How to Consider Lighting for your Wedding
Let me preface this entire blog post by saying that if you choose a professional and experienced photographer, they should be able and ready to tackle any lighting scenario that you throw at them. However, there are some things that you can keep in mind throughout your wedding day that will ensure the most beautiful photos as possible. You have more control over lighting situations than you might think.
During the getting ready part of the day choosing a great location can make all the difference in the photos you end up with. I always recommend choosing a location with lots of natural light. Your makeup artist will also thank you for having lots of natural light. Big beautiful windows not only allow for lots of soft natural light in your photos but also make a great spot for bridal portraits. Getting ready is not a great time, in my opinion, for clunky light stands and in the way equipment. My job is to be stealthy and out of the way so I can capture the morning as it happens and you can enjoy these once in a lifetime moments. Ensuring there is adequate lighting goes a long way in ensuring a good experience and a beautiful outcome.
Your ceremony location can also drastically change the way your photos look. Having an outdoor ceremony is a very popular choice and always a beautiful option. However, keep in mind where you will be positioned during the ceremony. If the ceremony is at high noon with the sun directly over head, it is best to avoid areas where you might be half in shadow and half in the sun. It is much easier to adjust for full sun if full shade is not available, than it is to compensate for half and half. If you are standing under trees, also consider how the light will end up looking. Light can filter through the trees and create a lighting effect we call dappling. This is where you will be covered in spots of harsh shadow, instead of full even shade. In these situations I will purposely shoot under exposed so I can lighten all of the shadows in post and not lose any detail. Your photos will still be gorgeous and full of meaning, but they will look different than if you had been standing in even light.
If you are having an indoor ceremony there is still a lot of control you can have over your lighting choices. Having the ceremony directly in front of a big window will change your photos. The subjects will need to be slightly silhouetted to compensate for the window light or the window light will be very blown out. Your photographer may also need to compensate with fill flash to make sure you and your honey are properly lit. There is nothing wrong with either of these artistic choices, but it is important to keep this in mind if you are wanting your photos to have a specific vibe or style. This of course depends on what time of day it is, what season it is and which direction the window is facing. Ask your venue if you can see your ceremony spot during the time of day your ceremony will be taking place.
I also let my couple’s know to consider window placement for the reception. Is your head table going to be directly in front of a window? The same issue will arise during daylight. Once the sun goes down and your photographer busts out the flash, they will then have to consider light reflections in the glass. The best option is to stick to shooting at angles instead of straight on to avoid glare and catching our own reflection in the glass. I definitely don’t want to see myself in your wedding photos.
Now for the fun part. If you hire a DJ they will likely come equipped with tons of fun and colourful lighting. Your venue may also offer certain types of uplighting to accentuate the ambience of the room. Be sure to talk to your DJ and see what exactly they offer. Having lots of colourful lights and laser lights for the party add a unique touch and also allow for those cool, intense flash dancing images. I will also speak to your DJ before the event starts. While those laser lights are awesome to party with, they don’t work well for a first dance. I want to avoid having to edit tiny little pin pricks of coloured light off of you in your romantic first dance photos.
There are also tons of lighting options that may be available for your wedding reception that will add a unique touch and a fun element for your photos. String lights and lots of them really make photos pop. Especially if the reception is outside at night. You can add neon signs or give your guests glow sticks to wave during dancing. The sky is the limit.
Lighting is the most important aspect when it comes to your wedding photography. That is what a photograph is. Captured light. It is my job as a photographer to know what light will work best and yet work with what light I am given under every circumstance. By giving just a bit of thought to lighting when planning your big day, you can ensure that the photos capture it in all its glory.
