The Importance of Lighting for Beautiful Wedding Photos

This one is close to my heart, and probably every other photographers too.

Lighting can honestly change the whole feel of your photos, so I’m here to make sure you are set up in the best possible way to feel empowered with your decisions.

When it comes to choosing things like getting ready location, ceremony time, decor, you will know exactly what to do to get the best possible light for the most stunning photos on your wedding day.

By the end of this, you’ll leave understanding the importance of lighting and how it can affect your wedding photos.

GETTING READY LOCATIONS

LOOK FOR:

Large windows with lots of natural light
Large spaces that will give you enough space

AVOID:

Spaces with no windows that are dark and grungy
Small, cramped spaces

CEREMONY

Sometimes we don't have much control over our ceremony location, and that's totally fine if you don't - we can make it all work!

But in the chance that you are having a backyard wedding, or a wedding in a spot where you are able to pick where in the venue the ceremony will be, here are some things to note.

LOOK FOR:

Fully shaded spot
Standing OPPOSITE bright windows (where guests have their backs to the windows)
Sheer blinds in front of a window to soften the light

AVOID:

Harsh or patchy sunlight
Standing IN-FRONT of bright windows (where guests are facing the windows while they watch you)
Various colour back or up-lighting -purples and pinks will reflect those colours onto your face

Lastly, if you do not have a venue booked yet it may help to pay attention to windows and natural light in your ceremony location! Below is a church with tons of windows vs a location with no natural light.

RECEPTION

This one might be something to talk to your DJ or decor about!

Often times DJ's or venues will add up-lighting to the room and often times in colours like pink or purple. If that's something you want, that's totally fine! But if it isn't, make sure to ask them to not turn those on, or if they do, use something like a warm white instead. White lights are more than welcome as they can add really nice lighting!

Just remember, whatever light is being used in the room will lead to casting that colour onto your faces and skin, changing the look of your photos.

So again, if you want those funky pink and purples, power to ya, but if you don't, you might be best to do without!

TIMING

Lastly, and maybe the most important thing I want to note when it comes to lighting is TIMING. It is very easy to plan out a day that logistically makes sense in terms of the amount of time you might need for each portion of the day, but keep in mind different seasons = different sunset times.

This is important when planning out your timeline, because you may have to switch things around depending on your wants/needs of the day.

For example: if you are having a winter wedding, with a ceremony at 4pm and you want to do all your photos outdoors AFTER the ceremony - you may need to reconsider some things if sunset is at 5pm. Another important thing to note that your photos will ALWAYS look best closest to sunset and not midday during summer months. Photos later in the day will avoid harsh, uneven light and squinty eyes.