In the world of wedding photography, the bride getting ready shot is just one of those standard snaps. If the bride is outfitted in a slip and crinoline or a bathrobe – or like me, in a bustier and sweatpants – the presence of the wedding photographer is not usually an issue.
But sometimes, particularly when your wedding photographer has that awesome ability to melt right into the walls, it’s easy to forget that there’s an outsider in the bridal chamber documenting every move you make. And then there are the brides who think nothing of disrobing in front of the wedding photographer.
I can’t imagine there aren’t brides-to-be out there who are feeling a little bit worried about those bride getting ready photos – maybe they’re wondering if the photographer will stay or whether it’s alright to ask him or her to leave the room while the transition between sweats and gown is made. My advice? Brides should do whatever makes them comfy.
You say you love the new boudoir photography style shots of the pre-wedding bride? If your photog is on board, then feel free to expose your unmentionables. Or maybe you’d rather he or she leave the room while you change, then stage some ‘pulling on the wedding dress’ shots. Cool, let your photog know the drill. Perhaps you’re leaning toward something in between these two extremes, or you don’t want any getting ready pictures at all. That’s okay, too!
Just let your wedding photographer know ahead of time what it is you want with regard to those getting ready shots – and maybe have it listed in your wedding photography contract, too – so you don’t end up like Sara Bostwick.
Sara Bostwick attempted to sue Christian Oth Studio after pictures were taken of her in a state of half undress by the wedding photographer.
The bride claims she instructed the photographer, Corlyn Monastra, to refrain from taking photos while she was getting dressed.
Long story short, the photographer did not refrain from taking pictures of the bride while she was getting dressed, and her half-clad image ended up in the online gallery that contained the rest of her wedding photos. Her suit was ultimately unsuccessful – a judge ruled that while the incident may have been embarrassing, no fraud was committed.
How awful! I do wish I’d had a written contract with my photog, but even so, they didn’t post any pics online showing me half-nude! I would think they’d at least have the courtesy to ASK before posting pics like that online!
I’m a little ashamed to admit that I didn’t have a proper contract with most of my vendors. I know better now, of course, but I’m lucky that nothing went wrong!