Photographing the bride getting ready is always an exciting part of the day for a documentary wedding photographer. There’s usually a great deal going on and emotions are all over the place. In the space of a few minutes a bride can go from calm and relaxed to nervous and excited. The bridal preparations are not only a chance to set the scene and to meet the bridesmaids, mum and dad, but sometimes it’s the first time I’ll meet the bride too as many couples book me without meeting before their big day.

I like to begin the story by photographing both hair and makeup as these are both important parts of the preparations. However, a real pivotal moment in the bride’s day is the moment she steps into her wedding dress. I’ve shot enough weddings in my time that this sort of thing doesn’t embarrass me, but I’m well aware that I am a man and some brides may feel a little uncomfortable having a male presence in the room whilst they hop into their dress. I’m always very respectful of the intimacy of this moment which is why I will ask the bride if she’d like me to leave the room and wait outside or simply face the other way and wait until she’s ready.