outdoor lighting, I try to work at a time of day when the sun is not at it's most intense. Mornings and afternoons are the best, because the sunlight is not as harsh, and the light is more flattering to the bride, and the shadows are not as heavy. Also, the temperature at these times is a lot more temperate than other times of the day. I often try to find an open shaded area, where the subject is not in direct sunlight. In these conditions, I always use some sort of fill reflector, or a fill flash to fill in any shadow that is too heavy, and also to lighten the facial features of the subject."

The church where the wedding will be held is always very popular among brides. Also, a church that is meaningful to you and your family is very common. Some brides choose to go to their photographer's studio and have a backdrop for a simpler photograph.

Keep in mind that you will need your dress, veil and other accessories available for the photo shoot. All alterations must be done prior to the day you choose. Make sure you have arranged with your photographer a good time for the both of you. Then call your hair salon and make-up artist to schedule a time to have your hair and make-up done before you arrive for the shoot. And remember… HAVE FUN!!

Related Articles

		The Bridal Portrait - by Lei Lydle

Photo Source: © Jerrod Brown Photography, Birmingham, Alabama

Comments (0)

Submit Comments...