Whimsical Bridal Portraits
Capturing Dream Weddings with Fairytale Moments: Whimsical Bridal Portraits
Step into the world of a photographer’s mind, where whimsical and enchanting bridal portraits truly transport you to a fairytale storybook. Perfect for when discussing photo ideas with your wedding photographer!
Hello! I’m Miranda, a passionate, whimsical wedding photographer (Using NikonZ6iii) from New Jersey, specializing in capturing the magic of wedding days, including bridal portraits. My mission is to highlight the unique beauty of each bride and create stunning images that reflect their personality and vision. Whether your gown hugs your silhouette or flows elegantly in the wind, I believe there’s an enchanting portrait waiting to be captured.
In this post, I’d love to share a delightful selection of whimsical bridal portraits I’ve created for brides on their dream fairytale weddings. Each photo will break down the pose name. Feel free to pin on Pinterest and screenshot to share with your wedding photographer.
CONTACT NJ WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER
Are you looking to hire a wedding photographer who understands your vision? I’d love to chat more about your dream wedding! Remember, your bridal portraits are more than just images; they are a treasured part of your wedding story. Contact me for New Jersey wedding photography, and let’s begin this magical photo experience today!
Through the doors
This pose typically requires one or two assistants to hold the doors in place. It’s important to align everything symmetrically using my 35mm lens, focusing on both the background and foreground, to avoid distortion in perspective. The bride should place her weight on her back leg (the one closest to the camera) while bending her front leg in the direction that her face is looking. Her arms can be positioned on her hips, or one arm can hold the bouquet. Adding movement—such as having the bride adjust her flowers or look over her shoulder—can bring more life to the image.
Big windows & dramatic curtains
This pose requires assistance from two people to hold each curtain and bring them towards the camera, creating a flapping effect as if the wind is gusting through the windows. I have to stand at a low angle for a dramatic look and use an extra-wide lens. I prefer the light coming through the windows to be overexposed to create a heavenly, angelic vibe, as if the bride is being touched by an angel. There are many ways to pose the bride for this shot; I particularly like capturing her profile or having her play with her dress and veil during this moment.
Runaway Bride
This pose can sometimes be misleading, as it may appear that the bride is running. In reality, she is standing still and simply moving her large, tulle, flowy skirt from side to side while turning her head. This might be one of my favorite photos to capture on my 35mm, especially at the Madison Hotel Conservatory, about 1-2 hours before sunset. What makes this photo a perfectly whimsical bridal portrait on the wedding day is that she is wearing a flowy gown, her hair is down, and she looks like she is gliding down a path similar to her ceremony aisle, all while the sunlight beautifully backlights her, sun is facing the camera.
Under the Veil with Direct Sun
I hope this trend never fades. While some photographers may avoid bright sunlight, I choose to embrace it. When the bride wears a veil, I often suggest that she drapes it over her face and stands in direct sunlight. Capturing authenticity and a romantic feel in the images is essential. I recommend asking the bride to move her hands as if she were dancing, lifting the veil, or taking a slow stroll, which can make the pose appear more natural. This approach creates dreamy and enchanting photos. Whether the sunlight filters through windows or we find ourselves in a garden or even a parking lot, these images will always enhance the fairytale vision of your wedding.
Bouquet portrait
This whimsical portrait style is ideal for bridesmaids’ group photos, where all the ladies and gentlemen hold their bouquets, framing the bride’s face and making her feel like she’s surrounded by her favorite flowers and colors. Let’s be honest—these bouquets are often quite expensive and deserve a moment in the spotlight alongside the bride! I enjoy photographing bridal portraits with flower bouquets using my 50mm or 85mm lens.
A Windy Cathedral Veil
Brides wearing a cathedral-length veil often request a photo that highlights its beauty. Capturing this image typically requires the help of at least two people to manage the veil and create the effect of wind blowing through it. This setup calls for an extra-wide lens and a bit of patience. I prefer to have the bride facing the sunlight for the best effect; however, even in shaded areas, the photo can look stunning. This technique also works beautifully indoors, such as on a staircase!
Walking through the doors with a pop of flash
Using my Godox AD200, I can position a flash behind the bride to create a dramatic effect in her portrait as she opens the doors. The type of doors can vary, but the more elegant, the better. Doors with windows are ideal, and if they lead outdoors, that’s even more perfect for achieving a bright and airy, dreamy look.
Staircase Moment
Photos of the bride wearing a figure-fitting gown or featuring an extra-long train or veil will look stunning. I particularly love staircase shots, as they beautifully showcase the full gown from behind and highlight the bride’s body shape in a flattering way. This technique can be applied to almost any staircase to create enchanting bridal portraits. To enhance the images further, it would be wonderful if the floral and event designer could add candles and flowers along the stairs!
CONTACT NJ WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER
Are you looking to hire a wedding photographer who understands your vision? I’d love to chat more about your dream wedding! Remember, your bridal portraits are more than just images; they are a treasured part of your wedding story. Contact me for New Jersey wedding photography, and let’s begin this magical photo experience today!
