Bridal Shoot-- Protecting the Dress?

[Michelle Brooks Photography]

Hi; hope some of the experienced wedding photog's will share their knowledge here; how do you ensure the wedding dress doesn't get dirty when you do a bridal shoot, especially if the bride wants some outdoor shots?

[RT McAllister]

Hi; hope some of the experienced wedding photog's will share their knowledge here; how do you ensure the wedding dress doesn't get dirty when you do a bridal shoot, especially if the bride wants some outdoor shots?Don't drag her through the mud. :D

Really, this isn't a problem for the short time she's outside. If you're going to have her sit down, bring a small sports blanket or something. Her bridesmaids will help with the train and dress.

[Michelle Brooks Photography]

Don't drag her through the mud. :D

Really, this isn't a problem for the short time she's outside. If you're going to have her sit down, bring a small sports blanket or something. Her bridesmaids will help with the train and dress.

Dang, & I was thinking of a great mud-wrestling scene with the brides maids! :lol: Thanks for the blanket suggestion.

[geo1976]

Ummm...please post ever single image from the mud wrestling shoot. Thanks!!

[Michelle Brooks Photography]

Ummm...please post ever single image from the mud wrestling shoot. Thanks!!

I have made it a mission to one day do a Trash The Dress mud wrestling shoot! Maybe get the bridesmaids in on it! What fun!

[Tommy B]

why is this the photographers problem.. let her pick the spot and just fine tune her position before the shot..

[TSP2010]

She needs to have them done enough time before the wedding to have the dress cleaned after. I did.

[Michelle Brooks Photography]

She needs to have them done enough time before the wedding to have the dress cleaned after. I did.
Very good point! Thank you!

[Peacefield]

why is this the photographers problem.. let her pick the spot and just fine tune her position before the shot..

This is where I'm at. Any time I'm taking the couple into a field or something like that, I always let them know what I'm trying to do and what it can lead to photographically, but am always very clear that it's up to her whether or not she wants to put the dress at risk. Just tell me no if you're concerned about dirt or damage.

[leesakennedy]

Wedding is the most memorable day of ones life, the bride should not care about the dress.If she does then the bride, herself should take care of her dress. IMO, dress should not be a problem for the wedding photographers (http://www.ray-lawler.com.au/).

[howzitboy]

ive shot weddings where they were more concerned about the dress getting dirty then the pictures. Almost all the outside shots she held the dress up so it wouldnt touch the ground...
why get a beautiful dress to wear on your wedding day then ruin all the shots worrying about it?

[jcolman]

why is this the photographers problem.. let her pick the spot and just fine tune her position before the shot..

I would never let my bride pick the spot. They have no idea if it would look good. I will suggest places to her but I usually have final say.

[dche5390]

It will get dirty. And even more so on the wedding day. Professional cleaners exist for a reason. Not cheap. But they do the job.

Best to set expectations early on to avoid any misdirected anger from the bride.