Behind-the-Scenes: How One Professional Photographer Prepares for Your Big Day!

When it comes to professional photography, we as the clients only see one side of things; the beautiful photos that are produced after our wedding day, engagement sessions or other photo sessions. But what happens before those sessions, how do photographers capture those unforgettable images and why (oh why) do they seem to have some magical power in making us look better than ever? 

Kristen Mittlestedt, an Indiana-based photographer who does professional work nationwide, tells us that there really is no magic to it—or at least not in the wave your wand sense. We sat down for an exclusive one-on-one with Kristen, where she dished out some of the industry's secrets and tells us how she prepared for WeddingDay's Winter 2018 cover shoot. 
 

First off, tell us about how you prep for a cover shoot or wedding? What steps do you take to make sure you are prepared to service brides?

"I always start with a mood board! I include the details I know about the bride's day (or about the shoot), then I look for things to inspire me while shooting. I include posing ideas, location ideas, different kinds of lighting and color swatches. During shooting, I reference this often, to make sure I am fully reaching my vision. I also make sure to chat with the brides and make sure we have a detailed timeline of the day. That way, I know how much time I have to shoot!"
 

What was it like shooting the cover? What were some highlights and what were some challenges?

"Photographing the cover was a lot of fun! It was a bit of a whirlwind getting things set up and shot before we lost the best lighting. With the time of day and the building placement, we only had about an hour of nicely diffused lighting across the space. One of the biggest challenges had to do with the wardrobe. Although we had gorgeous gowns, they were way too big for the bride. So we had to pin the dress inconspicuously in every pose."

 

What poses did you most enjoy capturing for the cover? What poses should a bride master to look best in her photos?

"I absolutely loved photographing the bride with the city skyline as the backdrop. My best advice for brides? Fall naturally into the poses your photographer is suggesting. You want to look natural and not like a mannequin. If you feel uncomfortable in a pose, speak up! If you feel uncomfortable, there is a good chance you are looking uncomfortable as well. Remember to keep your shoulders back, your elbows back (you aren't doing the chicken dance!), and be careful not to tuck your head into your neck or stick your chin to the sky."
 

Photographers have their own style. What is your style? How is it captured within your images?

"My style is moody, modern, whimsical and a bit editorial. I use found light and sometimes flash to create drama within the images. Every wedding will have those natural, lovey images between the couple, but I strive to achieve some images that are more editorial or have an artistic vibe through posing and light manipulation."

 

What items do you bring along on shoots to help your models/brides?

"I always pack a few emergency items; such as scissors, a needle and thread, breath mints, Ibuprofen, and Band-aids. You never know what you might need, but I want to make sure I can assist with any mishaps that may arise. I also feel it is important to make a detailed timeline before the day or the shoot and bring it along for reference."

 

Many clients will approach photographers with a certain vision (similar to how we had a vision for this shoot), what do you do to get as close to that vision as possible?

"Before an editorial shoot, I like to see a mood board filled with information on all the details of the shoot. I reference this often as I am shooting to make sure I am staying on brand with the vision. For weddings, most brides hire me for my style. I love hearing all of the ideas my brides have and put them into my own style to tell their love story."
 

What inspires you while you are shooting?

"I am deeply inspired by light! I love how it falls on the subject, fills the surroundings, and how lack of light can create drama. The entire mood of an image depends on light."

 

How do you know what moments to capture?

"I've shot more than 200 weddings as of 2019, so experience helps with knowing what moments to capture. I also like to be involved with the couples! I want to know how they met, what they do for fun and all the little details of their wedding day. Getting to know them will help me be immersed with them on their wedding day. This allows me to feel the special moments with them, and never miss an important moment!"

 

What advice would you give brides who see certain images and want their wedding to "look just like that"? 

"Pinterest can be a great planning resource, but a lot of the wedding images you find on the site are actually styled shoots and not real weddings. During a styled shoot, the photographer has complete control over every aspect of the “wedding” including the time of day it is shot, the lighting, the venue and all the little details. Real weddings are much more unpredictable! A great photographer can take inspiration from the images brides request, and make something just as great or even better. This is what I tell my brides! Every wedding is unique and different, and their images will reflect that. Look at the happiness between the bride and groom, and remember that feeling on your wedding day. It's impossible to not love a photo that brings back those emotions!"
 

Lastly, what is something everyone should know about Kristen Mittlestedt Photography?

"We live for travel! Although we reside in Fort Wayne, Indiana—we have traveled the Midwest and abroad. We also love elopements and weddings that don't always fit in as “traditional.” So, never be afraid to reach out about your wedding, regardless of location or theme!"

 

 

 

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