First Looks: What Photographers Need to Know About This Wedding Trend
First look photos has been one of the fastest rising wedding trends. Let’s look at some of the reasons why it is so popular and discuss some of the pros and cons.
A first look has been one of the fastest rising wedding trends in the past decade or so. Let’s look at some of the reasons why a first look has become so popular and discuss some of the pros and cons, so you can give your couples a better idea of what's best for their wedding day.
What Is a First Look?
Traditionally and historically, couples would see each other for the first time on the wedding day during the walk down the aisle. A first look on the other hand, is a moment and a photo opportunity for the wedding photographer before the ceremony — when the couple sees each other in full attire for the first time.
This usually happens about an hour or two before the ceremony, depending on the size of the family and wedding party. It is very often followed by a few wedding portraits along with formal group shots with the wedding party and family.
Why Are First Looks Popular?
The short answer is, it is because of digital photography. We don’t have to go back more than 20 years to be in an era where most weddings were shot on film. Film wedding photography is a slower process than digital because a roll of film only has 36 frames and then you have to reload. Wedding photographers also only shot around 15 rolls in a day because the film itself and developing were and still are expensive.
Because they were working with a finite amount of pictures, photographers had to be more selective and rigid in the way they captured weddings. It made sense to take all the wedding portraits, wedding party photos, and family pictures after the ceremony to take advantage of similar lighting and not waste film. A memory card costs about the same as a roll of film, and can take thousands of pictures every single day. This opened up a world of spontaneity, candid wedding, photography, and experimentation, which then led to more experimentation with wedding day timelines and the first look was born.
So, What Are the Benefits to Having a First Look?
The first one is that you, the photographer, can push the wedding day timeline to have all the must-have photos and portraits done before the ceremony. As the couple will have already seen each other, you can knock out all of the family and wedding party shots in the last hour or two before the ceremony. You can also offer them a short sunset session just for the two of them so that they'll receive a few wedding portrait options to choose from in the final gallery.
The second pro on this list is the photo op. A first look is a photo op in and of itself. The entire range of human emotions can be seen in just a few seconds. That makes for a great set of images in a wedding gallery as well as in a wedding photographer's portfolio.
A first look has a cinematic storytelling element, it is set up and candid at the same time. If you consider yourself a storyteller, then pitching a first look to your couples makes a lot of sense.
The last one is all about winter weddings. When sunset is around 5PM and the ceremony is in the afternoon — a first look guarantees that you will get the formal photos done in natural light. Most winter brides want photos out in the snow when available and having a first look makes that more viable.
And What About the Cons?
It is a break from tradition. Traditional people in the couples' inner circle might say a thing or two if they have a first look. It may not be a good idea to push your clients toward it if you feel that it may turn the day sour for the couple.
Some brides and grooms worry the walk down the aisle won’t feel as good or authentic. When we look at responses to first look questions in wedding related Facebook groups or on Reddit it tends to not be the case, but it is a valid reason not to have one nonetheless.
It means an earlier wake up and prep start. With a first look — hair, makeup, and the couple should be ready at least 90-120 minutes before the ceremony. That means waking up and getting ready at least 3 hours earlier, to allow some buffer time. If you’re doing a morning or noon ceremony, or if you just aren’t a morning person — you can see how this might be a problem.
You will have an earlier and more hectic start to your day. Typically, on a 10-hour wedding day, photographers spend about 3 hours taking prep photos with the rest being dedicated to the ceremony and reception. With a first look, you'll almost always have to start earlier as there are more photos to get through before the ceremony. It is usually also a bit more stressful during the pre-ceremony photos. But once the ceremony is over, you're usually cruising with very few stressful moments left to capture.
What Are the Best Spots for a First Look?
Pick a spot that’s secluded enough for the couple to have a moment but allows their immediate family and friends to watch from a distance. It makes for amazing pictures. Walkways are great too, as they allow you to capture the lead-up, preferably over one partner’s shoulder or right past them.
About the Author:
Kari Bjorn is a talented travel photographer and visual storyteller with a deep-rooted passion for exploring the world. With a background that blends creativity and technical skill, Kari delivers sincere storytelling, and dynamic party snaps. His work is highly regarded for its creativity and emotional depth.