Light is magical, it allows our eyes to focus on the subject and the story. Each time I approach an elopement or wedding, I am constantly thinking about the lighting and how to use it to capture my couples in the best possible way. Because of my photojournalistic approach, I generally embrace natural light, and only opt for flash if it’s absolutely necessary.
Are you planning an elopement and want to ensure the images look incredible? Well, here are my top three tips to nailing naturally lit photos on your wedding or elopement day!
- Pick a getting ready space with lots of natural light
Want to guarantee breathtaking “getting ready” photos? Choose a location that has a lot of natural light! While I have photographed in hotel rooms, basements, and bedrooms without natural light, forcing me to use a flash, the images flooded with light are always the showstoppers. Well-lit spaces make the photographs look elegant while also genuine. And if you don’t have access to a beautifully lit space at your venue? Consider renting an Airbnb or finding a hotel with large windows.
2. Consider the sun and create your timeline to match
While there are no guarantees when it comes to the weather, plan your timeline as though your elopement day is going to be cloudless and beautiful! With that in mind, the best time for couple photos is golden hour — the hour before sunset actually begins. I also enjoy photographing couples 20 minutes before the sun dips below the horizon to give a wide variety of color and tones. But for the love of all things good, please don’t schedule anything indoors during the most beautiful time of the day! I promise you won’t want to be eating your wedding dinner during the world’s most beautiful sunset!
3. Make sure you light your grand exit
If you are hoping to catch your grand exit on camera, considering how you’re going to light it is crucial! And the options are endless, so you can choose something that fits your wedding day vibe. Consider using sparklers, glowsticks…heck, even lightsabers! But I have to say, my favorite exits to photograph are probably sparkler exits. The images turn out beautifully and everyone involved has so much fun.
le these are just my top three tips on lighting, I have millions more! If you want to learn more about lighting, feel free to contact me here or send me an email. I’d love to hear from you!
Documentary Film Wedding Photographer based on the West & East Coast
