FIRST LOOK WEDDING PHOTOS: WHAT ARE THEY? SHOULD YOU HAVE THEM?
One of the questions I get asked a lot as a photographer is whether couples should have first look wedding photos. They’re an American trend gaining popularity in the UK, New Zealand, and the world over - but what are they? Why might you have one? Well, that’s what your favourite wedding photographer (😜) Cushla is here to answer!
WHAT ARE FIRST LOOK WEDDING PHOTOS?
First things first! First look wedding photos are, as they say on the tin, photos taken of your ‘first look’ with your partner: a chance for you both to see each other on your wedding day before you see your guests. They usually involve you and your partner coming to the same place at the same time, without seeing the other in advance - and then, you can walk up to them to tap their shoulder and dazzle them with your brilliance!
WHY DO PEOPLE HAVE FIRST LOOK WEDDING PHOTOS?
Some people may have first look wedding photos to help combat any nerves and stress that they may feel about the ceremony (feelings which are totally normal to have, by the way). If you’re contemplating a first look the chances are you’re not getting ready with your partner on the morning of your wedding day, which means that you might not be getting ready with the person who calms you down best!
Here are some more resources while you decide whether or not you want to have a first look!
The First Look: Pros, Cons, and Photos We Love
Top 5 Reasons WHY You Should Do A First Look On Your Wedding Day
These Adorable Photos Make the Case for Having a First Look on Your Wedding Day
And even if you’re not feeling any nerves or stress, sometimes it’s nice to have a first look just to spend some time together. Wedding days can be wild, wild whirlwinds of emotions where time can run away with you, so having a couple shoot before your ceremony gives it a really nice, relaxing feel to allow you to enjoy your time with family and friends uninterrupted later on. It’s a moment where the two of you can feel totally connected, encouraging your genuine, authentic reaction, rather than a reaction that’s (subconsciously) inhibited by 100 beady eyes on you.
It also helps with your wedding day timeline if you’re having a winter wedding with less light. Shooting with natural light - which is at its best at golden hour, just before the sun sets - is the best for creative, relaxed documentary photography, but the sun setting earlier can make this really difficult to factor in. A first look allows this to happen during the day, before it gets dark, without scuppering the rest of your timelines (for a wedding timeline template including a first look, check out this blog I put together!)
SHOULD I HAVE FIRST LOOK WEDDING PHOTOS?
It sounds like a bit of a cop out answer, but it truly is up to you. If you want to have that moment all to yourselves (well, and me, but I won’t make a peep!), the first look is a great way to do that. Alternatively, if you like the idea of seeing each other for the first time at the aisle, you might be best off sticking with the more traditional method. Either way, it’s totally up to you!
