If you’re a wedding photographer (or even the wedding planner), chances are, you are the one conducting the first look! You have to make choices about where to set up the couple, give them direction… and maybe you’re wondering how you’re even supposed to do it, since you are essentially taking charge of this part of the day!

I’m going to share my top tips on how to conduct a first look from start to finish:

• Before I grab my couple, I choose the perfect spot. This often times happens earlier in the wedding day when I first arrive! With a first look spot, the first thing I’m looking for is a private, secluded area. I would prefer not to be anywhere near other people so that the moment can be private! The second thing I think about is lighting. First looks are tricky when it comes to lighting because it has to be good from TWO different directions! I don’t want any sun spots to be on either of their faces, so I try to find a spot that’s more shady for that reason and avoid shooting in the bright sun!
• Before we even go outside, I prep the bride and groom. I always tell my groom which way to turn towards (towards me) so that my second shooter can catch his initial reaction! I tell the both of them that the bride is going to walk up behind the groom, tap him on the shoulder, then they can take as MUCH time as they want to interact. When they are ready for portraits, they can turn to me and say “We’re ready!”
• After I’ve prepped my couple, I set up my groom FIRST in his spot. This makes it easy for the bride to walk up behind him without seeing her first!
• Then I grab my bride and have her wait a few feet out of frame. I tell her to wait until I’m ready and give her the go ahead! I get set up, get the thumbs up from my second shooter, then let her go see her groom.
• Once the couple is done (since I’ve given them the instruction!) they tell me when they are ready and feel free to interact as much as they want. This can be as short as 30 seconds or as long as 15 minutes!

If you’re trying to share the value in doing a first look to your brides, feel free to share my blog post on why they should consider a first look for their wedding!