One of the most important factors in creating stunning wedding photos is the quality of light. As a photographer, I’m always paying attention to light—how it changes throughout the day, how it enhances certain moments, and how it affects the overall mood of your photos. Natural light, in particular, can make a huge difference in the look and feel of your wedding images.
But what exactly makes natural light so important, and why does timing matter so much when it comes to capturing your wedding photos? Let’s dive into the role of natural light in wedding photography and how to make the most of it on your big day.
Golden Hour: The Dreamiest Light of the Day
Golden hour is every photographer’s favorite time to shoot. It’s the period shortly after sunrise or before sunset when the sun is low in the sky, casting a soft, warm glow. The light during golden hour is flattering, romantic, and incredibly forgiving. It creates beautiful, dreamy images with soft shadows and a golden hue that adds warmth to your photos.
If you’re planning couple’s portraits, golden hour is the ideal time to capture those intimate, romantic moments. The soft light enhances skin tones and creates a magical atmosphere that’s hard to replicate at any other time of day.
Midday Sun: How to Handle Harsh Light
While golden hour offers soft, beautiful light, the middle of the day can be a bit more challenging. When the sun is high in the sky, the light can be harsh, creating strong shadows and highlights that can be unflattering. But that doesn’t mean midday photos are a no-go—there are ways to work with this light!
For outdoor ceremonies or photos scheduled during midday, I’ll look for open shade or use natural elements like trees or buildings to diffuse the harsh light. This helps soften the shadows and create more even lighting on your faces. Additionally, incorporating a white parasol or other props can help add a soft, stylish touch while also reducing the impact of direct sunlight.
Backlighting: Creating a Soft, Ethereal Look
Another way to make the most of natural light is through backlighting. This technique involves positioning the sun behind you, which creates a beautiful, glowing effect. Backlighting works especially well for outdoor ceremonies and portraits, giving your photos an ethereal, almost magical feel.
In backlit photos, the light wraps around you, highlighting your hair and creating a halo effect. This type of lighting can make your wedding photos feel soft and timeless, especially during the late afternoon when the sun is lower in the sky.
Blue Hour: A Serene, Romantic Twilight
Right after the sun sets comes blue hour—a brief period of soft, diffused light that is cooler in tone. While it doesn’t have the warm glow of golden hour, blue hour offers its own unique beauty. The soft, cool light creates a peaceful, calm mood that works wonderfully for twilight portraits or evening ceremony shots. It’s a great way to capture romantic moments after the hustle and bustle of the day has started to wind down.
Why Timing Matters
The timing of your wedding photos is crucial when it comes to natural light. Planning your photography around the best light of the day can make a huge difference in the overall look and feel of your images. If possible, I always recommend scheduling couple’s portraits during golden hour to take full advantage of that gorgeous, flattering light.
But don’t worry if your ceremony or reception doesn’t fall during golden hour! As your photographer, I’m skilled at working with different types of light and finding creative ways to make every moment look its best. Whether we’re dealing with midday sun, cloudy skies, or twilight, I’ll make sure your photos are beautiful and full of emotion.
Working with Your Photographer
As you plan your wedding timeline, it’s helpful to keep lighting in mind and work with your photographer to schedule key photo moments during the best light. Whether it’s a first look, couple’s portraits, or even the ceremony itself, timing is everything when it comes to capturing the perfect light. And no matter what time of day, I’ll be there to help guide you and create stunning images you’ll treasure forever.
