The term “Trash The Dress” comes from the idea that the bride is not going to worry about a little dirt, water or staining that may occur to her gown as she is more interested in having spectacular, memorable images of herself wearing it than in preserving the dress itself in a box, hidden away in the closet. Many modern brides are not interested in turning their dress into a family heirloom. This can be interpreted in many ways, depending on the bride and groom’s idea of “trashing” or the location that they are using for the shoot. Often, if the photos are taken on a beach, the couple will even wade into or sit in the water, wearing their wedding attire. Other locations/posing may include a country field or farm, complete with horses, climbing trees, slushing around in the snow, etc. For our session, we decided to glam it up for some urban fashion shooting on the city streets, amidst the grit and grime. It’s the whole idea of contrasts-something that has long been a hallmark of my style of photography and my ideas about art in general. I love the unexpected. And I love when the unexpected makes you say, “Yeah…I never would have thought to do that, but I LOVE it!”. It’s really about taking a little bit of risk and getting a lot of reward.
The whole “Trash The Dress” concept has been slow in catching on around my area, but I am hoping to help change that! The bride and groom can be so much more relaxed, as can the photographer, which in turn leads to spectacular captures. Everyone can breathe and just have a good time. Creativity is not stifled by either nerves or time constraints that both abound on the day of the wedding. This type of shoot can replace or be done in addition to the traditional engagement photos. It’s another whole set of memories that focus on the bride and groom themselves and what they mean to each other. Which is really what getting married is all about, right?!! So, I say go forth and embrace a new way of thinking and shooting and you will only be the better for it! Brides and grooms-think outside the box to get some amazing images of your new life together. Depending on how much you actually “trash” the dress, most of it will likely come out in the wash (or at least make your dry cleaner earn their keep, lol)! Just remember….boring is never a good thing, and a little bit of WILD never hurt anyone!
{i found this blog entry from Wild Hearts Photography and just had to share}
