Hot Takes for Fire Wedding Day Photos
Lighting Considerations That Will Make The “Natural Light Photographer” You Hired Love You Forever
1. Know the lighting situation of your venue
and prepare for the best-case scenario by asking about lighting and sharing photos with your photographer in advance.
2. Manage expectations;
if you want a really cozy intimate setting with low lighting, that’s totally fine! funky flash and grainy images are in!
Great for you to be aware, if you wanted some better lighting here are some ideas to help
a. Ways to plan around this; consider setting up tea lights for the ceremony and add string lights overhead to
create an ambient mood and sufficient lighting for crisp photos, where we can really see your smiling faces!!
3. Lighting scenarios you’ll likely want to avoid;
a. Uneven lighting (try to avoid spotlights or full sun)
b. Dimly lit environments (dark tents, cozy rooms with darkly painted walls and ceiling or few windows)
c. Environments where the subject (YOU!) is backlit (harsh lighting from behind you) ex. an area where this is often overlooked is lighting at the head table 🧐 .
Need a hand checking the lighting of your venue or photo sesh setting? Click here for a lighting tip
Placement!
1. Consider working in space for your photographer to easily move around to get all of those juicy ceremony shots.
2. Speak to your officiant about standing off to the side during those key photo-worthy moments;
a. During vows
b. Exchanging rings
c. First Kiss
d. Official Announcement
3. Make sure you’re comfortable and visible for key moments at your reception.
a. Have them focus on YOU. Big fan of the sweetheart table ... it’s a good option if you
want a little space from the party to hang out with your partner for some private moments,
and I’m sure the rest of your party is cute and all but this day really isn’t about them.
b. Get in full view by moving your chairs slightly away from the table during things like speeches.
Mindset Shifts and Tricks for Day-of Details that Go Off Without a Hitch!
1. Identify a point person
to answer any and all vendor and guest questions so that you can just relax and take the day in with your partner.
*The key is to remember to communicate this to your vendors ahead of time!
2. Create a timeline that allows breaks
for snacking, resting, and peeing!! Even the best of us can’t be “on” for an entire day
... we all need to remember to eat and occasionally take a nap. 😂
3. Reframe your thinking
on how the day will go.
Be mindful of what you want your memories to be of.
Do you want to remember being stressed or worried about your party being in the right place
at the right time or your dress getting dirty. If you’re stressed, it’s going to reflect in your photos. 😬
The best advice I was ever given on this is to plan as much as you can up until the day and then just let the day happen.
Because here’s the truth:
a. you will probably forget your vows (have multiple copies, give them to your party etc.)
b. your dress WILL get dirty ... a sweet tip I’ve learned is to build in time before the ceremony or reception
for any clean-up or quick fixes (usually a half an hour will do).
BONUS TIP: For bomb photos that really reflect you as a couple, bring your personality!
1. Try to avoid cookie-cutter situations.
Things like venue, church, dress/tux, flowers and food are all pretty standard but there are fun ways to infuse your personality in small ways.
Some examples I’ve loved to see are when brides/grooms choose to get ready with their party in a location that is meaningful to them or sometimes even chooses to get ready alone.
2. Make it meaningful.
My best advice here is not to think about your day through the lens of a “wedding day” but to think of it through the lens of your relationship.
This is a day celebrating your relationship after all! I love to see it when my clients incorporate their favourite snacks later on in the reception.
Reubin and I love popcorn, I always wished we had a popcorn machine at our wedding.
It’s nice to try to incorporate something trendy or cool but here’s what I’ll say ... if it’s not you, don’t do.
Did you find this helpful?
I’d love to hear from you! Shoot me a message.
You might also like my post on “5 TIPS TO HELP YOU PREPARE FOR A PHOTOSHOOT”
Follow along @dorothymay_ I’ve got more tips coming your way. (Didn’t mean for that to rhyme)