What to Expect: Groom Prep
- Chloe Gelsthorpe
- 4 days ago
- 3 min read
Updated: 3 days ago
If you decide to get groom preparations covered by your photographer, you might be feeling unsure about what to expect. This little blog should help to answer any of your questions regarding photographing those pre-ceremony moments.
Are we able to get groom prep coverage?
If you have hired a second shooter for your wedding day, you can 100% get groom prep covered. Your second shooter will be with you from whenever you would like your prep photos to start. However if you haven't got a second shooter and only have myself for the day, I can't always guarantee I can cover both partners preparations. If you are both getting ready in the same place then I absolutely can cover both. However, if you are getting ready in different locations, my limit tends to be about a 5 minute car drive between each partners location. If it is 5 minutes or less, I can absolutely cover both preps.
What will the vibe be?
When I arrive, I won’t immediately start directing or staging anything. Instead, I’ll spend a few moments observing the space, the light, and how everything is naturally unfolding. My goal is to blend in and capture things as they are , not interrupt them.
My style leans heavily into candid storytelling, I’ll be documenting:
The laughter between you and your groomsmen
The quiet moments of reflection
The small details like cufflinks, watches, ties, shoes
Those in-between moments you don’t even realise are happening
We can do a few group photos and portraits as well if you'd like those shots included. But if you want no posing then I'll just get the natural moments.
Some of the best images come from simply letting the morning unfold naturally.
Will you help guide us with the shots?
Absolutely! There are a few key moments I’ll gently guide when needed, but always in a relaxed, unobtrusive way.
This might include:
Buttoning up your shirt
Adjusting your tie or bow tie
Putting on your jacket
Final touches in the mirror
If anything needs a slight tweak for better light or composition, I’ll suggest it casually, nothing forced or overly posed.
Whose included?
Groom prep isn’t just about you, it’s about the people you’ve chosen to have by your side.
Whether it’s your best man helping you get ready, a parent sharing a quiet moment, or your friends keeping things light-hearted, these interactions are a huge part of the story.
I focus on capturing those connections & memories as they happen.
Do we need a super fancy space?
Space and Light Matter (But Don’t Stress)
You don’t need a perfect location, but a tidy, well-lit space makes a big difference in how your photos feel.
If possible, I recommend:
Choosing a room with natural light (near windows is ideal)
Keeping clutter to a minimum
Having all your details in one place when I arrive
That said, I’ll work with whatever space you have, part of my job is adapting and finding the best light wherever we are.
How long does it take?
If you have a second shooter, they can start up to 2 hours before the ceremony. Covering as much of the morning preparations as you like. If you have just me, I tend to pop over for the last bits of groom prep (ties, jackets, cufflinks going on). I will stay with you guys for about 30 mins, which gives me more an enough time to get the details, the candids and some fun group photos.
I normally pop back for a little bit of time just before the ceremony, to capture those candid moments of you meeting your guests as they arrive!
Do we need it capturing?
Not every groom chooses to have prep covered, and that’s completely fine. But if you want a fuller picture of your wedding day, it can add so much depth to your gallery.
It’s great for both partners to look back on what each other were doing before the ceremony!
Final Thoughts
Groom prep isn’t about creating moments, it’s about capturing them as they naturally happen.
With a relaxed, documentary approach, the focus is on real interactions, real emotions, and the atmosphere of the morning. No pressure, no awkward posing, just an honest reflection of the start of your wedding day.
If that sounds like your kind of vibe, then groom prep is absolutely worth considering.
Helpful Blogs, that might be useful in your decision making:
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