Should you do the “First Look”?
What Is the First Look?
The first look is when a couple sees each other for the first time on their wedding day. This intimate moment typically makes for an emotional photo opportunity.
Pros of doing the “First Look”
You can get many of the photos taken before the ceremony: It gave you a moment before the day officially started to connect with one another and take a deep breath. You can get all the bridal party shots and some couple shots before the ceremony to see some time.
It gives you and your partner a few moments together: The “First Look” does not spoil the ceremony. You will be full of emotions no matter what. It’s a moment you can be emotional without people watching you.
You can capture an emotional moment on camera: A wedding is an intimate, emotional experience, and a first look means I can capture a couple together in that moment. Yes, walking down the aisle is emotional, too, but you’re not together in those photographs.
Cons
You'll have to get ready earlier: If you’re having a ceremony earlier in the day, a first look will mean you have to be ready even earlier than you’d planned.
Lighting may not be ideal: Your photographer and videographer will try to be discrete and as far away as possible, but we will still be around. Lighting during a first look isn’t always ideal. They usually happen during the day, when lighting is harsh, so you may need to take more photos after the ceremony anyway.
When the groom is standing there waiting, he is super anxious to see his soon to be wife. He has that brief moment of silence to prepare for the moment that he is about to endure. With doing a first look, he can be emotional for you. Let’s face it, all brides want to see the groom cry. You are more likely going to see a better reaction when a hundred people are not looking at him.