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  • Writer's pictureTacy Rapier

Capturing Your First Dance - A Fine Art Photographer's Guide

Updated: May 11

Your wedding day is one of the most important days of your life, and your first dance is one of the most memorable moments of the day. As a wedding photographer, I've seen countless first dances, and I can tell you that proper preparation from both client and myself is key to making it a success.

Graceful couple in their wedding attire twirling during their first dance in a stunning black and white photograph

What you can do to prepare for your first dance:

  • Choose the right song

Choosing the right song for your first dance is important. It should be a song that you both love and that has special meaning to you. It's also important to consider the tempo of the song and whether it's suitable for dancing. If you're unsure, consider taking some dance lessons to help you choose the right song and learn some basic steps.

  • Practice, practice, practice

Once you've chosen your song, it's time to start practicing. Practice as much as you can, both alone and together. This will help you feel more confident and comfortable on the dance floor. Consider taking some dance lessons to help you perfect your moves.

  • Consider your attire

Your wedding dress and shoes will affect how you move on the dance floor. Make sure you can move comfortably in your dress and that your shoes are suitable for dancing. It's a good idea to practice your dance in your wedding shoes to get used to them.

  • Choose the venue

Choosing the right wedding venue can also play a significant role in preparing for your first dance. When selecting a venue, consider the size of the dance floor, the overall ambiance, and the lighting options.


For example, The Lodge at Blue Sky Auberge Resorts Collection in Utah offers a stunning outdoor space with a rustic-chic ambiance, complete with a spacious dance floor and breathtaking mountain views. The natural lighting of this venue provides a warm, romantic atmosphere that is perfect for a first dance.

  • Relax and have fun

Remember that your first dance is a celebration of your love and commitment to each other. Don't worry about making mistakes or looking perfect. Just relax, have fun, and enjoy the moment. As your wedding photographer, I will capture the beauty and joy of your dance, and you'll have a cherished memory that will last a lifetime.

A joyous moment captured in a photograph of a couple's first dance at their wedding. The groom is elegantly lowering the laughing bride into a dip, as she radiantly smiles with dark hair and a sleeveless gown

What to expect from me:


As a professional wedding photographer, capturing the perfect first dance picture is a critical aspect of my job. My goal is to create images that capture the beauty, romance, and emotion of this special moment, and to provide the couple with timeless memories that they will cherish for a lifetime.

To ensure that your wedding's first dance pictures are nothing short of amazing, I take a multifaceted approach that incorporates planning, preparation, technical expertise, and artistic vision. Here's what you can expect when you hire me to capture your first dance:

  • In-Depth Consultation

Before the wedding day, I'll meet with the couple to discuss their preferences, expectations, and vision for their first dance pictures. This conversation includes discussing the venue's lighting, the couple's preferred style and mood, and any special moments they want me to capture during the dance.

  • Early Arrival and Venue Scouting

On the wedding day, I'll arrive early at the venue to scout the location and identify the best spots for taking pictures. This allows me to have enough time to set up my equipment and make any necessary adjustments before the first dance.

  • Lighting Mastery

The right lighting is key to creating a beautiful and romantic atmosphere for the first dance. I'll work with the venue coordinator to ensure the lighting is perfect, whether it involves adjusting existing lights or bringing in additional lighting equipment to create the ideal ambiance.

  • Camera Expertise

Using the right camera settings is essential to capturing high-quality first dance photos. I'll adjust my camera settings to ensure the pictures are sharp, well-exposed, and have the right color balance. My technical expertise ensures that every picture is well-composed, and captures the essence of the moment.

  • Artistic Vision

I take a creative approach to capturing first dance pictures, looking for unique angles and moments that convey the love and emotion of the couple. By capturing not just the dance moves, but also the expressions, reactions, and interactions of the couple and their guests, I create images that are truly exceptional.

  • Post-Processing Perfection

Once the pictures are taken, I spend considerable time and attention to detail editing and retouching the images to ensure they look their absolute best. This includes adjusting the exposure, color balance, and contrast, as well as removing any unwanted blemishes or distractions. This post-processing enhances the beauty and emotion of the images, resulting in breathtaking pictures.


In conclusion, my approach to capturing wedding first dance pictures is a blend of meticulous planning, technical expertise, and artistic vision. By working closely with the couple, arriving early, mastering the lighting, using the right camera settings, applying artistic vision, and perfecting the post-processing, I create images that are not only stunning but also timeless. Hiring me as your wedding photographer guarantees that your first dance pictures will be exceptional, and will bring back cherished memories of your special day for years to come.


Xo,

Tacy

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