Why the Groom’s Getting Ready Photos Matter Too

Groom getting ready photos capture the emotions, details, family, and friendships before the wedding. Read below why these moments deserve a place in your gallery.

The Wedding Story Starts Before the Ceremony 

When couples think of wedding photography, they think of the ceremony, portraits, and reception.

However, the story begins much earlier than that.

The time leading up to the ceremony is full of excitement, anticipation, nerves, and lots of small moments. The groom getting ready pictures help to preserve that portion of the day.

It’s More Than Just Getting Dressed

Getting ready pictures are not limited to images of men dressed in their suits or putting on their watches.

They also convey the unique vibe of the groom’s environment. Friends are talking, family members are looking at the time, and everyone is anticipating the beginning of the event.

These pictures will tell the story of everything that happens before the wedding.

The Groom Has Details Worth Photographing

Similar to the bridal details, the groom’s attire also needs to be focused on.

The suit, shoes, watch, cufflinks, tie, boutonniere, cologne, and other accessories can also be photographed effectively.

In South Asian weddings, there could be the sherwani, khussa, turban, shawl, or any other cultural item, the images of which can be incorporated in the wedding album.

The People Around Him Matter 

The best images of grooms preparing for the wedding day are likely to be pictures of the people present with him. 

This may include his father, brothers, sister, closest friends, relatives, and other people he trusts.

It may be a quiet talk with his dad or roaring laughter with friends – all those moments should be captured because they are unique.

It Makes the Final Gallery More Complete

If the first picture of your gallery is the bride getting prepared, then the first details of the wedding celebration are missed.

Getting pictures of both sides gives you a complete picture of the events so far.

Thus we get acquainted with what both people were doing before they arrived at one place, creating the ceremony, which is where these two stories merge.

Groom Portraits Don’t Have to Feel Stiff

Many grooms are concerned that they will end up in situations that require them to sit around and pose for hundreds of photos.

This is not how I work.

While some direction can certainly be useful, often it is best to just let things happen naturally.

Someone standing in front of a window when the sun suddenly breaks through, getting ready by straightening a collar, or sharing a laugh with friends will result in more authentic images than taking staged photographs.

Pakistani and South Asian Weddings Need This Even More

In South Asia, weddings are grand, with many events, many outfits, and many family members and friends to accompany.  

For the groom, the Mehndi, Nikkah, Baraat, and Walima may be completely different events that have different outfits.  

Capturing the getting ready moments ensures recording these changes as well as the people and rites associated with them.

They Show Who You Were Before You Became a Husband

There’s something unique pertaining to photos captured in the last moments before the ceremony. 

The groom is together with his friends. His parents are also close by. People change their moods slowly.

Then, all of a sudden, the ceremony takes place. The getting ready photos preserve the feelings of who you were that time.

How Much Time Should You Set Aside? 

You do not require several hours to prepare for your photo shoot.

In as little as thirty to sixty minutes, you will be able to get great shots of details, candid moments, family interactions, and some portraits.

The secret is giving your photographer enough time to cover the important moments without feeling rushed.

Wedding photos should not seem as if they are only of the bride.

Both individuals are tying the knot and going through significant feelings.

Your wedding album must portray that.

Working as a wedding photographer in Dallas, I wish to provide a balanced story of the celebration. From the groom getting ready to the couple’s last dance, everything must be included in your wedding story.

The wedding story does not start when you walk down the aisle.