When choosing an indoor space to get ready in with all your favorite people before your ceremony, there are

- 4 tips -

I LOVE sharing with my brides so you can get the best kind of images with Natalie Schutt Photography!

From my professional photo experience, the overall idea here is to choose a blank palette —

a space that allows you to do anything & everything you dream of doing to make your wedding vision come to life!

TIP NO. 1: WELL LIT + LIGHT COLORED WALLS

Two of the most important qualities a prime getting ready space has are natural light (windows, sliding doors, skylights, etc.) and light colored surroundings! Why? In order to get those gorgeous, naturally glowing, perfectly colored skin tone images, natural light + natural light reflectors must be present!

Flooding a room with natural light is self-explanatory, but what’s the deal with the light colored walls or surroundings?

Let me explain why colorful or dark walls are not ideal. Walls are reflectors of light. If you had a red wall in your getting ready space, red would reflect onto everything in the room, creating a red cast on all of your getting ready images. If you are surrounded by dark walls, it’s very difficult for light to bounce off of them (due to the nature of dark colors + physics), creating a heavy shadow and dark cast on your getting ready images!

So stick with the golden rule: light colored neutral walls (like whites, light light shades of grey, etc.) and natural light allow your images (and mood!) to remain pure and bright👏🏼👏🏼

TIP NO. 2: KEEPIN’ IT SPACIOUS

For getting ready moments, more space is always better! Not only are you relaxing and having fun all morning in that space, but for photos, more space means more options for making your photo dreams come true!

For example, a hotel room, even if it’s bright + white, can fall short of an ideal getting ready space. The bed can take up most of the room, and all the excess furniture can create a non-flexible aesthetic that can be difficult to work with! Taking full frame images of you getting into your dress with all your girls can be tough when there’s no where to stand!

However, a spacious suite with a grand living room, a gorgeous AirBNB, a bright + beautiful studio, an on-site getting ready room that is large + aesthetically pleasing (you’ll know if your venue’s getting ready room is right after reading this post!), or even another space at your venue site that you are allowed to take photos in pre-ceremony can all be wonderful options👏🏼

TIP NO. 3: KEEPIN’ IT SIMPLISTIC

Less is MORE. Truly.

All the new + fancy getting ready venue spaces know this rule! The less furniture, the better. The less decor, the better. The less patterned carpet, the better. The more simple floor, clean walls, blank palette, the better!

Now of course, every getting ready room has to have some furniture in it, right Natalie? Yes!! Here’s a list of amazing pieces to look for that help your photos (and your experience) turn out incredible:

• a pretty couch

• a gorgeous mirror/vanity space

• a neutral & cloud-comfy bed

• a dress hook on a blank wall

• a pretty chair

• all the other furniture items not listed are simply for your comfort & enjoyment!

As long as there are simplistic spaces where gorgeous photos could be taken in your getting ready room, count it DONE with me as your photographer!

What about clutter?!

During the moments where a good photo spot in the room is about to be utilized, I help clear that area of all the items you and your entourage bring in, including coffee cups, waters, personal belongings, etc. DO NOT WORRY about keeping the room extra organized! We get incredible photos by simply shifting items around in the room. As long as items are moveable, there is absolutely nothing to worry about!

TIP NO. 4: THINK ABOUT IT TO FORGET ABOUT IT

Last but not least, plan out some of the important photos you want taken during your getting ready time besides the candids so you do not have to worry about them in the moment.

Do you want cute pajama pictures with your girls?

Do you want a champagne pop?

Do you want special mirror shots?

Do you want a photo of your mom + sister putting you into your dress in this specific corner?

All of the fun ideas you have:

— share them with me before your wedding day!—

That way, when I walk into the room, I know exactly what I need to do in order to capture the gorgeous moments you are so excited for!

1. Think about it before the wedding day,

2. Share it with me (you know I LOVE knowing your vision)

3. And then, forget about it!

Have FUN on your wedding morning!! Do not worry about the pictures! Because guess what? This girl’s got you!

RECAP:

Gorgeous getting ready photos come from picking a great getting ready space! A great getting ready space serves as a blank palette with plenty of:

1. Natural light + light colored, neutral surroundings

2. Spaciousness

3. And Simplicity

   No matter your vibe, no matter your color palette, a great getting ready space is important! And what’s easily just as important? Communicating with me ALL your photo dreams so we can make them HAPPEN!

Cannot wait for my 2020 & 2021 weddings!

Love you all!

XX

Natalie