{"id":50510,"date":"2018-07-27T12:00:27","date_gmt":"2018-07-27T16:00:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.adorama.com\/alc\/?p=50510"},"modified":"2025-04-16T12:34:17","modified_gmt":"2025-04-16T16:34:17","slug":"the-ultimate-wedding-film-shot-list-the-must-get-bride-prep-shots","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.adorama.com\/alc\/the-ultimate-wedding-film-shot-list-the-must-get-bride-prep-shots\/","title":{"rendered":"The Ultimate Wedding Film Shot List: The Must-Get Bride Prep Shots"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Bridal prep has to be one of my favorite parts of the day. As a former bridesmaid, I can so relate to the giddiness and excitement of getting all glammed up to celebrate your best friend.<\/span> And, as a filmmaker, bride prep shots give me the chance to capture that emotion \u2014 not to mention glamour shots of the gorgeous bride. I devote about two hours to bridal prep, and during that time like to focus on:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"\"
Photo by Stephanie Vermillion<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Bride prep shots: <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Hair and makeup<\/b>: <\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

From the first sprays of hairspray to the last dab of lipstick, the bride’s primping time makes for incredible wedding film footage. While I like to capture as much as possible, I don\u2019t start filming this part until she has most of her makeup on and her hair in a good place (this isn’t a makeover film!).<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lounging with the girls<\/b>: <\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

The girls have an entirely different prep vibe than the guys; instead of teasing and joking around, the ladies are ooh<\/em>-ing and ahh<\/em>-ing over the beautiful bride to be. Similar to groom prep, I like to capture candids of these moments so they can relive the giddy morning vibes.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Detail shots<\/b>: <\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

While I don\u2019t always select these shots in post, I like to capture all the details \u2014 think invites, rings, shoes \u2014 in case I decide to use them. I usually prefer shots with more movement, but every so often I need these \u201cscene establishers,\u201d so it\u2019s better to capture everything in the moment to be safe.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Getting dressed<\/b>: <\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

There’s nothing like a bride in her dress for the first time. At surface level, the shots are downright stunning, but even more so it\u2019s about the reaction when she first sees herself \u2014 and the months and months of planning that have led to this moment.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dad’s first look<\/b>: <\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Just when you think it can\u2019t get any better, her dad sees her for the first time \u2013 and it does. Cue the waterworks. I focus on really candid shots here so she can remember it exactly as it was.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"\"
Photo by Stephanie Vermillion<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

How to shoot: <\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Similar to groom prep, I like to stay on my 55mm for mostly all morning shots, especially for details like lipstick application or the girls cheers-ing in their robes. For the dress, I alternate between a wide angle lens<\/span><\/a> on one camera and the 55mm on another so I can capture the full dress \u2014 while still getting those crisp, tight shots of the design. And, as she’s putting on the final touches \u2014 her shoes \u2014 I use a slider<\/span><\/a> to add a smooth, cinematic touch to the prep.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

I use the wide and 55mm lenses for the dad’s first look as well; I aim to film the full scene while still getting the tight reaction shots. To capture audio of the dad’s first look (as well as bridal prep), I rely on my on-camera microphone.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

See these shots in action, as well as other must-get shots here: <\/p>\n\n\n\n