First look … Yes or No? or “Do I need First look?”
As a high-end wedding photographer, I do have debates about the first look with almost every couple, and I do feel like the First look ambassador. There are more and more brides who are convinced about the first look from the beginning, but I still have couples opting out of this fantastic experience. So I decided to write down all the reasons why You should have a First Look!
I have to state that I’m from Europe and I never heard about First look until I came here. I captured almost 200 weddings here in the USA, and many of them were Jewish. I would say for a Jewish wedding there is a no-brainer, but I feel like I’m able to convince any couple to go for it and do the First look.
So if you are still asking Why you should do First look, here are all my main thoughts about this topic. In case you don’t like to read, I was waiting with this blog over 8 months till I get a fantastic set of images from a fabulous first look and here they are. Just look at these photographs and tell me, how else you can get such a moving couple portrait.
1. It’s the only private moment during the day
I mean it for real. There is no other moment, where you can enjoy each other without any people around. OK, except the Yihud, but there is no photographer allowed.
To give you that privacy, we always do shoot these pictures from far away with a zoom lens. All instructions are provided to you before first look not to interrupt it.
2. It’s a few minutes full of emotions
You can cry, be happy, whatever you really want. You don’t have to think about those hundreds of people around you…
3. Seeing each other before the ceremony is remarkably different
Seeing each other in privacy before the ceremony is much different than seeing each other for the first time while walking down the aisle, surrounded by your guests. If the feeling and emotions are real, it will be there both times, and it will always feel different.
4. Look your best
It actually allows you to look your best. Look your best for amazing portraits of the first look, because you are prepared and also look best while walking down the aisle.
5. It’s an excellent opportunity for great pictures
Of course, you will get more photos during the day, but these are highly emotional because you see each other for the first time and you can allow those emotions to come out because there is no one to watch.
6. It makes the flow of the day less stressful
If you do not do First look, you obviously can’t see your husband-to-be before the ceremony. That makes your portrait session or family group shots before the ceremony a mission impossible. And you won’t have sunlight for those portraits, mainly in southern countries, where most of the weddings are done at the time of sunset.
7. You can enjoy a cocktail hour
Family group shots and newlyweds portraits are usually done during the cocktail hour. Just try to imagine that we do the First look and you can see each other before the ceremony. Now we can create great photographs of you as a couple. And after the ceremony, you can enjoy your friends during the cocktail hour. And your photography team can jump into detail shots of wedding decor in the ballroom.
8. Do also daughter-father and son-mom first look!
You can say thank You later, but do it. You won’t regret. I promise!
Well, did I convince you? Do you want to know more about our studio? Learn more!
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Oh my …. this is so touching. Now I see why First look!!!
Yes, indeed, first look.
This is an amazing set from the first look! And all great information. Thank You!
Thank you Joel.
Wow the bride and groom in the photos are so adorable!
Yes they are!
I’ve never heard of this and I wish I had about 14 years ago! What a beautiful tradition that I think you will convince more and more couples to take advantage of!
Yes, I hope so. Thanks for dropping by Bri.
Thank you for shining the light on this apparently often overlooked opportunity!
You are welcome Jill and thanks for dropping by.
When I got married, this wasn’t a thing yet…or at least I hadn’t heard of it. But if I were to get married today, I’d most likely do a first look. The moments you captured we’re gorgeous!
Thank you so much, I truly appreciate your comments.
I’m a wedding business brand a web designer and I think the first look is a super exciting part of the whole experience! 😀
True!
In the Philippines there is this famous quote “Pagtumingin ka akin ka” which means If you look, you’re mine.
Photographers should see that. The first time a couple looks at each other’s eyes are the sweetest.
So perfect! I love this. My family is old school and don’t believe that a groom should see the bride til she walks down the isle but I love this private moment!
I also love this private moment, thanks for dropping by Miranda.
Very interesting 🙂 I love your post about First look 🙂
Thank you so much.
Ahhhh so beautiful!! Love all the pictures:)
Never heard of this before. But, then, again, my husband and I eloped. LOL.
LOL
Yes, you have convinced me though the time had come and gone for me..lol. But the pictures are gorgeous!
They both look playful. There is nothing like having fun with your significant other. The best part is capturing your adventures with a talented and professional photographer
I am so happy that my husband and I did this! It was such a special moment and he was genuinely surprised to see me for the first time in my wedding dress. I would recommend to others to do it! Thanks for sharing this experience.❤
*Samantha
Weddings are so different from we were married. Do what makes you happy.
I didn’t put much thought into First Look photos. We were on a considerable time crunch, though and – honestly – it felt like pictures took too long. But I think we did miss out on the closeness of the moments for some things like a First Look.
Yes, true. The first look should be treasured and cherished.
I wouldn’t want to do a first look, but these photos are fantastic. You can certainly see the happiness and joy.
This is honestly a great question. We did a first-look at our wedding, and I ended up feeling sort of unsatisfied with it. For us, it was a little contrived and it kind of took away from the wedding dress reveal, imo. However, I do think that some people would have a really fun time with this, and a great photographer can make all the difference as well.
These are amazing first look photos. Plus, the setting is gorgeous!
I would so say yes on the first look…the most incredible intimate moments are captured during these!!!!!
True that Justyna, thanks for dropping by.
You ALWAYS need a first look! First looks are the time when the couple gets to forget about the craziness that is their wedding day and just focus on the love they share! Absolutely stunning work, as per usual!
Thank you for such a great comment Lindsey.
First Looks are one of my favorite parts of the whole day! And I definitely agree especially about the couple getting some time together during the day! 🙂
I couldn’t agree more Sarah. Thanks for dropping by.
Thank you!
Sweet blog! I found it while searching on Yahoo News.
Do you have any tips on how to get listed in Yahoo News?
I’ve been trying for a while but I never seem to get there!
Thank you
Wow, I really have no idea. Thanks for dropping by anyway.
Hello, I think your blog might be having browser compatibility issues.
When I look at your blog site in Opera, it looks fine but when opening in Internet Explorer, it has some overlapping.
I just wanted to give you a quick heads up! Other then that, wonderful blog!
Hi, I really hope that nobody uses Internet Explorer nowadays.
Wonderful info on the wedding day first look!! It’s so great getting that intimate time together!!
Indeed, an intimate moment shared together.
Thank you.
I had a first look at my wedding and I don’t regret it at all!
Yes yes yes!! Always do a first look. There is something so special and intimate about it – as long as the entire bridal party and the rest of the resort isn’t there watching, ha!
I think first looks are such a personal choice! I love them for all of the reasons you’ve got listed! But we didn’t do one on our wedding day. I wonder if I’d change that now!
Such a great read on first looks! We did one, and couldn’t have been happier about it! made the day go so smoothly
First looks are so awesome! I agree with all your reasons – I say yes to first looks all the way!
Jan will be photographing my wedding this July, and reading this article is one of the main reasons I decided I wanted a First Look! It will mean so much to me and my future husband to have such a private moment together before walking down the aisle, since we probably won’t get many moments alone that day. I can’t wait to see the pictures from this!
Thank You very much for this comment, Morgan!
I’m pleased that this article served to the right decision.
[…] highly recommend doing a first look; it’s an extremely intimate special moment you will cherish […]