The Real Problem: More Makeup Time, Less Photography Time

As a wedding photographer, I’ve seen this happen countless times—brides spending hours getting their hair and makeup done, leaving little to no time for their bridal portraits. The irony? The makeup is meant to make you look great in the photos, yet because of the delay, you might barely get any portraits at all!

Many brides don’t realize that the more time spent on getting ready, the less time they’ll have for those fresh worthy portraits they envisioned. And by the time they’re ready, they’re either in a rush or the best lighting is gone.

How This Affects Your Wedding Photography?

Less Time for Portraits: Wedding photographers typically allocate 45 minutes to an hour for bridal portraits to ensure they capture a variety of stunning shots. However, if there’s a delay of 30 to 40 minutes, this crucial session may have to be skipped entirely as the photographers must shift their focus to the next ceremony.

Rushed Poses & Stressful Experience: Because of the delay many brides didn’t enjoy the moment or sometimes they can’t cooperate with the photographers resulting to stiff, unnatural photos. Additionally, the pressure of tight time constraints can make photographers anxious, affecting their ability to deliver high-quality shots. As a result, both the bride’s experience and the final wedding album may not turn out as envisioned.

Compromised Lighting: In traditional Indian weddings, the reception is usually held in the evening, while the main wedding ceremony takes place in the morning. To capture stunning portraits, photographers often plan outdoor shoots near the venue-especially if it has a beautiful ambiance; leveraging natural light or using sunlight as a backdrop for a warm, visually appealing effect. However, any delays in the schedule can disrupt these plans, reducing the available daylight and impacting the quality of the photos.

Missed Photographic Moments: Delays in the bride getting ready can result in missing key moments such as candid shots of the bride getting ready, emotional first-look photos, and well-planned bridal portraits. These moments not only add depth to the wedding album but also capture raw emotions and intricate details that make the day special.

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What Wedding Brides Can Do to Fix This

1. Plan a Realistic Timeline (And Stick to It!)

• If your makeup artist says it’ll take 2 hours, assume it might take longer and start earlier.
• Allocate buffer time (30-45 mins) in case of unexpected delays.
• Ask your photographer for a timeline suggestion—they know how much time is needed for great shots!

2. Communicate with Your Makeup Artist & Hairstylist

• Let them know that photography is a priority.
• If possible, ask for a trial session beforehand to estimate how long it will actually take.

3. Get Dressed on Time, Even If Makeup Isn’t Fully Done

• Your makeup can be 90% done, but if time is running out, start dressing up while final touch-ups happen.
• A fresh face with light touch-ups is still better than no photos at all.

4. Understand That Wedding Photography Needs Time

• Great photos don’t just “happen”—they need proper lighting, posing, and adjustments.
• If you want dreamy bridal portraits, allocate at least 45 minutes to an hour for them.

Final Thought

Your wedding day happens once, and your makeup is meant to make you look beautiful in the photos. So don’t let delays take away your precious portrait time. Plan well, start early, and give your photographer enough time to capture your best moments!

Related Article:

How Your Wedding Venue Impacts Your Wedding Photos – Essential Tips for Choosing the Perfect Venue