Nashville weddings

JHenderson Studios Helps Us Get Smart: What is a Bridal Portrait Session? Is It A Good Idea for You?

Tuesday, May 1, 2012

Because every couple is different from the last, JHenderson Studios doesn’t limit you to specific sessions, but instead allows you to customize your own packages based on what you want! One of those session that JHenderson offers is a bridal portrait session. Bridal portraits are a southern tradition and these sessions add to those special memories. Not familar with bridal portraits? We asked Jenna to tell us all about bridal portraits and how they can complement your wedding package.  

What is a bridal portrait photogrphy session?

JHenderson Studios: A bridal portrait is a photograph of a bride wearing her wedding gown that was taken prior to the wedding in a separate photo session. Traditionally, the photograph is enlarged and framed and put on display at the wedding reception.

From your experience, how common is it for a bride to have a portrait done?

JHenderson Studios: It's a tradition that is becoming less and less popular. Sometimes, when clients plan a bridal portrait, it is at the request of their mothers!

What purpose does a bridal portrait serve?

JHenderson Studios: Traditionally, bridal portraits were used as wedding announcements in the local newspapers (announcing the newly married couple), but engagement photos and/or a photo of the bride and groom are more common photography sessions today.  Bridal sessions give brides an opportunity to have a formal portrait of themselves in their wedding gown, without the rush and hustle of a wedding day.

When should a bride have her bridal portrait taken in regards to her wedding timeline?

JHenderson Studios: Several factors can determine when bridal sessions are scheduled. If you've ordered your dress, you need to make sure you allow plenty of time for it to come in and alterations to be made. If you're planning on having a photo on display at the wedding reception, you need to communicate with your photographer and make sure you have plenty of time to choose and order a print or canvas and have it framed prior to the wedding. Usually, my clients will schedule their session 1 to 2 months before their wedding.

What are some ways a bride can prepare for her bridal portrait? Do you recommend this being a trial run for her hair and make-up?

JHenderson Studios: The first step for a bridal portrait is the location. I suggest my clients think of somewhere other than their wedding venue that might be significant to them...perhaps the campus of the college they attended, or the church in which their parents were married. It's also important to make a plan for hair and make-up; a bridal session provides an excellent opportunity for a trial run. Brides often overlook getting a bouquet for their session, but having flowers can really pull it all together.

What about the wedding dress? How is it kept clean and new when the bridal portrait is being taken?

JHenderson Studios: Of course, we want to keep them as clean as possible, but it doesn't always require that the dress never touch the ground. I've had clients bring sheets to keep underneath their dress, and if you're going out in the middle of a field on a farm, this might be helpful, but if you're staying indoors, it's unnecessary and can slow your session down. Sometimes, dresses do get a little dirty, but typically it's only the underneath edges, which will never really show up in pictures or on the wedding day, and it can always be cleaned prior to your wedding. The best thing to do to keep your dress clean is to pick it up when you walk, and be sure your hands are clean.

What are some fun things you’re seeing brides do in their bridal portraits?

JHenderson Studios: I've had a handful of clients who elected to have their bridal session after the wedding. This gives us so much more freedom, because we don't have the worry of keeping the dress clean!

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send   Posted on May 1, 2012 | Filed under: Advice & Planning, Photography