How to Pick the Right Lighting for Your Wedding Photos
There are so many ways to have your wedding photoshoot done. The vibe really depends on what you and your future spouse feel represents you as a couple. That said, one of the biggest factors that contribute to how good these photos end up is lighting.
You may be wondering whether you should use natural or artificial lighting. Even if you’re leaning more toward one, it can come down to how you use it. The details on both methods can help you make your choice.
Benefits of Natural Light
Natural light is a popular option with many couples simply because it means there can be a lot of outdoor photography. It also makes use of ambient lighting that can produce beautiful glows and shadows. Although this can be strictly interpreted as light from the sun, photographers can still consider a natural light shot if reflections and lights in structures are incorporated.
- It’s easy to take photos in natural light. Once you find the angle, you pretty much snap the shot there. It’s quick and simple to navigate, even for photographers that may not be comfortable using reflection panels or flash.
- Natural light means less equipment. This makes things easier for photographers and also less costly for the couples hiring them.
- Natural light can produce amazing and ethereal images. Most couples tend to lean toward this lighting because it lends to the magic of the photo when rays, flares, and the like are utilized right. Even if you try to mimic this artificially, you may find that it pales in comparison more often than not.
Difficulties with Natural Light
- Time. Unlike artificial light sources, you are limited by the amount of time in a day to get your desired lighting. This window of time gets even shorter when you’re going for specific effects, like the golden hour.
- There’s no controlling natural light. Its strength and colouring will be what it is. The best you can do is adjust around it and how it falls with location, set-up, and gear.
Benefits of Artificial Light
This is the more obvious option if your wedding photography is done indoors. Natural light can still be incorporated using windows, but you’ll most likely need to go artificial to get ample lighting.
- This method gives you more control over your light sources and their placement. You can mix and match different lighting equipment to curate your shot. A mix of studio lights, beauty ring lights, and flash can create a flexible base to get creative.
- It’s easier to adjust since you can adjust not just positions but also colouring and strength in artificial lights. This also means you can always compensate for dark areas or unflattering angles.
- It’s a good way to combat natural light sources that are going against the desired effect. Photographers can add exposure to areas as needed.
Difficulties with Artificial Light
- With the added control also comes more gear. This can be cumbersome to lug around and also means setting up for shoots will take more time.
- They can end up washing out the subject under the hands of a less experienced photographer. That said, this can always be balanced out using a beginner flash kit.
Conclusion
Both styles have their own merits and flaws. In the end, it really comes down to your preference and the ability of your photographer. As long as they have the proper equipment, they should be able to make either method work.
Whether you need gear for an outdoor shoot or you plan to do some lightbox photography, Australia’s leading online photography store has what you need. Check out our collections on Fotogenic now and get everything you need for the perfect shoot
