Denver Wedding and Portrait Photographer | Michele Schanker | 303.242.7268 » Lifestyle Photojournalistic Photography

I have decided that for the next few weeks I am going to post these informative posts every Monday. I have lots of topics in mind so It’ll probably last 4 or 5 weeks.

Have you ever thought about a first look? Do you know what that is?

Usually when I mention a first look to potential clients I either get the reaction of “No Way!” or a blank stare as to say why would I do that?

However I like to encourage all clients to give it some thought and make sure the idea really isn’t for you.

What is a first look? Simply put it is when the bride and groom see each other for the first time before the ceremony. It is a private meeting between just the two of you. No parents, no bridal party. Your photographer hangs out on the sidelines to capture the meeting and the emotions.

My preferred wedding shooting style is to include a first look. However I do not push this issue. I understand that for some people upholding traditions means a lot to them. I will honor this and abide by your decision.

I do want to present some advantages of a first look for you to consider when making this decision:

1. You get to see each other for the first time in a very private setting. Where as during the ceremony it is not very private and its hard to show emotions and feelings. This can be a very emotional few minutes and one of the best memories of your entire day. By not seeing each other until the bride walks down the aisle, you never really get to share that moment together, alone. By the time the ceremony is over the moment has passed. The first look not only captures great photos but gives you some time to enjoy being alone together in your fancy attire.

2. It frees up time after the ceremony since once you see each other you can do immediate family and bridal party photos as time permits before the ceremony as well. Your wedding is for you enjoy and have fun. This allows you to have more time at your receptions with friends and family.

3. You will not feel the rush to get family, bridal party, and the photos of the two of you all right after the ceremony.

My suggestion – Think about this carefully, don’t just make a quick decision. Talk it over, give it some thought, determine how much you want to stick to traditions, and weigh all the pros and cons.

Today’s post is going to discuss my thoughts on the Day After Session and address some FAQs.

1. What is the Day After Session:
First of all, through out this post I will refer to the Day After Session as DAS. The DAS is not necessarily done the day after your wedding as it implies. It could be after the honeymoon, a month after your wedding, or even before the wedding. When is totally up to you. The point of a DAS is to spend an hour or so capturing photos of the two of you dressed in your tux and suit and wandering around places of your choice capturing timeless but casual images of the two of you together. There is no one else around and no time lines to stick to. It allows for total freedom. This doesn’t necessarily have to be a Trash the Dress Session (but it can be if you want it to be). We can wander streets, go to a nearby vineyard, the beach, some of your favorite hangouts…the creative freedom is there to pretty much do anything. So if your looking for creative and fun photos this session is most likely for you!

2. Do I have to get my hair redone?
No – its totally great to come with “hair let down” so to speak. If you want to come in your dress but be total casual with the hair and makeup, that is totally okay. But that is up to you. You can totally have your hair and makeup redone if that is what you want.

3. When does a Day After Session Occur?
The day after, a week after, two weeks after, a month after…it is totally up to you!

4. Do you recommend the a Day After Session?
Yes – totally! Especially if your not doing a first look (I will discuss this one next week). The DAS will allow for some casual photos of the two of you all dressed up and with no one else around. The session will be done at a location of your choice. It is guaranteed to be a session that you will never forget.

5. Why do a DAS? Aren’t the wedding photos enough?
Again, that is something for you to decide. Remember if your not doing a first look you are most likely on a strict time line for your wedding. That includes the photos of just the two of you. You want to go enjoy the reception with your friends and family. The DAS gives you an extra opportunity to be yourself but have some fun photos of the two of you.

This is my first post of many that I plan to post to my blog, in which I will label and call the Dear Client posts. They are meant to inform all booked and potential clients about their upcoming wedding photography experience.

Today I want to discuss the Engagement Session.

Some people may think, why do I need an E-Session? Do I really want one? The E-Session is really such a great tool. The time you spend with your photographer during your engagement session is totally priceless. It offers you an opportunity to get to know your photographer. Understand how they work and get to know their personality. It also allows your photographer to get to know you in the same way. The photographer can then tailor your wedding photography based on your personality. Therefore I totally recommend having an E-session prior to the wedding.

How should I come dressed? The way I shoot Engagement Sessions is in a casual fun way. I like to tailor them based on your personality. If there are places you like to hang out or things you like to do together, these could be great E-session locations. Maybe you love coffee…think about starting at a local coffee shop. Maybe you love specific sports teams…bring some jerseys along to have a few photos taken in them. Think based on what you like and where you like to go. In other words think out of the box. And don’t be afraid to make location suggestions.