Weddings have a lot of elements that can commemorate the occasion. For many brides, one of these elements is their wedding dress. The moment she puts on her gown is the moment of realization: this is it, she’ll be married to the love of their life. As a professional wedding photographer, it’s therefore your job to incorporate the dress in your compositions to make the day more memorable.
Nevertheless, with so many things going on at the wedding, it can be challenging to take awe-inspiring photos of the dress. Fortunately, there are several techniques you can use to highlight the wedding gown and add to your photography repertoire. Here are some of them:
Use the Right Equipment
For you to be able to capture exquisite photos of a wedding gown, or any dress for that matter, you need to use the right equipment. A good-quality camera won’t be enough to produce stunning photos; you’ll also need to have different lenses, a portable flash and flash diffuser, as well as a tripod to create beautiful shots. With these items in your arsenal, you can take high-resolution photos that showcase every intricate detail of the gown.
If some of these photography gear aren’t readily available for you, don’t fret. You can always rent them from photography equipment rental companies. These businesses often have the best and latest cameras and accessories that you can borrow at an affordable price.
Choose the Right Lighting
The choice of lighting plays a crucial role in highlighting the beauty of a wedding gown. With the right kind of illumination, you can enhance the details of the dress without overwhelming the image. Ideally, you want to stick to natural light because you can take advantage of the soft, diffused glow the sunlight provides to illuminate the dress evenly. If you’re shooting outdoors and if the wedding is in the late afternoon or evening, your best time to take photos is shortly before sunset for more warmth to your composition. If shooting indoors, position the bride strategically to maximize natural light. Have her pose near large windows or doorways to achieve this effect. Make sure to avoid harsh, direct sunlight as it can create unflattering shadows.
When taking photos in the evening or low-light settings, use soft artificial lighting to ensure a flattering light on the gown. You can also experiment with backlighting to create a dramatic effect. If you’re in a photo studio Los Angeles hobbyists and professional photographers alike frequent, feel free to experiment with the provided lighting gear to get the vibe you want.
Select the Correct Background
The background sets the stage for showcasing the wedding gown in all of its grandeur, which is why it’s a good idea to opt for clean, uncluttered backgrounds that complement the style of the dress. This doesn’t necessarily mean to select bland or neutral settings. Rather, you want your backgrounds to add to the overall aesthetic without overshadowing the gown. A picturesque garden, an elegant staircase, or a charming room with subtle decor make for excellent options.
Shoot at Flattering Angles
To capture the beauty and elegance of the wedding dress, consider taking photos of it from flattering angles. This way, your compositions can showcase the dress’s gorgeous details from various sides, making each photo unique. Experiment with different perspectives to find the most visually appealing shots. Shooting slightly above the gown, for example, can elongate it and emphasize its details. Shooting from below, however, can showcase the train and create a sense of majesty. Meanwhile, sideways shots can highlight the silhouette of the dress and give the composition a more dramatic effect. As a wedding photographer don’t be afraid to try various angles during your photo session. Allow yourself to discover the most captivating and complementary views that accentuate the unique features of the wedding gown.
Take Photos of the Dress Without the Bride Wearing It
While the bride brings life and personality to the wedding gown, capturing images of the dress on its own can be equally captivating. Before the bride puts on the dress, take the opportunity to photograph it in its pristine condition. Hang the dress in a well-lit area with care, ensuring that it retains its shape and form. This allows you to focus exclusively on the gown’s design and details. These standalone shots can serve as a beautiful prelude to the images of the bride wearing the dress, offering a comprehensive visual narrative of the gown’s beauty.
Wedding Photographer Focus on the Gown’s Details
The phrase “the devil is in the details” always rings true when photographing a wedding gown. By focusing on the finer elements of the gown, you’re showcasing the artistry of the garment, as well as creating images that evoke the emotions tied to these meticulous details. To do this, use your camera’s macro mode or a dedicated macro lens to capture the intricate details of the dress. Depending on the gown, the design elements you want to focus on are lace patterns, embroidery, beadwork, and fabric textures. It’s also a good idea to get up close to highlight the craftsmanship that makes each gown unique. This approach adds depth and richness to your wedding photography, offering a close-up look at the exquisite features that make the gown special.
Highlight the Dress’s Movements
To infuse a sense of dynamism into your wedding gown photos, focus on capturing the movement of the dress. Encourage the bride to twirl, walk, or engage in fluid motions that showcase the flow and grace of the gown. Movement not only adds energy to the images but also allows you to experiment with different compositions. Use a slightly slower shutter speed to create a subtle motion blur, emphasizing the elegance and fluidity of the dress.
Showcase the Dress During Memorable Moments
Document the moments when the bride interacts with bridesmaids and family members, or even when she steals a quiet moment alone. This allows you to capture genuine glimpses of the emotions surrounding the dress, such as joy, excitement, and anticipation. Capturing the wedding gown in this way also adds a layer of authenticity to your collection. It also lets the wedding gown become one of the natural focal points in the narrative of the bride’s special day.
The wedding dress might be just one of the many elements that make up the perfect wedding, but for so many brides, their gowns are one of the biggest highlights of their special day. For them, their dresses play a huge role in their happily ever after, and as a professional photographer, it’s your duty not only to make the bride look good but her dress as well.
Wedding Photographer for all couples in love.
