As a wedding photographer, I know what a First Look is and how it works because I’m in the industry and shoot First Looks every single weekend.  But I’m beginning to realize that the concept of a First Look is kind of confusing and foreign to some of my clients.  Sure, they understand the big picture – that they will see each other and take photos before the ceremony – but they don’t quite understand the actual logistics of the First Look.  So I wanted to write a post that walked us through an actual First Look – what it looks like and how it evolves – as well as what happens immediately after the First Look and within that timeframe before the ceremony.  Please note, this is just detailing MY process… every photographer is different, so this may not look the same for everyone.

When it comes to choosing a location for the First Look, I am looking for a few things.  The First Look location should be somewhere private where my couple can share this intimate moment without any distractions.  It should also be well lit and give us enough space to move around you during the moment without being a distraction.  Generally, it is somewhere close to wherever the couple were getting ready, but sometimes we do the First Look at the reception venue or at a neutral location.  Either way, we’re looking for a location that allows us the ability to move around freely to document this moment, but also a location that is private so that they can express their emotions together without an audience.  Once the location is chosen, my second shooter and I will work together to set up your partner in the chosen location so that they won’t see you approaching.

Then, we bring you out and have you approach your partner from behind.  As you approach, I’ll tell your partner to turn around – and from there, the moment is completely yours!

We just click away as you hug, kiss, laugh, cry, twirl… we don’t say anything during this time.  It is yours.  We just document everything as it happens and let you savor this amazing moment together on your wedding day.

After a few minutes, my couples generally turn to me and ask “okay, what’s next?” and that’s when I know that it’s time to start posing you.  This is when we start portraits, which is the perfect time to do them since you’ll both still be so excited and happy from just seeing each other for the first time.  Posing comes so naturally during this part of the day because the couple is just glowing!

After about 30 minutes of portrait time together, the wedding party comes out to join us for photos.  Between me and my second shooter, we photograph all of the bride/bridesmaids, groom/groomsmen and entire wedding party photos during this time.  We budget at least 30 minutes for these photos, which gives us plenty of time and allows us to have fun along the way.

The last thing we do before tucking everyone away prior to the ceremony are family formals.  The bride + groom’s immediate family members (parents, siblings + grandparents) join us approximately 75 minutes before the ceremony.  Again, we’ve budgeted 30 minutes of time for these photos, so we’re able to take our time and make the photo experience as easy + painless as possible for everyone.

Once the family formals are done, everyone is tucked away before guests start arriving for the ceremony.  This gives you, your family, and your wedding party 45 minutes to freshen up, take a breather, sit down, grab some champagne, etc. before the ceremony begins.  And the best part?  All of the photos are DONE!!!  Everyone can go enjoy cocktail hour right after the ceremony!  So I hope this helps to explain how a First Look works and what the process looks like once the couple has seen each other.  It’s a fabulous way to ensure a stress-free wedding day.