Let’s Talk About First Looks (and Why the Shoulder Tap Isn’t It)
Every time I hop on a timeline consult, there’s one thing couples bring up almost immediately—before we even get into logistics or lighting or any of that:
“We don’t want the first look to feel weird… or like a performance. We hate the shoulder tap photos.”
And honestly? Same. What’s natural about one person standing frozen while the other awkwardly tiptoes up behind them and taps like it’s Red Light, Green Light? It’s sweet in theory. But in real life? It can feel weird, stiff, and super not-you.
If you’re looking for a first look that feels private, emotional, and actually natural, here’s what’s helped our couples create moments that felt like them—not like a scene someone told them to act out.
First: What Makes a First Look Feel Unnatural
Let’s call it out:
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The classic “tap the shoulder” pose? Feels robotic.
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Having a full audience nearby? Kills the vibe.
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Doing something just because you saw it on Pinterest? Not the move.
That’s why we always customize first looks based on you—your personalities, your venue, and how you actually move through the world. Here are a few real first looks we loved because they felt effortless, personal, and completely unforced.
Natural Wedding First Look Idea: A Staircase Reveal
Venue Type: Historic estate
Couple: Kelli & Jeff
Kelli had her heart set on using the venue’s giant staircase, but didn’t want it to feel staged. So I suggested Jeff wait at the bottom, facing forward, while Kelli walked down. He didn’t turn around until she was almost to the landing, which gave both of them that quiet moment of anticipation without the “and… go!” energy (they were talking to each other the whole time Kelli was coming down). Jay captured it wide so you could feel the space, the movement, and the emotion as it unfolded. I stayed locked on Jeff’s face for the reaction, and wow. It was so soft and genuine.
Natural Wedding First Look Idea: A French Door Reveal
Venue: Historic estate
Couple: Jillian & Joey
Theis venue was in chaos—florists, rentals, planners doing their thing (aka: working magic). So we needed a Plan B for clean photo space. As I was walking around location scouting, I spotted these gorgeous old French doors and was like… hold on, this is perfect. I recruited two very eager bridesmaids to help me test it out so we could make sure it felt natural and not staged (Jillian wanted that especially), and they said it was fun! So we rolled with it.
Joey stood on the covered porch facing the doors (they were kind of opaque, so he couldn’t see her well), and Jillian opened them herself and stepped out. It felt bold and quiet all at once—and it matched the energy of her dress in the best way.
Natural Wedding First Look Idea: A Vintage Car Moment
Venue: Garden
Couple: Taylor & Dave
Taylor had picked a spot for their first look that was stunning—but also kind of far. We’d just been talking about using Dave’s dad’s vintage red convertible for their exit later, and I was like, “Why wait?” So Dave drove himself (and Jay) to the location, and Taylor showed up with her MOH. He waited in the car, looking in the rearview mirror, stepped out as she arrived, and they had their moment right there next to this gorgeous old car. Drinks in the backseat, daylight for portraits, and a reveal that felt completely them!
Natural First Look Idea: Get Ready Together
Venue: Private residence
Couple: Taylor & Brad
(Fun fact: we share an anniversary with them!)
This wedding was super intimate and easygoing—so Taylor & Brad ditched the whole “first look” idea and just got ready side by side! They helped each other tie bowties, button jackets, slip on shoes, and pop champagne. No big reveal, just a quiet morning together, fully connected and fully present. It was so calm and sweet—and made the rest of the day feel like an extension of that.
Want a Natural First Look? Here’s Where to Start:
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Think about where you feel most comfortable. Inside? Outside? Away from the chaos?
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Consider the flow of your day—do you want this to be private or are you okay with a few people nearby?
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And most importantly: tell your photographer what feels natural to you. If you’re working with us, we’ll bring ideas based on your venue, your personalities, the light, and the vibe of your day—so you never feel like you’re doing a weird staged moment for the sake of a photo.
Planning a First Look for Your Florida Wedding?
Whether you’re stepping out of a villa, walking down a staircase, or rolling up in a vintage convertible—your first look should feel easy, personal, and totally you.
Need help making it happen? Reach out and we’ll dream it up together. Bonus points if it includes a getaway car.
