Outdoor weddings are the perfect opportunity to get great photos. Excellent lighting, no blur, high ISO-what more would a wedding photographer want? However, outdoor wedding photography has its own challenges, including dark shadows, the bright sun, and unanticipated weather.
In this blog, we are sharing the top 8 outdoor photography tips for any wedding. These tips are from some of the best wedding photographers in Chicago who have attended and captured a lot of outdoor weddings. So, without further ado, let’s get into it.
Here are the top 8 photography ideas for outdoor weddings:
- When the Sun Is Peeking
The loss of control of the sunlight in outdoor wedding photography is one of the most difficult aspects of shooting an outdoor ceremony. Yes, you can change the timeframe or add artificial light. However, you'll almost certainly have to capture something at the noon.
You'll have to make efforts to tackle this issue unless you want pictures of people frowning or dark bags under their eyes from the sunlight coming over their heads.
Look for a shady spot. It can be a large oak tree, the border of a forested area, or the edge of a building. Shade provides soft light but limits your shooting options in terms of direction and location.
Also, double-check that your exposure is correct and that you aren't combining contrasting elements in the same frame. You might be able to get away with it around sunset, but in the heat of the day, it will most likely exceed the camera's recording capabilities.
- Timing Is Key
Establishing a timeline as a wedding photographer in Chicago can be extremely beneficial in achieving the finest results. It will be much more difficult than if you have a sunset photo session if the pair plans portraits around midday with the sun directly overhead.
In addition to sunset shots, you can often get better photos by encouraging your clients to have their wedding later in the day. An early evening ceremony has proven to be the finest scenario. The wedding and family photos will have abundant light, and the couple portrait session will be close to dusk, making it a win-win situation!
- Keep Distractions at a Minimum
Outdoor weddings have a lot of open space but an equal number of distractions. It makes the whole photography scene quite clumsy. Therefore, whenever you are going for outdoor wedding photography in Chicago or anywhere else, make sure to minimize the distractions.
Or better, make use of the props you get on the scene. Make use of the angles and adjust them to get the best of your wedding photos. The key is to keep the subject on priority.
Look for some compositional tools to reduce distractions and spark creativity in the photos.
- Display the Location
Outdoor wedding photography locations provide a lovely setting for vows. Take the liberty of capturing the beauty. After all, there is a reason why the wedding couple chose that spot.
To cover the entire area, use wide angles. The photographs will convey a better story of the couple's wedding day when they are combined with close-ups of the elements.
Look for an imaginative way of capturing the complete wedding scene in one image without being restricted by walls. A bird's eye perspective can be obtained from an adjacent building's balcony. Alternatively, widening the lens might highlight the scene in all of its grandeur.
- Select Portrait Photography
When photographing outdoors, portrait photography is the ideal style to choose. You can practice taking portraits of the pair with the ideal lens.
Before you begin the session, ensure the focusing feature is turned on. It will assist you in concentrating on the appropriate object.
Photographs of weddings taken in portrait mode are stunning. Give it a shot and see what you come up with.
- Go for Night Shots
For a good reason, most wedding photographers take images during the day. It's the most convenient moment to take amazing pictures.
But what about wedding photos at night? Taking the pair out for a few quick shots at once the day ends can provide some stunning results.
You'll need a flash or a video light for low-light photography.
Video lights are less strong, but they are easier to use and more economical for beginners. They'll also assist the camera's autofocus in low-light situations.
In addition to highlighting the subject, search for lighting in the backdrop; else, the couple will be silhouetted against a dark background.
Search for lights in the area. These could be the venue's decorations, skyline lights, or fairy lights to add emphasis to the backdrop.
- Keep RAW Photos
Digital cameras allow you to take photographs in a variety of file types. Rather than taking conventional photographs, you should opt to shoot in RAW format.
Your digital files are saved in RAW format, which is like a negative. That means you can use computer tools to alter or create the final shot whatever you wish.
Even the best wedding photographers in Chicago edit your photos on a computer if you take them in JPEG or some other format.
Always store RAW copies of your photographs in case you need to change your clicks in a photo editing program.
- Backup for Bad Lighting
One of the advantages of an outdoor ceremony is that the wedding photographer has greater freedom to walk around. Search for settings that will obtain the best light while still capturing the moments.
Before the wedding begins, locate the tricky lighting and determine how to deal with it.
You might want to capture the bride in the correct lighting for the aisle images. At least, be ready to change your exposure settings from sunlight to shade.
Knowing how to use and adjust a flash to fit in with the surrounding light is a vital skill for wedding photographers. Some weddings may not require the use of a flash at all, while others will benefit from the addition of even a basic fill flash.
Conclusion
Planning and a basic awareness of how to deal with the various problems that arise with outdoor wedding photography are the keys to success.
You'll be able to take gorgeous, lasting photographs for the wedding couple if you prepare your clients, yourself, and your equipment and know-how to effectively change the camera and lighting.