Your Wedding & Lighting
Nov/16/09 09:29 AM Filed under: Weddings
As brides we often
obsess over the colors, flowers, linens, and every
little detail that helps create the ambiance that we
want at our wedding. While brides are getting more
and more creative and are creating more beautiful
events than ever, there is one element so many
overlook... LIGHTING! Every part of your wedding day
is influenced by the light and planning for it and
making the best decisions will ensure you get the
beautiful images and atmosphere you are dreaming of.
First comes location selection. When visiting any venue notice the light and consider how it will be during your event. For getting ready, ideally select a tidy room with lots of large windows and space for you and your bridesmaids.
For the ceremony, if it is outdoors the perfect location is well lit with lots of open shade. Many of my keys weddings are sunset ceremonies, which are gorgeous, however then you must plan to do portraits beforehand as there will be no light after the ceremony to shoot in. Remember that on a beach or location without lights, we can use flashes to light you, but the landscape will be lost. Outdoors you also want to avoid having a ceremony in the middle of the day when light is the harshest and least flattering. Avoid dark, uneven shadows that will fall on your faces, try to position yourselves where you will be in even light.
If you are planning an indoor ceremony, seek out a location with windows and ambient light.
The reception, this is where lighting is sooo important! After the sun goes down you are dependent on the lighting of the venue that you select. It is very important to visit your venue when it is dark and see what you will be working with. Lighting can set the mood for your venue and has a dramatic influence in the quality of your reception photographs.
Uplighting is a wonderful option for any venue. With uplighting you can create a completely different ambiance for your space relatively affordably. Often your band or DJ will offer this service (you should inquire), however you can also hire a lighting crew to get even more creative. Uplyte is a great one here in South Florida.
If you cannot afford to add uplighting consider candles, lantern or string lights. In my opinion you can never have too many candles and they are always romantic and beautiful. You can find bundles of small votives online very affordably. Lanterns can be rented from your florist or a rental company and are wonderful outdoors or in. If wind is a concern consider LED candles with no flame. All will help create a unique atmosphere and beautiful images. Enjoy!
First comes location selection. When visiting any venue notice the light and consider how it will be during your event. For getting ready, ideally select a tidy room with lots of large windows and space for you and your bridesmaids.
For the ceremony, if it is outdoors the perfect location is well lit with lots of open shade. Many of my keys weddings are sunset ceremonies, which are gorgeous, however then you must plan to do portraits beforehand as there will be no light after the ceremony to shoot in. Remember that on a beach or location without lights, we can use flashes to light you, but the landscape will be lost. Outdoors you also want to avoid having a ceremony in the middle of the day when light is the harshest and least flattering. Avoid dark, uneven shadows that will fall on your faces, try to position yourselves where you will be in even light.
If you are planning an indoor ceremony, seek out a location with windows and ambient light.
The reception, this is where lighting is sooo important! After the sun goes down you are dependent on the lighting of the venue that you select. It is very important to visit your venue when it is dark and see what you will be working with. Lighting can set the mood for your venue and has a dramatic influence in the quality of your reception photographs.
Uplighting is a wonderful option for any venue. With uplighting you can create a completely different ambiance for your space relatively affordably. Often your band or DJ will offer this service (you should inquire), however you can also hire a lighting crew to get even more creative. Uplyte is a great one here in South Florida.
If you cannot afford to add uplighting consider candles, lantern or string lights. In my opinion you can never have too many candles and they are always romantic and beautiful. You can find bundles of small votives online very affordably. Lanterns can be rented from your florist or a rental company and are wonderful outdoors or in. If wind is a concern consider LED candles with no flame. All will help create a unique atmosphere and beautiful images. Enjoy!