Every couple wants their wedding photos to look like they belong in a luxury magazine. While wearing a beautiful dress and picking a stunning venue are incredibly important, as professional photographers at Maelstrom Frames, we know the real secret ingredient is
Lighting.
Good lighting flatters your skin, captures the tiny details of your jewelry, and sets the entire emotional mood of your photos. Here is how you can ensure your big day has the perfect lighting.
The Magic of the Golden Hour
You have probably heard your photographer talk about the “Golden Hour.” This happens roughly one hour before sunset, when the sun is low on the horizon. The light during this time is soft, warmly colored, and diffuses beautifully across your face without creating harsh shadows under your eyes.
We always recommend sneaking away from your reception for just 15 to 20 minutes during this time window. It creates the most romantic, glowing couple portraits of the entire day!
Preparing Your Getting Ready Room
The morning of your wedding can be chaotic. Makeup artists, bridesmaids, and family are all in one room. However, when selecting your “getting ready” suite, look for one crucial feature: Big Windows.
Natural, indirect sunlight streaming through a large window is the absolute best lighting for your makeup shots and the classic dress-hanging photograph. If possible, keep the overhead fluorescent lights turned off, as they cast an unflattering yellow or green hue over your skin.
Embrace the Sparkle at Night
Once the sun goes down, the vibe completely changes. This is where artificial lighting comes into play. Talk to your event decorator about incorporating fairy lights, uplighting, or warm glowing candles around your reception space.
- Pro Tip: Make sure your DJ or venue does not use strong laser lights shining directly onto the dance floor during your first dance! It can place strange colored dots across your faces in the photos.
Your wedding day only happens once. By keeping these simple lighting rules in mind when planning your timeline and venues, your final Maelstrom Frames gallery will look timeless, romantic, and absolutely flawless.