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Unlocking the Magic: Pro Tips for Outdoor Wedding Photography
In the enchanting world of wedding photography, there’s a special kind of magic that comes alive when you step outside into the great outdoors. It’s like uncovering a treasure trove of breathtaking landscapes, where every sunrise, every sunset, whispers a tale of love waiting to be captured. In this post, as part of our Wedding Photography Advice section, we’ll provide some useful pro tips for outdoor wedding photography.
Together with Nicole Ettenhoffer, VP of Growth and Strategy at George Street Photo & Video, a national wedding photo and video company, we’ll delve into the artistry and mastery behind creating stunning imagery amidst nature’s splendor. From the rustling leaves of a forest canopy to the golden hues of a sun-kissed meadow, join us on a journey where creativity knows no bounds, and where every click of the shutter holds the promise of timeless beauty.
Creating stunning wedding imagery amidst nature’s splendor. Photo courtesy of George Street Photo & Video
With wedding season on the horizon, many couples are planning their big days. It’s said that over 80% of weddings happen between May and October, with the reason being planning around weather. Nicole Ettenhoffer believes that couples shouldn’t have to change their wedding plans just because of weather!
Additionally, your wedding season can and will affect how your outdoor photos look. If your wedding is in fall/winter, the sun sets earlier, so your location will matter! A West Coast sunset will be much later than a Midwest sunset, for example.
So if you’re located on the East Coast, plan to take your formal wedding portraits in the morning. If you’re looking for a moodier effect, shooting later in the day is just fine.
Your location will matter! Photo courtesy of Georgestreetphoto.com
If you’re getting married in spring/summer, you can easily shoot outdoors pretty much all day long, since the sun stays up until later in the day.
But if you’re having an outdoor wedding, be aware of this. No one wants to look washed out or squinty in every shot.
Keep in mind that your photographer may have you looking directly into the sunlight to capture the photos. This is key practice for outdoor wedding photography, the camera should always point away from the sun. Golden hour into the early evening is a great time for capturing the best images.
Watch this video for some more golden hour photography tips:
Photo courtesy of Georgestreetphoto.com
A few more Outdoor Wedding Photography
There are tons of tips and tricks for taking incredible photos outside, no matter what the weather may be on couples’ wedding day. In fact, cloudy days and rain can actually be beneficial for capturing images for several reasons:
- Soft Lighting: Cloud cover acts as a natural diffuser, creating soft and even lighting conditions. This reduces harsh shadows and helps to prevent overexposure in bright areas of the image. The soft lighting is particularly flattering for portraits and close-up shots as it minimizes the appearance of imperfections and creates a more pleasing overall look.
- Reduced Contrast: Cloudy conditions reduce the contrast between light and dark areas in a scene. This can make it easier to capture details in both shadowy and brightly lit areas without losing significant detail. As a result, images taken on cloudy days often have a more balanced exposure and show a wider range of tones.
- Vibrant Colors: Rain can enhance the colors in a scene by saturating the environment and bringing out richer hues in foliage, flowers, and other elements. The wet surfaces reflect light differently, intensifying the colors and adding depth to the image. This can create visually stunning photographs with enhanced contrast and vibrancy.
Photo courtesy of Georgestreetphoto.com
Nicole has found that overall, while sunny days with clear skies which is often preferred for outdoor photography, cloudy days and rain offer their own set of advantages and opportunities for creating compelling and atmospheric images.
It’s important for photographers to embrace the diversity of weather conditions and adapt their techniques accordingly to capture the beauty of nature in all its forms.
Learn to capture the beauty of nature in all its forms. Photo courtesy of Georgestreetphoto.com
Don’t forget two more important tips when going outdoors for your wedding photography:
- Scout the Location in Advance: While this may seem obvious, it’s crucial for photographers to visit the outdoor location ahead of time. This allows them to familiarize themselves with the surroundings, identify potential photo spots, and plan for the best angles and lighting conditions. By scouting the location in advance, photographers can ensure that they’re fully prepared to capture stunning images on the wedding day.
- Embrace Natural Elements: Incorporating natural elements into wedding photos can add depth and character to the images. Whether it’s capturing the gentle breeze blowing through the bride’s veil or the dappled sunlight filtering through the trees, embracing natural elements can elevate the visual appeal of outdoor wedding photography. Encouraging couples to interact with their natural surroundings can also create authentic and emotive moments that reflect the beauty of the outdoors.
Photo courtesy of Georgestreetphoto.com
To Conclude…
Learning from the experts about outdoor wedding photography reminds us of the endless possibilities that lie within the embrace of nature’s grandeur. From the soft hues of a misty morning to the vibrant colors of a sun-drenched afternoon, each moment holds the promise of timeless beauty waiting to be captured.
With the guidance of Nicole Ettenhoffer, VP of Growth and Strategy at George Street Photo & Video, we’ve explored the artistry and mastery behind creating stunning imagery amidst nature’s splendor. As wedding season approaches, may these pro tips serve as a beacon of inspiration for couples embarking on their journey of love and celebration.
So let’s raise our cameras to the sky and capture the magic of outdoor weddings, where every click of the shutter is a testament to the enduring power of love and the beauty of the world around us.
About George Street Photo & Video:
Back in 2004, George Street Photo & Video burst onto the scene with one mission: to shake up the world of wedding and engagement photography, making it more approachable and personal. With two decades of experience under their belt, they’ve become the go-to choice for couples nationwide, matching them up with top-notch photographers and videographers. George Street prides itself on giving each client a tailored experience, offering up a mix of candid shots and virtual support to ease any pre-wedding jitters. And with a trophy case full of accolades, like The Knot’s Best of Weddings year after year and a spot in WeddingWire’s Couples’ Choice 2024, it’s safe to say they’re doing something right.
About Nicole Ettenhofer
Nicole’s no stranger to the wedding biz, boasting over ten years of experience in the field. She’s been instrumental in racking up those awards, helping George Street snag The Knot’s Best of Weddings and even securing a spot in their Hall of Fame. But Nicole’s not all business – when she’s not busy making wedding dreams come true, you’ll find her hitting the trails near her Denver, CO home with her hubby and two furry pals, soaking up all the outdoors has to offer.
