Questions about "Getting Ready" photos

[Kissmark]

My photographer charges 300 dollars more for going to my hotel and take getting ready photos. Is it worth it? I dont have any bridesmaids, but I''ll pay for both my mom and I to get our hair and makeup done. So I am thinking maybe I will just have my dad there taking pictures of us getting ready. He''s not professional level but he likes photography, and I thought maybe it''ll be an initmate moment for the 3 of us. What do you guys thinks? Or will it be really stressful/emotional and better to get a professional photographer?

 

[zoebartlett]

Good question! I could go either way on this one, personally. When you get your album, do you think you''ll wish that there were photos included of you getting ready? Does it matter to you if the getting ready shots aren''t in the same style as your other photos (if your dad takes them vs. the photographer doing them)? Is that something you can picture already or are you considering it because it *has* to be done and everyone seems to be doing it these days?

I''ve noticed that the pre-ceremony pics are fiilled with a lot of detail shots, which I personally love (a close up of the detailing on a bride''s dress, her wedding jewelry, the dress hanging up in a window -- love this!). That would make me think about having the photos done pre-ceremony as well. However, if it was just photos of me putting on my dress and getting my hair and makeup done, I''d skip that and save the money. Does that make sense?

 

[labbielove]

I agree with Zoe, I''m bringing my sister to take photos of me getting makeup/hair done, because I want to make the most use of photographer''s time. I am having her come to my house about 1 hour before we leave to get a few "pre" photos of my sisters and I (and my dog!), and I do want her to get some detail shots of my dress, shoes, the invitation, etc.

I also want at least one photo of myself on the staircase of my house. It has a pretty stained glass window that I love.

If I would''ve gotten a photographer with unlimited time then maybe, but in my opinion it''s not worth the extra $.

 

[fabcrab]

Personally, getting ready shots were not very important to me. I think your dad taking the photos sound like a great idea.

 

[Tacori E-ring]

Date: 7/16/2007 9:54:19 PM
Author: fabcrab
Personally, getting ready shots were not very important to me. I think your dad taking the photos sound like a great idea.

I agree. Even the shots they did get are so far from my favorites I would save the $300 for the honeymoon.

 

[ponderer]

You have to go with your gut on this one. Do you really need the money for something else? If not, I say spend it on the pictures. They are the one thing that will last you a life time. Are you getting dressed at the hotel?

I had my photographer arrive at the church 1 hour before the ceremony. He took some pictures of the guys, formal and candid. Once the BMs and I were decent we let him in and he took pics of us putting on the finishing touches. Some were posed, like putting on lipstick and zipping me up. He took some close ups of my hands and flowers with my greatgrandmothers blue rosary. He also took some of my favorite candid photos at that time.

 

[akw94]

I think it depends on your financial situation. If the money isn''t an issue, then sure, why not! If you''re trying to save a bit, I wouldn''t spend the $300 and think having your dad take the pics will be just fine.
For us, we''re not having the photographer come during the get-ready stage b/c we only have him for 5 hours and I''d rather have more reception than more before ceremony pics.

 

[griffitk]

Are you getting a wedding album from your photographer? If so, I would probably want them to take the getting ready photos so they can be included in the "story" of the wedding day. If you''re just buying prints or digital negatives, I would be more inclined to have your dad take them. It''s up to you!

 

[risingsun]

The pre-wedding photos we had done were some of my favorites! They didn't show us getting hair done and such, but had groupings of bride/attendants and groom/groomsmen in wonderful settings. They helped tell our weddingl story. DH and I were just looking at them last night

 

[Jaders731]

I would have to say that the getting ready shots were some of my faves as well.. there are sooo many that capture the emotion I was feeling that day.. all before the ceremony... Its nice to look back and see the process.. without the pictures, some of the details are a little fuzzy.. and honestly.. getting readys is part of the story...

Maybe it would be more worth while if you could negotiate with your photog to spend some time with you.. and some time with your Fi getting ready, so that you will have both sides of the story.. and it wont feel like you just spend $300 bucks on some photos of you stepping into a dress...

All in all.. its up to you.. but it is always nice to get a different perspective.. and I have to say.. I just adore all those pre-ceremony pictures!!

hope that helps!