It's the morning of your wedding and you are feeling nervous. You've just jumped out of the shower, your hair is a mess and you are wearing no make-up and only a bathrobe to cover your modesty.

At that moment the photographer arrives!

For some brides this is too much to contemplate. If you are self-conscious or camera-shy then this feels like the worst possible moment to have your photograph taken. This is probably why some Brides decide not to have a photographer join them on the morning before their wedding. But my advice would be to think again. 

As a photographer I am all too aware that many people get nervous around cameras. People don't generally like being photographed before they are dressed or while they are having their make-up applied. When I am asked to photograph the pre-wedding preparations I feel very honoured and I always ensure that I respect the access that I have been granted. A photographer should never get in the way or make you feel uneasy! Obviously it can get rather busy during the preparations - what with hairdressers, make-up artists, friends, relatives, bridesmaids, flowers being delivered etc...  but a photographer can be there to document what is happening, normally taking a step back to photograph the hustle and bustle (and also lend an extra pair of hands to answer the door!).

Personally I like to utilise mirrors - and you might have noticed that I do this a lot! Not only do I love the look of the images, it also provides a bit of a buffer if you are feeling especially nervous and do opt to have a few photos of your hair and make-up being perfected. It means I can get some lovely photos without distracting you.

Of course, the time that you spend having your hair and make-up done is the perfect time for for a photographer to get some images of the dress and bouquets. As a Bride you spend so long on the hunt for the perfect dress, agonizing over the flowers that you want in your bouquet and finding the all important accessories that it would be a shame not to get some photos of them. Once you have put the dress on then there will be no opportunity to get photos of the dress by itself - the morning before the Wedding is the one and only chance. Your photographer can busy themselves positioning and photographing the dress and other accessories whilst also being on hand to capture any other bits and pieces that might be going on.

You also need to remember that there is always a lot more going on during the morning preparations than just hair and make-up. If you are intending to give a gift to your bridesmaids then a photographer can be on hand to capture this exchange and as there is normally always a bottle of something alcoholic on the go then there is an opportunity to capture photos of it being opened or poured. Other events always take place - well-wishers drop in to congratulate you, unexpected gifts arrive, bouquets are delivered etc... and having a photographer on hand means that these unexpected but important events are captured.

Another key shot that I feel has to be captured is the "fastening the dress" shot. When I cover the bridal preparations I reassure the bride that I won't be there with a camera pointed at them as them strip down to their underwear! I let brides know that I am on hand to take photos but I normally wait under the dress is on and then concentrate on taking photos of the intricate fastenings. This normally takes a little while so there is plenty of time to get some great shots. I've also been known to jump in and lend a hand, especially if the bridesmaids are all sporting false nails and are unable to fasten the delicate buttons!

Once you are ready you may find that there is a little bit of time for you to have some photographs taken with your bridesmaids or parents before you leave the house. This is a great time to take a bit of a breather and relax a little. For this reason many brides decide to specifically get ready ahead of time so that they don't feel rushed. If you are getting ready away from prying eyes then there is also the possibility of getting a photograph of the "first look" when you greet your bridesmaids or family who are eagerly waiting for you.

If you are currently in two minds as to whether you should have a photographer join you on the morning before your wedding then I hope this article has given you a little bit more information on what you can expect. Personally, I would always suggest that it is a great thing to do. You also have to remember that your future husband will be completely oblivious to what is going on during your morning preparations and he might be interested to see the photos. Taking it a step further, you might also want to consider two photographers so that the preparations of your husband-to-be can also be captured. It's just one of the many advantages that you get when you opt for a two-photographer package but I'll leave that for another blog post!