October 6, 2024
It’s no secret that light is the most important factor to getting great wedding photos. But what constitutes good lighting and bad lighting and why is it so important? If the lighting is harsh or sunny, it can create dark shadows on the subjects face, creates a big contrast between the shadows and the highlights and causes subjects to blink when they have their photo taken. Alternatively, a good wedding photographer should always be seeking opportunities to create a soft and diffused light.
Soft light is created on cloudy or overcast days (that’s why wedding photographers love cloudy days!). Cloudy days creates a diffused light that helps flatten the light and makes people look their best. Obviously we have no control over the weather, so if your wedding day is sunny, don’t fret. If you picked an experienced wedding photographer, they should be able to use opportunities to create soft light. This includes:
If you look at the photo below, this is an example of having the sun behind the subjects so their face is essentially shaded from the sun.
If you are aiming for good lighting during your wedding, there are a few things you can do to help. These include:
When creating your wedding timeline, you can organise to have the ceremony start during the afternoon when the sun is in a favourable position. If I could only give one single piece of advice for planning your wedding, then this would be it. This will depend on the time of year, but in summer a good time would be approximately 4:30pm or even 5:00pm. During winter, a good time for your ceremony would be around 2:00pm. In Brisbane during the summer, the sun usually goes down around 7:00pm or 7:30pm, whereas in winter it can be as early as 5:00pm.
If you need to have your ceremony during the early afternoon, try and select a location that is shaded like under a tree or under shelter (your guests will thank you as well!) Try and select a ceremony spot that has lots of trees. Examples of this include Mt Coot-tha Gardens or the Brisbane Botanical Gardens. Doing this, will block the sun from hitting yourselves during the wedding ceremony. Below is an example of using a shaded spot during a very hot and sunny day.
Dappled light is perhaps the worst possible lighting.. Ever.
The dappling effect, caused by sunlight filtering through foliage or architectural elements, creates uneven lighting that can lead to harsh contrasts and unflattering shadows on subjects’ faces. To maintain a consistent and flattering illumination for wedding photographs, photographers should steer clear of dappled light.
Instead, they opt for evenly diffused lighting or strategically positioned shade. This ensures the focus remains on capturing the beauty of the moment without distractions caused by uneven lighting patterns and shadows cast by the dappled light. To avoid dappled light during your ceremony, organise your positioning under the tree so the sun is setting in the background, not filtered down through the trees and hitting you. There is no amount of post-production that can reduce the negative effect of dappled light.
Wedding photographers are abundant in today’s market. With the accessibility of semi-professional cameras, almost anyone can claim to be a wedding photographer, adding to the saturation of the industry. However, the difference between an amateur and an experienced professional is significant. A seasoned wedding photographer, having captured hundreds of weddings, brings a wealth of knowledge and instinctively understands how to work with various lighting conditions to create stunning images.
One of the hallmarks of an experienced photographer is their ability to identify opportunities for beautiful, natural lighting while avoiding harsh or unflattering light. For example, they might use the canopy of a tree to diffuse strong sunlight, softening shadows and creating a gentle glow around the subjects. This technique not only minimizes harsh lighting but can also produce magical effects, such as sunflare, adding a touch of uniqueness and artistry to your photos.
Choosing a photographer with the expertise to make the most of any setting ensures that your wedding photos will be both beautiful and timeless, regardless of the challenges presented by the day’s lighting conditions.
Yes, any self-respecting wedding photographer should have a flash as part of their toolkit, but it’s something I consider a tool of last resort rather than a primary option. Natural light is almost always more flattering and creates a timeless, organic feel to your photos. I typically reserve my flash for indoor settings, such as the reception, where ambient light is low and additional lighting is necessary to properly illuminate the scene.
On rare occasions, if the sun has dipped below the horizon or the available light becomes too dim, I’ll bring out the flash. When I do, I prefer to use an off-camera setup to maintain a soft and natural look. This often involves positioning the flash at a 45-degree angle to the subject, usually held by an assistant or mounted on a stand. This technique avoids the harsh, flat lighting that occurs when a flash is aimed directly at the subjects. Instead, it creates soft highlights, natural shadows, and a sense of depth and dimension in the image.
Using an off-camera flash also allows for more creative effects, such as dramatic lighting or emphasizing textures in the background. It’s a versatile tool when used thoughtfully, helping to maintain the artistry and beauty of the photograph. Below is an example of how off-camera flash can be used effectively to add depth and dimension, creating a striking and unique visual impact.
Lighting is, without a doubt, one of the most crucial elements in creating stunning wedding photos. It can make the difference between a photo that is simply okay and one that is truly breathtaking. A skilled wedding photographer understands this deeply, knowing how to recognize the nuances of good lighting and avoid the pitfalls of bad lighting. More importantly, they know how to manipulate light to create the perfect conditions, whether it’s using natural sunlight, adjusting angles to avoid harsh shadows, or employing tools like reflectors or off-camera flash to enhance the scene.
Good lighting sets the tone of an image. It highlights emotions, adds depth, and enhances the overall mood of the photo. Whether it’s the golden glow of sunset during an outdoor shoot, the soft natural light streaming through a window, or the carefully balanced use of artificial lighting during the reception, a professional photographer knows how to adapt to any situation to ensure every shot looks its best.
If you’d like to learn more about wedding photography or have any specific questions about how we approach lighting and other key elements, feel free to reach out. Click here to send us an email, and we’d be happy to help guide you through the process of making your wedding photos truly unforgettable.
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