First Look Portrait Sessions: Pros and Cons

In the world of wedding photography, the concept of a “first look” portrait session — where the couple sees each other in their wedding attire before the ceremony — has gained significant popularity. This approach not only offers a unique twist to traditional wedding timelines but also presents practical advantages, especially for winter weddings. Here, we explore the pros and cons of first look portrait sessions to help you decide if this is the right choice for your special day.

Pros of a First Look Portrait Session

1. Emotional Privacy:One of the most compelling reasons to opt for a first look session is the privacy it offers. Seeing each other for the first time on your wedding day is a profoundly intimate moment. Doing so away from the eyes of all your guests allows you and your partner to genuinely express your emotions and enjoy a quiet, personal exchange and reading the vows without the pressures of an audience.
2. Enhanced Photography:First look sessions provide a calm and controlled environment for photography, free from the usual rush and tight schedules of post-ceremony sessions. Photographers can capture candid, relaxed moments without the constraints of time and fading natural light, which is particularly beneficial during the shorter days of winter.
3. Extended Interaction with Guests:By completing most of your portrait photography before the ceremony, you can maximize the time spent with your guests. Winter weddings, especially, benefit from this schedule, as it allows you to enjoy the full extent of your cocktail hour indoors, where it’s warm and cozy, instead of spending that time posing for photos in the cold.
4. Smoother Schedule Flow:First look sessions can significantly streamline your wedding day itinerary. Completing the bulk of your photography session pre-ceremony means fewer logistics to manage between the ceremony and reception. This smoother flow helps reduce stress and keeps the day’s activities more enjoyable and relaxed such as enjoying the coveted cocktail hour.
5. Sunset Timing:For winter weddings, when daylight wanes early, a first look session allows couples to capitalize on optimal natural lighting for their portraits. This ensures that your photos are imbued with the best possible light, avoiding the flat or harsh lighting conditions that might prevail during late indoor ceremonies or evening receptions.
   

Cons of a First Look Portrait Session

1. Deviation from Tradition:For couples who cherish traditional elements, the first look might feel like a break from the classic anticipation build-up of seeing each other as partners walk down the aisle. This shift could disappoint family members or guests who look forward to that quintessential ceremony moment.
2. Early Preparation:A first look requires the couple, and often the bridal party, to be ready several hours earlier than usual. This can mean a very early start to what will likely be a long day, potentially adding to the day’s overall exhaustion.
3. Potential for Less Impactful Aisle Moment:Having already seen each other before the ceremony, some couples find that the impact of the walking down the aisle moment might be slightly diminished, as the initial emotional response has already been experienced during the first look.
   Conclusion
   Deciding whether to have a first look portrait session depends largely on personal preferences and the specific logistics of your wedding day. For many, the advantages of a more relaxed timeline and enhanced photo opportunities outweigh the cons. Particularly in winter, when every moment of daylight is precious, and comfort is paramount, first look sessions offer a practical solution that also adds a touch of modernity and privacy to your nuptials.