Category: Photography

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How to Look Beautiful in Wedding Photographs

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Your wedding day is your day to shine…and your wedding photographs should capture your radiance, joy and beauty to perfection. However, now and then, women find themselves disappointed with their wedding pictures, which just don’t seem to flatter as they should. Often, “bad” wedding pictures are the result of improper makeup techniques, the wrong angles, and non-professional photography.

By knowing what to avoid, you’ll have more control over the final product. Whether you’re using a professional wedding photographer (this is recommended) or relying on friends and family to commemorate your special day, you will increase your chances of perfect wedding photographs by following these helpful guidelines…

Know Your Best Angles

bridal dress

Every woman, whether she is voluptuous and Rubenesque or delicate and waifish, will have certain angles that are naturally flattering to her unique natural beauty. To find out your best angles, go through old pictures and select the shots you love and hate – then, look for the angles that do – and don’t – work for you. If you get great shots when your body is turned a certain way, or your head is tilted slightly upwards or downwards, use these poses when your wedding photographer is taking pictures.

Models and actresses always know their best angles – to get more ideas about successful angles and poses, look at red carpet photos from events like the Oscars or Golden Globes – you’ll notice that female celebs often pose carefully (one hip thrust outward, one leg forward) to ensure that their pics are ultra-flattering. Don’t be afraid to practice posing in your white wedding dress – have a friend take some preliminary snaps to test great angles. It may feel silly, but remember – at your wedding, you are the star of the show, and all eyes will be upon you. It’s perfectly ok to practice posing and whatnot as you prepare for your wedding day!

Professional Makeup Tips for Better Wedding Photos

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Experienced makeup artists know all of the tricks of the trade, and they always understand how makeup needs to be applied for the camera. Today, many makeup artists rely on high-def makeup powders and bases to get their client’s complexions looking flawless for glamour photography.

While you may not need these pricey HD cosmetics, you will need to consider the way your makeup “reacts” with the camera’s lens. Basically, the photographer’s lights will drain you, and his or her camera flashes will wash you out – to counteract these influences, use stronger makeup that you would for everyday, or even for a night of clubbing.

You need a good-quality base foundation, lots of powder to create a smooth matte effect, and good definition of eyebrows, eyes, cheekbones, jawline, and lips. While “contour” makeup is definitely out of date, makeup designed for the camera will refine the features in a subtle way. For example, many makeup artists use a darker shade of foundation under the chin to create the illusion of a leaner jawline.

For your wedding photos, you really need a full face of makeup – it’s actually the only way to get a “Hollywood” look – that’s why Hollywood actors and actresses are consistently powdered down by makeup crews between shots. If you hate wearing makeup, consider a light application for your ceremony and reception – then, book a private sitting with your groom (and wedding party, if you like) for some proper glamour photos. At this photo shoot, get your makeup done professionally for the best effect. This way, you can avoid wearing a lot of paint on your big day, and still have a set of great wedding pics that’s you’ll always treasure.

Pale skin needs contrast – ivory complexions will look best with reddish-brown, magenta, or plum lips and cheeks. Golden complexions are warmer, and they don’t need as much contrast – they will be flattered by soft coral pinks, bronzes, and baby pinks. Again, look at celebrity makeup – what works for porcelain skinned actresses, such as January Jones and Evan Rachel Wood, will not work for gorgeous olive or dark-skinned ladies, such as J-lo and Jennifer Hudson.

Hiring a makeup artist who will instinctively know the best makeup shades, finishes and techniques for you may be a worthwhile investment. If you’d rather do your own makeup, invest in some high-quality cosmetics that are known to be popular with professional makeup artists and film crews – MAC, Smashbox, Laura Mercier and Bobbi Brown all produce high-end products that actually get results. If you can’t afford such expensive cosmetics, use cheaper drugstore versions, such as Cover Girl or Revlon – you may need to apply more of these products as they are often less pigmented.

Best for Bride is Here to Help

When it comes to planning a wedding, you need capable helpers who offer years of experience and skill…after all, your special day should be one of the happiest days of your life, and the buildup to your wedding should not be stressful or difficult. While choosing the right wedding makeup is important, it’s just one facet of creating the ideal wedding look; to make it all come together at your nuptials, you also need perfect wedding dresses, cheap bridesmaid dresses, and help with wedding invitations, wedding flowers, and more…

Our team of caring specialists are there to help you put together all of the pieces of the puzzle. When you work with Best for Bride, you’ll be treated kindly, respectfully, and fairly. Your happiness as a bride is important to us, and so is the general success of your wedding. Put yourself in our capable hands – let us show you the right plus-size wedding dresses, wedding decor ideas, and wedding cakes. Then, you’ll be ready to relax and enjoy this special time in your life.

Happy Holidays From Best for Bride!

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How To Plan An Outdoor Wedding

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Do you want to get married surrounded by nature in all of its glory? If you do, you’re not alone. Many women enjoy planning outdoor weddings that take advantage of spring and summer’s balmy beauty.

Whether you’re considering a casual beach wedding or an outdoor wedding festival with all of the bells and whistles, we can help you to prepare properly and get the results you want.

Here are some tips and tricks for planning the ideal outdoor wedding celebration:

Have A Plan B

Mother Nature is unpredictable – you’ll need a Plan B to make things work at your wedding. If you’re planning an outdoor ceremony or reception, you must make sure all of your wedding flowers, decor, and seating can be moved inside quickly. Lightweight chairs, trellises, and floral arrangements will be the best choices for an outdoor wedding.

Make sure the building you choose for your Plan B is comfortable, clean, and prepared for the event. Without a Plan B, you may be subjected to sudden downpours or gusts of wind that will ruin your white wedding dress and your wedding photos. An onset of bad weather will cause your guests, who are also dressed for a special occasion, to feel uncomfortable – and cold. No matter what the weather forecasts predict for your wedding day, be certain to have a backup plan.

A pretty indoor powder room is a must – this room should have optional heat and be well-stocked with decorative soaps, lotions, and a good, well-lit mirror. The comfort of your wedding guests should be priority one, no matter where you are.

Find The Right Wedding Photographer

Many photographers are versatile – however, you should definitely look for a photographic artist that specializes in working outdoors. To get wedding photos you’ll treasure forever, explain to a photographer exactly where the wedding will take place – also let them know your backup plan, and what type of lighting will be available indoors. Look at sample photos – does the photographer create the poignant, dreamy feel you want for your wedding photos. Pictures should be crisp, vibrant, but still romantic. Your bridal dress and bridal jewelry should be in the spotlight.

The skill of your photographer will have a great impact on whether or not you enjoy looking at your outdoor wedding photos. Ask a potential wedding photographer what tools and tricks he or she will use to get perfect results. Shop around and be sure to take any advice about doing your hair and makeup to get premium results while posing outside in your wedding gown.

You may want to find some nice props – such as a vintage garden bench or trellises. Your photographer may have some props he or she can bring along to get a variety of fun effects. Ask the wedding photographer to experiment with different backdrops that expose the beauty of your chosen locale.

Create an Atmosphere

Are you planning a wedding at a resort in the mountains? Time your ceremony to take advantage of the splendor that is all around you. There will be peak times each day (such as late afternoon or sunset) when the background will be at its most stunning. If you’re at the beach, consider the tides and plan accordingly. Once you’ve set a time for your wedding, add some fun elements to your wedding decor.

Wedding flowers that echo that environment should be chosen – wildflowers will work well for fields, parks, and mountain areas. Classic roses will be ideal for an ornamental garden or manicured park. If you’re in the country, rustic wooden chairs may work well for guest seating – daisies and grosgrain ribbons can be tied on for a touch of homespun beauty. Creating a mood and a special atmosphere can be easy when you know exactly what sort of ambiance you want to create.

Choose The Menu Carefully

wedding cake

When dining outdoors, certain foods and beverages can amp up the mood. Roasting meats will smell heavenly, and they are always easy to prepare outside. Side dishes can be served family-style at each table or stored in chafing dishes, buffet style. Fresh salads with homemade vinaigrette will add lightness to a heavier meat entree – these two dishes will give a menu proper balance.

Crisp, white wine, and cold champagne can be lovely on a warm spring or summer day. Seafood can spoil easily, as can side dishes with eggs or mayonnaise. Consider your refrigeration needs when you decide on a menu – the last thing you want is guests becoming ill from food spoilage. To make things pretty, line up picnic tables and cover them in white table linens – add good flatware and glasses, as well as floral centerpieces. You must still create a luxurious feel, even if your wedding feast is an old-fashioned barbecue.

Add spring or summer beauty to wedding cakes by choosing styles adorned with bright, cheerful flowers…

With these tips, you can begin to plan an exciting and memorable outdoor wedding. Once you’ve found a bridal boutique and chosen bridal rings and wedding dress, you can use their style and details to decide on the right mood and atmosphere for your outdoor wedding. Wedding dresses and wedding veils should be chosen with the climate and background in mind.  Your bridesmaids dresses should also be comfortable and appropriate for the time of year and expected temperature.

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Wedding Day Scheduling Timing and Logistics

One of the most important areas in which couples planning their weddings usually need advice is with respect to the day’s schedule, especially as it relates to the Wedding Photography.  After all, most of them have never been married before.  Your wedding day is akin to one day on a movie shoot – and as complex.  So, a properly planned day means less stress, as well as the ability and flexibility to deal with the unexpected.  As the Wedding Photographer, regardless of what is happening, I will always shoot whatever is available (working under pressure and unideal circumstances is the job of any useful Wedding Photographer).  But, as with other things, good Wedding Pictures benefit from a relaxed bride who does not feel rushed.  As I say, “Happy Bride, Happy Day”.

Even under the best of circumstances it is a challenging day for the bride and groom:  (a) They have probably not had a very good night’s sleep, heading into probably the most eventful day of their lives (which runs 14-20 hours); (b) They are making the biggest commitment of their lives (which hopefully entails no doubt whatsoever :-)  ); (c) They are juggling the egos, insecurities and relationships within and between their families; (d) They are praying for the weather to hold up; (e) Hopefully they have delegated the myriad tasks throughout the day to reliable and capable people, otherwise they find themselves constantly having to be involved in areas they shouldn’t have to worry about; (f) I could keep going here, but you get the idea…

The point is, you can and should have fun on your wedding day.  Good planning will go a long way to making that possible.  Time allocation is critical to two parts of the day: (1) Bride’s Hair and Make-up (with the bridesmaids often in tow).  It is well worth making the appointment earlier because I can’t tell you how often the bride is rushing to put on the dress in time to get some pictures taken and then to head off for the ceremony.  Hair and Make-up can easily take longer than expected – regardless of what they tell you.  Besides, you’re probably going to be up early in the morning anyway, so you might as well get down to business.  If you are ready ahead of time you can relax.  You don’t want to be rushed and stressed out when the day has barely begun. (2) Pictures (Family, Wedding Party, Couple).

How much time should be allotted for between the end of the ceremony to the time the wedded couple must appear at the reception?  Depends.  Here are some questions that must be answered before you can come up with a number:

  • How much mingling time is there going to be right after the ceremony?
  • Is there going to be a receiving line right after the ceremony?  If so, how many guests?  If you have 200 people it will take at least 45 minutes.
  • Where are the pictures going to be taken, at the ceremony location or at a park?  If the latter, how far away is the park?
  • For Family Pictures are all the family members going to be driving to the park?  That can take time and some people end up taking forever to get there.  Additionally, the size of the families (or more accurately, those who are going to be in the pictures) affects how much time is required.
  • Is there a Videographer?  If so, additional time will be required.
  • Depending on the time when the post-ceremony pictures begin, how much quality light is going to be available once we get to photographing the newly married couple (can anyone say, ‘most important pictures’).  If it’s a bright day, there is more leeway with light, but you can’t count on that.  Also, what looks like ‘enough’ light to you, may not be great from the photographer’s perspective.

Here is a typical Wedding Day scenario: Ceremony starts at 3pm.  Finishes at 3:45.  15 minutes of mingling.  Family Pix taken at the ceremony site – average sized family – 30 minutes.  Couple and Wedding Party drive to the park.  Including travel time and walking into the park, pictures commence 30 minutes later.  Wedding Party Pix – 30 minutes. Couple Pix – 45 minutes.  Drive to Reception Hall – 20 minutes.  Arrive at Hall at between 6:30 to 6:45.  Total time from end of the ceremony to arriving at the reception – about 3 hours.

Possible issues: (1) The Couple do no get to enjoy cocktails with their guests before dinner; (2) If there is a Receiving Line then the post-ceremony activities will be rushed and/or dinner will need to be pushed to 7:30; (3) If it’s a darkish day, there might not be very good light for the Couple Shots if they are done last (which is usually the case); (4) If the Family Photos are taken at the park there may be some delays if everyone doesn’t arrive at the park on time; (5) If there is a Wedding Videographer you can add 30-45 minutes to the schedule, which, like the Receiving Line, puts pressure on the schedule.

Conclusion: With dinner usually being served at 7pm, this schedule works fine, though there isn’t that much room for maneuvering.  In this case, there would be more flexibility, and less stress, if the ceremony began at 2pm or 2:30pm.  If there is a Videographer and a Receiving Line, then the Ceremony should not begin later than 2pm, preferably earlier.

If everything is happening in one location, you can cut about 45-60 minutes from the above scenario.  In this case, you wouldn’t have to worry about lighting for photography (unless it’s raining of course), and the couple would be finished in time to either spend some cocktail time with guests and/or to have a rest before the Reception.  In this scenario, keeping the Ceremony starting time at 3pm is a good idea because if you have it too early then your guests will be waiting around too long for the Reception to begin.

For the uninitiated, it’s easy just to accept what you’re told and given by the various vendors, but generally speaking they are only concerned with their own domains.  So, for example, you may have your heart set on the church or venue where your ceremony will take place but if they tell you that the space is not available until 4pm, then, as you can tell from the above scenario, you will be limited with respect to the rest of your day.  Does that mean you can’t use that venue?  Not at all.  It simply means adjustments may have to be made to plan (eg) Maybe the Couple do their photographs before the ceremony.

As a Wedding Photographer, my responsibility is to get the shots no matter what – and I do.  But experience has revealed to me that when the logistics are solid then the day runs smoother, the bride and groom are happier – and the pictures are better.

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Are You Ready to Trash Your Bridal Dress?

The Daring Darling BrideYes. More brides are thrashing their wedding dresses for non-traditional and action packed wedding photography. Imagine being underwater in a forest stream with your groom. The photographer, also underwater, catches the moment – billowing white silky sheath of your bridal dress silhouettes your body in the mysterious depths, highlighted by a beam of sunlight above. Mind blowing, isn’t it?

The photograph is taken from below the couple to show the upward movement towards the sunlight; the underwater scene gives a very other-worldly and artistic effect perfect for wedding photo album your children will enjoy in the future. But are you ready for the adventure that might ruin, stain, and tear your bridal dress?

If the idea is appealing than the usual ritual of group pictures, then go for it. By agreeing to your groom’s proposal for exotic photography, you are ready for anything that might happen to your wedding dress because there is no guarantee that your bridal dress will remain in pristine condition after a romp on the sand or running in the railway station. Anyway, the photographs will more than justify the trashing of the wedding gown.

The Best Trash the Bridal Dress Sites

These tips can provide more ideas an exciting and fun photography session:

* Select from the rural, urban, or water themes for your trash the dress sessions.
* Look around the neighborhood; the park or an old junkyard can provide the stage without having to get out of town for a special shot after the wedding.
* If you want a sentimental touch, and if it is the right time, you can have your shoots in apple orchards or in a cornfield.
* A haunting photo session in an abandoned house may not appeal to others but it jacks up the photojournalistic appeal of the pictures.
* The wharf is another spot for a perfect sunset photo op.
* An empty university grounds where the couple have studied can also be a meaningful backdrop. If it won’t be against school policy, get permission to have your pictures along the hallway, where there is a heavy traffic of students.
* A night shoot at the beach under a canopy of stars adds romance to the pictures.

Here are tips to help you along while trashing your bridal gown:

* Before the shoot, check your make-up.
* Don’t worry about your hair.
* Don’t be conscious of the photographer.
* Just do what you are supposed do and love every minute of it.

Trash the bridal dress photo sessions are not about literally trashing the wedding gown but a new way of photographing the bride and groom wearing their wedding finery in non-traditional and unusual settings -but the pictures always capture the radiance of love surrounding them, which makes the pictures truly appealing.

This is what counts in the new wedding photos. As for your bridal dress, you can donate it to charity or send it to the cleaners. You will not need it anymore once you have the dress forever preserved in amazing wedding pictures.

Choose your bridal dress, wedding favours, and sample tasty wedding cakes from BestForBrides.