Prepping for your wedding is no easy task….from selecting your vendors, picking out your dress, choosing your wedding party, planning your bachelorette/bachelor trips, determining your guest list and seating charts – okay I think you get it, the list is endless. But, as your wedding photographer, I will help guide you with any details that will affect your photos – and that includes selecting your perfect getting ready location.

I know that you don’t always have a say in where you are getting ready, whether that be because of budget, logistics, timing or any other reason, but if at all possible, I always recommend finding a getting ready location that is photogenic. What do I mean by this? Well, here are a few things I look for in a great getting ready location….

1. Lots of natural light! Not only is the natural light nice to have in general, but it is also GREAT for photos. It allows for natural, glowy-looking skin tones and avoids the need for your photographer to use artificial light such as a flash or the need to crank their ISO (a camera setting that allows light into the camera) which can result in grainy-looking images. And no, fluorescent ugly yellow light cannot take the place of natural light. I would actually rather turn every single light in the room off and use the natural light from one tiny window, than turn on fluorescent lights.
2. Pick a getting ready location with light colored walls. This may not be every photographers preference depending on their style of editing, but if you are hiring me, I’m pretty sure its because you like my clean, light and airy, bright edit, which is difficult to do if your getting ready location has dark brown walls…..you see where I’m going??
3. Try to find a location with minimal decorations or distractions on the walls. This piggy-backs off of my previous tip and is pretty self-explanatory, but the less distractions and ugly paintings and fixtures on the walls (whoops did I say that out loud? haha) the simpler and cleaner your images will appear and the more you will love them!
4. Find a location with plenty of space! I know you would never guess it when looking at my photos (which is the goal), but most getting ready locations are a disaster when I first walk in! From all the girls getting their hair and makeup done and everything that goes along with that like the makeup artists’ ring light, chair, makeup cases, blow dryers and curling irons to bridesmaid dresses, shoes and undergarments sprawled about the room to food and champaign bottles on the tables…..you see what I mean?….disaster. But, that is to be expected because after all, you are getting ready!!! But, with that said, make sure there is a little extra space off to the side that is decluttered and is a designated spot for your photographer to photograph bridal details and get the bride in her dress because the last thing you want is a curling iron or solo cup in the background of your getting ready photos!

Hopefully these tips were helpful for you, and if you are already a Savannah Michelle Photography bride, then you already know this and many other helpful wedding planning tips from my 75+ page bridal guide that you receive when you book with me! Enjoy!

XOXO, Savannah