When Today’s Bride does a fashion shoot, we have some specifics that ensure we get pictures with energy and style. And we have the advantage of working with Canada’s top models. We asked Nancy Stefanovic of Calico Cat Productions how she gets professional results when she’s working with bridal couples who, of course, are not professional models.
Nancy said, “It helps if the bridal couple has a session with their photographer before the big day. We recommend having an engagement shoot. This way they will get comfortable with the photographer’s style and the photographer will be able to spot any problems well ahead of time.”
We talked about how to manage the bouquet to get the most effective pictures and agreed that there is a tendency for brides to clutch the bouquet at the waist, which can show tension. It is far more graceful to hold the bouquet much lower – well below the waist. This delivers a more flattering image of arms and waist.
Brides should also take note of this as they prepare to walk down the aisle.
Nancy says that the angle of the body when a bride is being shot matters. For instance, when standing, turn slightly to one side. When seated, keep knees together with legs to the side, creating an S shape.
Coaxing a natural smile is difficult, even when working with experienced models. Nancy says, “The photographer can say something silly – or give a sudden loud, fake laugh. This almost always results in big, spontaneous laughs and smiles from the bride and groom.
Nancy says that she encourages brides to either experiment with makeup ahead of time or use a professional makeup artist. Even when the bride wants a subtle, barely-there look, it should be polished. We both observed that many makeup artists are using false eyelashes because it creates volume and emphasizes the eyes.
Makeup is front and centre at our Today’s Bride shoots. Our models are often “in makeup” for more than an hour before they are ready to face the camera.
One last piece of advice from Nancy to bridal couples: “Be sure that your photographer captures informal, spontaneous moments as well as formal shots. Often the best pictures are when the bride is laughing with her friends.”
Originally published in Today’s Bride magazine, Fall/Winter 2015.
