I was hoping to have something VERY different to share with you today – but the weather this past weekend screwed those plans up in a major way. SO I gave it some thought and decided that I would do kind of a walk-through on the VERY DIFFERENT types of lighting that are used on any given Wedding Day. The amount of thought given to lighting by families and couples when picking the venue is probably minimal… but for me it is EVERYTHING. That is one of the reasons the decision you make regarding your photographer is SO IMPORTANT. It’s more than light and dark. It’ more than sticking on a flash. Knowing how to USE available light and manipulating it – knowing how to generate light and control it when none is available – those are skills that are crucial for your photographer.
Below are several examples of different lighting situations. These are real weddings from this past year (and a couple from the stylized shoot) that I photographed. Each is different and each used several different scenarios for the one day.

First we have Window Light. Window light is amazing. It gives amazing contrast and depth to the subject. It also creates a stream that illuminates only a portion of the subject and creates an ethereal effect. Converting images using this kind of light to black and white often creates some of the most dramatic images of the day. It is important to note here that knowing the proper settings for this is key. You have to adjust the settings so the light isn’t overpowering and blows out the subject while also allowing enough light to illuminate the subject from the back.

Rachel’s Bridal image below wasn’t technically a window but the way the light streamed in from the side gave the same effect.

The next is Back Lighting. Here, you are choosing to have strong light illuminate the subject from behind. This light has the potential to completely envelop your subject. Again, this is an issue of knowing how to control it. You CAN use a flash to fill the front of the subject BUT i don’t care for the way that looks so you won’t see me do it…not during the day anyway – this method is awesome for sunset images. I’m working on this technique…


These images are also a form of back lighting. However, in these images the light is not as strong. I use it as an artistic effect. The time of day is key – using the sun while it is lower in the sky.


The next type is all artificial light. This day was so scary for me and honestly had it not been for my second shooter I am not sure what I would have done. It was a monsoon outside and we were EXTREMELY limited on indoor options. We were forced to use off camera flashes and creative positioning to illuminate our subjects. Two flashes were used in each of the pictures – one on camera with the flash angled to bounce off of certain walls – and an off camera flash positioned on the subjects to bring light in from the side. Flashes these days are high tech, let me tell you! HAHA… they make me feel stupid. You need to know how to set the flashes so they put out the right amount of light. Not too strong and not to light. This day was a HUGE learning experience for me. But I really feel it is something special. These images are classy and I was so excited about them. They earned a feature on a pretty prestigous blog 😉


Next we have all natural light situations at different times of day. These are situations where you use only available light but seek to get an even and consistent distribution across your subject. These first few were taken during the early afternoon when the sun is high in the sky and very harsh. SEEK SHADE. The light is still strong but it is diffused.

Next are a couple of images were all natural light is used inside. This room had windows all around and gave ample light that was evenly spread out.

… and here it is evening. The sun is low in the sky and a little further away. It creates a soft golden glow on your subjects and lays gently so it doesn’t create harsh lines.

Next we have mid-day Full Sun. This is scary. Harsh lines, bright blown out places, squinty eyes. It is a photographers worst situation. I was a little scared this day! Thin whispy clouds in the sky, a bright blaring sun, and a white dress! AHHH!!! Strategic placement of the groom with his back to the sun put the bride’s face and body in a shadow and also kept the sun off of his face. And again with the bride so her face was angled away from the sun and the groom with his face down kept the harsh light off of their faces. Are there lines, yes. Are parts of their bodies more overly exposed than others, yes. But it is gentle and the focal point, their faces, are properly exposed.
 Finally we are going to discuss reception lighting. Most receptions are either inside a building or under a tent. Both require a flash and the knowlege of how to work it – both in a useful way and an artistic way. Using an on camera flash with it pointed away from the subject so it can bounce and fill gives a really pretty creamy looking image. Adding a second flash across the room, pointed at you, gives this cool light burst effect.




For this image, there is no on camera flash. It is an external light source off to the side.

and here, there is a light source behind the subjects as well as an on camera flash – still not pointed directly at them but angled toward them.

I know this is a lot of information – but that is kinda my point! haha…. Being a photographer and specifically a Wedding Photographer is more than having a nice camera and flash. It is IMPERATIVE that they have this knowledge as well as the ability to execute it. You only get your wedding day once. And while I am aware that next to your venue selection the photography has the potential to be the most expensive item in your budget you HAVE to ask yourself – Isn’t it worth it? I know it is my job and I want to get hired, but think about it… These pictures are what you have for the rest of your life to remember that day. Make sure you look back with a smile not a regret!
XOXO