How to Maximize Natural Light in Your Wedding Photos
You want your wedding album to capture your day flawlessly, from the colours of your floral bouquet right down to flattering lighting. In this blog, we will share tips on how to maximize your wedding images with natural light photography.
What is natural light photography?
As the name implies, natural light photography captures natural light to create exceptional shots. It is easier on the talented photographer, as they can work with less equipment and move around to get the best possible angles. It is less intrusive for you, as there aren’t any large lights set up, flashes, or overly demanding directions involved in the photoshoot.
Natural light photography also embraces the idea of candid shots, creating a more authentic wedding album that captures the emotions and beauty of the day.
Natural Light Photography: Getting Ready
Wedding photography should tell a story, covering the most intimate moments of your day. Classic images of getting dressed are filled with anticipation, joy, and often nervousness, shared with your family and wedding party. They also follow the experiences you had before seeing each other for the first time as bride and groom at your ceremony. Some couples save these images to be shared privately with each other.
Catching the perfect natural light for this stage of your wedding photography requires a room with large windows that stream in soft, filtered light. Since you’re likely getting ready in the mid- to late-morning, you want an east-facing room to optimize natural light at this time. Of course, the lighting depends on the style of album you want. Direct light can also create dramatic effects if this is the look you prefer.
If you don’t want to take the pictures at home, consider other possible locations. For example, you might choose an elegant hotel room or the home of a close friend or family member. Another option is a private bridal suite provided by your venue. Château Le Jardin offers stunning bridal suites ideal for preparation photos.
Things to avoid when taking the preparation photos include the following:
- Harsh overhead lighting creates unflattering skin tones in pre-makeup shots.
- Don’t feel tied to taking the pictures in the bedroom if the light is better in another room in the house.
- Consider leveraging mirror images to capture light in clever ways, while showing off your hairstyle or the back of your wedding gown.
- If you must shoot in a very bright room, use sheer curtains to soften the light.
Indoor Ceremonies and Natural Light Photography
Tradition often dictates where you hold your wedding ceremony. If this is the case, it’s important to understand possible camera bans. This is one of the trickiest aspects of ceremonial photos. Some officiants also don’t allow photography for various reasons.
Be sure to discuss photography rules so you understand:
- What can and can’t be shot during the ceremony.
- Bans in specific areas before and after the ceremony.
- Wedding officiant rules regarding ceremonial photography.
- If the place of worship allows photography during the ceremony, can you use a flash?
- Workarounds, such as a garden or exterior architectural features, as well as front steps or doors, can be utilized to maximize the natural light after the ceremony.
Once you understand possible challenges, your photographer can plan the best locations for your ceremonial shots. If you aren’t restricted by tradition, some things to consider when choosing a ceremony location might include:
- Stained glass: Keep in mind that natural light is heavily filtered by stained glass. Opt for windows that let in plenty of natural light. For example, Château Le Jardin offers soaring windows to take full advantage of natural light photography.
- Lack of windows: Unconventional locations such as barns tend to be quite dark, but also less likely to have restrictions.
- Time of day: Be sure to consider where the natural light falls at the time of your ceremony.
- Flexibility: Choose a location with ample space to capture the best angles and make the most of natural light.
Outdoor Ceremonies and Natural Light Photography
Outdoor ceremonies are also impacted by natural light. Your photographer should consider the time of day, direction of the sun, and structures such as trellises or gazebos that might cast challenging shadows on you or the officiant. Very detailed photographers tend to visit the site beforehand to spot challenges, find solutions, and leverage natural light in the most flattering way.
Natural Light Photography and Time of Day
As mentioned, the time of day has a major influence on the light effect of your photos. Taking advantage of the “golden hour” creates ideal lighting with a romantic glow, captured when the sun is low on the horizon. The golden hour occurs approximately one hour after sunrise and one hour before sunset.
If you can time images for either time of day, your photos will have a warmer, happier feeling. Just be aware that the golden hour creates longer shadows that some couples might find too dramatic.
Natural Light Photography and the Weather
Of course, the weather impacts your outdoor shots. A wedding photo shoot in the rain is never ideal, but experienced photographers can contend with whatever weather comes their way. For example, if shooting under a full bright sun, you might want to take advantage of picturesque shady areas such as under a mature tree, in a gazebo, or against an architecturally intriguing wall. Here are some tips:
- Be cautious with backlighting as it can add drama, but also wash out the details of the wedding gown, veil, bouquet, etc.
- Consider capturing fun shots on rainy days by using matching umbrellas, or look for sheltered areas such as gazebos, porches, and awnings.
Natural Light Photography and Venue Lighting
Venue lighting is the final, yet equally important, consideration for natural wedding lighting. Unfortunately, many traditional wedding venues lack windows, making them feel stuffy and dark.
At Château Le Jardin, our private halls are bathed in an abundance of soft, natural light. Our rooms feature soaring ceilings and windows designed to create a spacious, airy feel. Each room overlooks an outdoor patio that’s available for private photo shoots.
As a result, your photographer has ample opportunity to use natural light for both indoor and outdoor wedding photo shoots. If you require a private dressing room to elevate your wedding prep photos, a recently renovated private bridal suite is a standard feature of our banquet halls.
Contact the Wedding Venue Experts
Natural light photography can make the difference between just an acceptable wedding album and an exceptional one. Use these tips to find the best location for every stage of your wedding photos, from preparation to tossing the bouquet, for unmatched images.
Château Le Jardin is your ideal wedding venue for truly unforgettable wedding photos. Click here to learn more. You can also call us at 1-888-529-8573 or book a consultation online.