BRIDAL SESSION
STEP 1:  SCHEDULE YOUR SESSION

  • We recommend scheduling your session at least 8 weeks before your wedding.  Please be sure to
    schedule your session as soon as possible as we only schedule 2 sessions per week.

  • We hold all bridal sessions on Fridays at either 10:30am or 2:00pm.  Pay special attention to the
    timeline that we have on this site and be prepared to make adjustments based on your wedding date.  
    For example, if your wedding is in October then that puts your bridal session in the dead heat of
    summer.  If you want to an outdoor location then you will need to adjust your time line and do your
    session outside the summer months.  At all cost we avoid doing outdoor sessions in the warmer months
    but sometime it is a must.  In the Summer months we will occasionally do a late session ie. 7:00p
    because of the heat but selecting an indoor locations is strongly advised in this instance.  Email us 2-3
    dates that would work for you (info@absolutephoto.biz).  Remember to crosscheck these dates with
    your hair stylist and makeup artist.  When you email us some dates also email us a picture of your
    dress or better a picture of you in your dress!

  • Please consider the time of day when setting up appointments for hair and makeup.  We recommend
    allowing 2.5-3 hours for hair, make-up and drive time.

  • Once we have established a date, we will decide a time and location.    Click here for a list of
    locations.(Please pay special attention to fees and if there is an on site location to get dressed.  For
    example the arboretum is very strict about not getting dressed in their bathrooms yet they have a
    bridal room you can rent to get ready.)

    SPECIAL NOTE!  What happens if it rains on my scheduled date?
    Texas weather always throws a wrench in the works and if your bridal is scheduled during a season
    shift (Spring to Summer) then you are increased risk.  The plus side is that this time of year has very
    pleasant weather when it isn’t raining.  Here is Mikes theory of what to do when the weather wont
    make up it mind!  
  • If there is less than 30% chance of rain then don’t sweat it!
  • If there is a 40% chance or more then I an indoor location or reschedule will have to be made.  
  • I get all my information from www.weather.com and they have been very faithful to accuracy in
    the past.
  • Please don’t call us if you see that there is a 50% chance of rain 10 days in the future.  
    Weather changes so much in just a day or two.  If you do, we'll know you didn't read this
    page!  :)
  • Out of respect for hair dressers, make up artists and brides, I will make an official decision
    about my suggestion to reschedule or not at noon the day before the shoot.  
  • Indoor locations are the easy solution but most of them don’t like you showing up on the same
    day and typically there are fees for use of the facility.  If you are coming into town to do your
    session please remind me because we will need to plan ahead a little  better since rescheduling
    is probably not possible.  



STEP 2:  PREPARE FOR YOUR SESSION

  • Recruit some helpers.  We recommend that you bring at least 2 people to help you during the shoot.  
    They will help carry all of your stuff as well as fluff your dress, fix your veil, carry your train, etc.

  • Consider where and when you will get dressed.  Most places do not have a facility for you to change
    into your dress.  Check the shooting locations page for that specific information.

  • Bring some flowers or a bouquet.  Holding a bouquet looks a lot better than simply folding your
    hands in front!  Also, having some sort of flowers really helps bring some color and warmth to the
    photos.

  • Don't forget the veil!  If you have a veil or any jewelry, don't forget to bring them!

  • EAT EAT EAT! Oh yeah and make sure you drink a lot of water also.  Have a big breakfast or lunch
    before coming to the session.  I know all you ladies want to look gorgeous in your dress but I can
    only make you look so beautiful if you are unconscious.  We have had a couple brides lose
    consciousness during the shoot and I would hate for you to get hurt or ruin that perfect dress b/c you
    are cashed out in the dirt!  While this is important all the time it is extremely important in the warmer
    months.

  • The dress.  We highly recommend planning to have your dress cleaned after the shoot.  If your shoot
    is outdoors, small amounts of dirt, leaves, etc. will most likely get on the dress during the shoot.  We
    do bring a white sheet to prevent the dress from getting dirty as much as possible, but cannot
    guarantee that the dress will stay immaculate.  And rest assured, we won't be asking you to roll
    around in the dirt!

  • Consider timing.  Approximately 90% of our Bridal Shoots begin late because the hair dresser either
    begins late or takes more than the allotted time.  Because this is probably a trial run for your hair &
    makeup to be done, the appointment often takes longer than originally planned causing you to arrive
    to the shoot late.

  • We recommend that you speak with your hair dresser to confirm the appointment time and to ensure
    that your hair/makeup is completed within the allotted time.  Also, we cannot guarantee optimal
    lighting or a full array of poses if the shoot does not begin on time, as we may have another session
    scheduled after yours.

  • I know this sounds silly, but practice different poses and facial expressions (big smile, small smile,
    sexy face, etc.) while looking in a mirror.  This will help you to know what sorts of poses look more
    natural for you.

  • Relax and have fun!  Our goal at the session (other than getting great images) is simply to get to
    know you and to have a great time!  Remember, a relaxed bride makes for awesome, more natural
    pictures!



STEP 3:  BRIDAL SHOOT!!!

    We will take up to 2 hours at your particular location, and usually take 200+ images.


STEP 4:  SELECT YOUR FAVORITES FOR PRINTING

    No more than two weeks after the shoot, we will upload your images to your online gallery.  There
    will be two folders, one of unedited proofs and the other of our edited suggestions.  Once you have
    had a chance to view your images, choose which images you would like to have printed from either
    folder.  To determine your printing credit, see the paperwork we initially gave you or email us.  To
    submit your print order...click the following link and fill out the form. http://www.absolutephotoclient.
    biz/PrintOrderForm.html

    NOTE:  Before you purchase your frame, wait to hear from us on the print sizes.  This may be
    surprising to some but frames are NOT made for modern sized photographs.  Follow the bouncing
    ball here.  The size ratio of an image (called ‘Full Frame’) taken by camera today is 2 inch by 3
    inch.  Double that size and now you have a 4x6 which is the standard size.  Double it again and you
    have an 8x12.  You are probably all familiar with an 8x10 frame but that size requires us to cut off
    an inch off the bottom and another off the top.  Might even cut off your head!  Double it again and
    you have a 16x24 but most the frames are 16x20.  Point of the story is that frame companies build
    most their frames based on the sizes of the 1960’s.  Some images will not work as a standard size
    print, so we will make a recommendation on which size will look best.  Click here to see how
    different sizes appear when cropped.  Do not fear b/c more and more frames are becoming available
    in the modern sizes and most of the time we can cut down the picture to current frames.  Hopefully
    one day I can skip over this confusing topic but for now we are stuck to scratching out heads.


STEP 5:  GOING TO PRINT

    Once the selected images have been edited, we will upload them to an online gallery for you to
    view.  We will email you the link to your gallery as well as a link to our Print Approval Instructions.  
    You must fill out the Print Approval Agreement before your prints will be shipped to you in a few days  
    (Keep in mind that Canvases take about 2 weeks).  You will receive the DVD with printing rights
    containing full-resolution files from the session along with your wedding DVD at your Image Release
    Premier after the wedding.