All those beautiful and oh-so-expensive wedding gowns see one glorious day in the sun before being neatly packed up in air-tight boxes and stored away indefinitely. With the ever-changing trends in bridal fashion, the dream of a daughter one day wearing the gown her mother wore 25 years ago is proving to be more and more a fantasy. But “fantasy” doesn’t mean YOU still can’t get one more day to Rock that Dress! More and more Brides are opting to wear their wedding gowns once more but this time to capture portraits they could never have taken during their wedding day. The tight schedules and general wedding day chaos can prevent most couples from getting too creative during their day-of photo shoots. Time constraints, weather, location, guests waiting and most importantly enjoying the wedding day itself are all possible reasons to shorten your photo session. That’s where the “day-after shoot” comes in, allowing you complete freedom to throw on that wedding dress one more time and get creative…and this time - you are going to Rock It!
The “Rock the Dress” photo shoot, as we like to call it, is a great way to expand your wedding celebration and have some truly amazing pictures taken. If you have been planning your wedding for more than six months, you are obsessed with your wedding gown, and you love photography, then these sessions were invented for YOU. As a general rule, they take place after your wedding day because brides typically don’t run the risk of being seen in their gowns prior to their ceremonies. Additionally, your dress must be in perfect condition as you walk down the aisle, and the limited window of time to take the images while guests enjoy a cocktail hour makes getting creative a challenge. Guess what? You need not want, this session, and if photography is important to you then a “Rock the Dress” session is a highly recommended solution.
Getting it Right
Now that you’ve decided to have a “Rock the Dress” session, go all the way. Plan it, style it, and make it a creative collaboration between you and your photographer. One way to rock your dress is to select the right place. Opt for a venue that will yield dramatic portraits- risky places, cliffs, beaches, or completely remote locations. Or go the extra mile, literally, and do it during your honeymoon. This is the ideal time to share with your photographer the Pinterest photo ideas you’ve been pinning for over a year but realistically could not be done during your wedding day. Or simply trust the artist you choose. After all, having amazing, artistic portraits benefits him/her as much as they benefit you.
Take a look at some of the “Rock the Dress” sessions below and decide for yourself how far you are willing to go. After all, YOU set the only limits to a “Rock the Dress” session.
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Photo above taken inside a Cenote | Crossing the Street in NYC |
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Las Vegas Desert | Las Vegas Desert, just minutes before sunrise. |
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Lying in front of a fjord, Norway. |
These are just a few examples. This popular session amongst photographers and brides has created a wide portfolio of ideas out on the web. Do some “Rock the Dress” searching and see where your taste/budget and willingness fit.
Here are some tips to get the most from your ‘Rock the Dress’ shoot:
- Discuss your expectations with your photographer and hear his ideas as well.
- Time is on your side for this session so plan it around the best time for photography, a luxury, which you may not have on your wedding day.
- Your dress will be filthy after your wedding night from all the dancing, so definitely do not expect any details of the dress during this shoot.
- Expect your dress to get even dirtier during this session
- DO NOT dry clean the dress before the session.
- Try to match your hair and makeup to the wedding day so the images may be used together in the wedding album and not confuse the viewers
- Ensure that the romantic and casual pictures are taken first. Then leave ‘crazy’ ones towards the end where the dress may get wet or hair and makeup ruined.
- Use different props and furniture to give your shoot a more styled look.
- Remember the fun part of this shoot is to get away from the typical poses of the wedding. Aim for creative.
Your wedding day is filled with excitement and love which makes it fly by rather quickly. A “Rock the Dress” session is your opportunity to rock your dress and look as radiant as you looked on your wedding day but with the luxury of time to capture fabulous photos you will cherish throughout your life. Make the most of it and enjoy every moment as the photographer captures your love in all its splendor.
CREDITS
Article written by: Alain Martinez
Alain Martinez is an international lifestyle and wedding photographer, instructor and author. His efforts with Aroos Joon have extended his portfolio into the world of Bridal Fashion photography. Alain’s work is featured all over the United States in multiple print publications and media outlets. He owns the largest non-commercial studio in Florida, one of the largest in the United States. Alain mentors photographers around the world and in his studio; an honor he believes keeps him sharp at his craft and innovative while teaching those who wish to elevate their technique.