LIGHTING
First off, we want to be clear about the images in this blog. These were not shot by Picture Me Hitched and are going to be used for informative and educational purposes.
Lightning is key for factoring in the type of imagery that you want.
You’re not going to get a light, bright and airy image in a dark setting. You may not get an edgy-moody feel at 1:00 pm in July, either. We just have to face the honest truth, these cameras are good, but they can’t perform miracles. So when deciding on your style, be mindful of all of the possible lighting scenarios that may arise.
Harsh shadows
may appear in an image when there is no soft lighting present. Although this image is beautifully captured, that tells a story, the faces of the subjects may now be under exposed. Sometimes there is no way to avoid this type of scenario when choosing an outdoor ceremony during the afternoon.
Take note of the time of year your wedding will take place. Understand the environment and surroundings of your venue.
Is it indoor or outdoor?
Will the area for the ceremony or reception have sufficient light to capture images?
These are all questions you have to ask in order to determine what type of images you will receive.
Harsh light
not only offers up harsh shadows, it may also offer up unwanted squinting. Capturing this candid image was done beautifully, but the squinting may be like listening to nails on a chalk board to some. The eyes tell a story in an image and this image only has one set of eyes speaking. There’s honestly not much that can be done to fix the problem in this image unless an enormous soft box was hanging over the top of the subjects.
Poor lighting
during a reception may limit the photographer/videographers ability to capture a photo journalistic image. Adding some bounce flash or constant lighting may offer up the ability to capture the image properly exposed.
Be fully transparent with the photographer/videographer and ask lots of questions. Be honest with your feelings on a particular request. It makes the photographer/videographers job that much more difficult to find out there is insufficient lighting.
Is flash photography okay?
Is constant lighting for videography okay?
Is the ambient lighting too warm? Is it too cool?
Is the ceremony at high noon, outside and is there a possibility for harsh light and shadows?
Is the reception at night, outdoors with poor lighting?
Sometimes,
having harsh lighting and shadows can offer up an artistic feel to mood. It’s not meant for all situations but it can deliver story apart from the wedding itself.
Be sure
to explain how you want your story to be portrayed in your imagery. Harsh and poor lighting isn’t recommended for weddings but sometimes it will offer up an alternative story to be told.
The more you know about the lighting, the easier it becomes in getting what you want.
Once the questions have been asked, building out a plan to counter any obstacles can take place. Communication is key and knowledge is power. Continue on this journey with us we help you build out your dream wedding.