What is a first look?
It’s when a couple sees each other before the ceremony. Let’s explore how I discuss doing a first look with my wedding couples.
As a wedding photographer, I’ve seen countless couples tie the knot, each in their unique way. But one trend has been stealing my heart lately: the first look. Picture this: two souls, madly in love, stealing a private moment before the whirlwind of their ceremony begins. It’s raw, it’s real, and it’s magical.
I remember I suggested a first look to a nervous bride. She was hesitant and worried about breaking tradition, but her eyes lit up when I showed her photos from other first looks I’d captured. That’s the power of these moments—they’re not just photo ops but memory makers. As I always emphasize to my couples, deciding to have a first look is yours. We can optimize your schedule by weighing the advantages and disadvantages of a first look.
Defining First Look
So, what exactly is a first look? Imagine sneaking away from the pre-wedding chaos, finding a quiet corner where it’s just you and your soon-to-be spouse—no guests, no pressure – just two people on the brink of a life-changing moment.
I’ll never forget Chloe and Lucas’s first look. We chose a secluded cottage porch dappled with morning sunlight. When Lucas turned to see Chloe, time seemed to stand still. The way his eyes welled up, and the trembling smile on Chloes’s face are the moments I live for as a photographer.
First looks are not a relatively new addition to the wedding playbook but quickly become a favorite. They break away from the traditional “first glimpse at the altar” scene, allowing couples to react without an audience. And let me tell you, what are the photos from these moments? They’re often the ones that end up framed on bedside tables.
Photography Opportunities
Speaking of photos, let me tell you why first looks are a photographer’s dream. When couples see each other for the first time at the ceremony, everything happens in a flash. But with a first look, we have time to capture every subtle expression, every tender touch.
I once photographed a first look at an old library. The warm light filtering through dusty windows, the smell of old books—it was perfect. And because we weren’t rushed, we could play with different angles and use the setting creatively. The resulting photos looked like something out of a fairy tale.
These private moments also allow for a broader range of shots. We can capture everything from teary close-ups to sweeping wide shots that show the grandeur of your venue. It’s like painting a complete picture of your love story, one frame at a time.
Timeline Efficiency
Now, let’s talk logistics. As someone who’s orchestrated hundreds of weddings, I can tell you that a first look is a game-changer for your timeline. It’s like finding an extra hour in your day to enjoy your wedding instead of rushing through photo sessions.
I had a couple worried about missing their cocktail hour for photos. We did a first look, and they made it to cocktail hour and were the first ones there! They mingled with their guests, sipped champagne, and tasted those fancy hors d’oeuvres they spent months choosing.
A first look means we can take a lot of photos early. Family portraits, wedding party shots—we can do it all before the ceremony. This means less time herding relatives and more time celebrating. Trust me, your guests will thank you for not disappearing for hours after you say, “I do.”
First Look Versus Tradition
Now, I know what some of you might be thinking. “But Curtis, what about the magic of seeing each other for the first time as I walk down the aisle?” It’s a valid concern and one I’ve heard many times.
Here’s the thing – that magic doesn’t disappear with a first look. If anything, it’s amplified. Couples who did a first look still tear up during the ceremony. The emotions are different but no less powerful.
Take one of my other couples. They were traditionalists at heart but decided to do a first look. Emma was worried it would spoil the ceremony. But when I showed her the photos later, she was amazed. “I got to experience that moment twice,” she told me, “once just for us and once with everyone we love watching.”
There’s no right or wrong choice. It’s your wedding, your rules. But as someone who’s witnessed countless “I dos,” I can tell you that first looks add an extra layer of intimacy and calm to your big day.
Whether you choose a first look or stick with tradition, my job is to capture your love story in all its unique beauty. Because when all is said and done, it’s not about the perfect pose or the ideal lighting. It’s about freezing those moments of pure, unbridled joy – the moments you’ll look back on for years to come and think, “That. That was love.”
