Wedding Photography Lighting: Things to Keep in Mind

A wedding is a special moment in all our lives. Thus, capturing the essence of this is very important day is crucial. One of the key elements of wedding photography is lighting. Without proper lighting, you may not capture the tone you want in your photos. Lighting helps set the mood of your photos and determines whether a photo is playful, fun, serious, humorous or in between. What do you want for your wedding photos? Here are some of the things to keep in mind before you go out and taking wedding photographs.

Soft Lighting
Come equipped with a diffuser. This is one of the basics in wedding photography in order to eliminate harsh lighting that could cast unwanted shadow in your portrait. It’s recommended that you use soft lighting in wedding photographs to create a soft and dreamy feel, much what most people want.

Light Bounce
Make sure you familiarize yourself with the venue you will be shooting in before the big day. Knowing how your light will travel within a room is utmost important. Often, you can use colored surfaces to bounce your light off to create an artistic effect in the photo. Be creative, but know your angles of light.

Natural Lighting
Use natural lighting, whether it be the light shining into the church or the light casting on the bride and groom in an outside setting. Keep in mind that not every day is a good (sunny) day. Know how to adapt to both good and bad situations and make the light work in your favour.

Extra Lighting
Always bring back-up equipment in case your primary fails. You never know when those devices will give up on you so it is important to have back-ups that you are familiar with.

Light can be a photographer’s core asset if used properly. Experiment with different techniques and try to be creative in the process. You never know who is going to comment and praise the works you have done unless you go out and see what you can create.

Kevin Luc is a Toronto wedding photographer who specializes in fashion, beauty, commercial, portrait, automotive and wedding photography. Be sure to visit my Toronto wedding photography studio and photography blog for more examples of my past work.