Optimizing Wedding Locations for Epic Wedding Photographs

As a Luxury Ocala Wedding Photographer I share some of my location secrets...

Let’s delve into the artistry of wedding photography and explore how I optimize locations on wedding days for capturing those magical moments. I want to get the most of every location as to not waste time or effort of having to move my wedding couple or wedding party to tons of locations.  On wedding days my mind is racing processing a ton of information at one time about lighting, scheduling, experience and anticipating creatively what I am going to do next. BUT also, I"m very much plugged into the experience of my couple. Yes, I am very much focused on a wedding day and rightfully so, I have the honor of capturing couples' legacy of love. As a wedding photographer, the right location becomes canvas waiting to be painted with light, emotions, and memories. I'm going to share some of my valuable tips and tricks to enhance locations on a wedding day and get a multitude of aesthetics in one location.

First and foremost... when choosing the location on a wedding day I am always looking at the quality of light and how I can utilize the light to create the aesthetic of the photograph. Light comes before what the actual location "looks" like... a beautiful backdrop with crappy light will not make a flattering photograph of my subjects. I ALWAYS shoot for putting my couples and subjects in the best light; manipulating the use of light to create the mood of the photograph. 

Here are four techniques I use to optimize a wedding location to change the appearance of the photograph once I have selected the location. This goes beyond the technical aspects of utilizing the exposure triangle. 

1. Focal Length Magic:

   • Wide Lenses (Around 24mm): When I want to showcase the grandeur of the entire scene, opt for a wide-angle lens. It captures the vastness of the location, revealing intricate details. The expansive view at 24mm provides an illustration of the landscape, making it ideal for wide shots telling the story of the day and establishing a narrative.

   • Top Orlando Wedding Photographer - Bella ColinaWide lens shot at 24 mm to demonstrate area of focus
      

   • Telephoto Lenses (85mm or 200mm): To create depth and isolate my subject, I will switch to a telephoto lens. At 85mm or 200mm, I achieve a shallow depth of field, keeping my subjects, often my newlywed couples, in sharp focus while blurring the background. Imagine dreamy portraits against a backdrop that resembles a pop-up book—a perfect blend of intimacy and artistry. I combined this focal length with a wide aperture for some depth of field magic. 

   • Top Tampa wedding PhotographerArtistic bridal portrait demonstrating depth of field 85 mm lens
      

2. Composition Magic:

   • Rule of Thirds: This classic compositional guideline remains a powerful tool in wedding day storytelling. I divide my frame into a 3x3 grid, and place key elements (like the wedding couple) along the intersecting lines. Off-center compositions add intrigue and draw the viewer’s eye. Having studied artwork, I use some of the greats to inspire my composition. 

   • Top International Wedding PhotographerRule of thirds creates artist interest in this newlywed portrait photographed by Rising Lotus Photography and Films

   • Artistic Compositions: Break free from conventions! Experiment with angles and perspectives. Capture intricate details—the lace on a wedding dress, the clasping of hands, or the delicate curve of a veil. These close-ups and creative crops tell a story within the larger narrative. A bonus is a creative crop and magically transform photographic distractions from the image. 

   • Top Tampa wedding PhotographerArtistic composition to create interest in wedding bridal portrait

3. Light and Shadows:

   • Quality of Light: Photography is indeed writing with light. Once I have selected my location based on light I observe the quality of light. Soft, diffused light during the golden hour (early morning or late afternoon) creates a warm, romantic mood. Harsh midday sun casts strong shadows—use them creatively. However, on a wedding day I often photograph throughout the day and need to be able to find magical light at any time. Therefore, soft diffuse light can also be found in shaded areas, covered areas/shadows or by using the sun backlight my subject. Utilizing light will immediately affect the style of the imagery and the mood of the photograph. In one location I can find multiple way to utilize the light. 

   • Award Winning Wedding PhotographyThe giant wall create a shadow of diffuse beautiful light for this couple

   • Natural Reflectors: I"m always looking for surfaces that bounce light back onto my subjects. White walls, concrete, pathways, water, or even a bride’s dress can act as natural reflectors, illuminating faces and adding a soft glow.

   • Award Winning Wedding PhotographyThe pavement creates a natural reflector for the bride.

   • Play with Shadows: Shadows aren’t my enemy; they’re my artistic accomplice. I use them to frame your subjects, create patterns, add to a mood of a photograph. Silhouettes against a sunset or dappled light through foliage evoke emotion. I often use strong shadows in my groom portraits to convey strength, mystery and masculinity. 

   • Award Winning Wedding Photographer Florida- Groom getting ready for ceremonyCovington Farm groom getting ready for ceremony

   • Light Effects: I love using light effects to enhance a photograph. Sun flare, sunglow and haze all can add to the creativity of a photograph. Bokeh is light captured in the background creating different patterns of refraction based on the lens, such as glowing orbs which adds to a magical feel of the image. 

   • Ocala wedding Photographer- Rising Lotus Photography & FilmsSunflare used to create beautiful bridal portrait

4. Authentic Posing and Action:

   • Prompt Real Moments: I encourage genuine interactions. I ask the couple to whisper secrets, share a laugh, or steal a kiss. Authenticity shines through. 

   • Ocala wedding Photographer- Rising Lotus Photography & FilmsNewlyweds walk with their son back to wedding venue capturing the interaction.

   • Dynamic Angles: I move around! Unconventional angles add drama. I'm experimenting with how to get the most out of the location choice without the photographs being redundant and boring. Always while being mindful of what angles is going to be most flattering for my couples and subjects.

   • Sarasota wedding Photographer- Rising Lotus Photography & FilmsBy utilizing various camera angles I can provide a variety of interesting photographs that make every day tasks special.

   • Capture the In-Between: Sometimes the magic lies in the fleeting moments—the bride adjusting her veil, the groom wiping away a tear. I'm ready to click during these candid instants. In fact, I often set up the shot for the moment after, the laugh or say something unexpected to get that reaction from my couple. The best wedding day captures are authentic and convey emotion. I truly believe wedding photography and videography are part of the joyful wedding day experience. 

   • Bride and matron of honor sharing a laugh while getting ready to be wedThose moments of shared laughter between bride and her maid of honor at Covington Farms in Dade City

Remember, each wedding location has its unique character AND locations are always changing based on the position of the sun, light sources, weather etc. It's important for me to adapt, improvise, and let my creativity flow. 

Now, let’s dive into a wedding day newlywed portrait example to illustrate these principles:

1. Golden Hour Romance:

   • During the golden hour, when the sunbathes everything in warm hues, find a picturesque spot. Imagine the bride and groom standing on a hill, the veil catching the gentle breeze. I may use a wide-angle lens to capture the rolling landscape, the soft glow on their faces, and the love in their eyes playing with the sun-flare between them.

2. Intimate Details:

   • Then I may zoom in on the intricate details—the lace on the wedding dress, the delicate embroidery on the veil, or the intertwined fingers of the couple. A telephoto lens at 85mm or 200mm will create a dreamy soft and creamy background, emphasizing the love story unfolding.

3. Shadows and Silhouettes:

   • Then I may move a semi-circle around the newlyweds playing with shadows and side light creating a delicate rim light behind them for a moody portrait. Then change some settings to position the couple against a colorful sky, creating silhouettes. Their embrace, the curve of her back, and the outline of his suit—all become part of the narrative. Shadows add depth and mystery.

4. Candid Moments:

   • All the while I am capturing the unscripted moments- those moments in between—the laughter shared between the couple, the stolen kiss of squeeze of the butt.   These candid shots reveal raw emotions between the couple. 

(Hire me to photograph your wedding on the cliffs of Ireland I already have the game plan laid out above for you!)

Location Optimization 

This series was photographed at an entryway to a chapel, a 4-foot square. 

Bridal Portrait by Ocala wedding photographer Bridal portrait at French Chateau by Rising Lotus Photography an illustration of how to optimize a wedding location. Bridal portraitBridal portrait at French Chateau by Rising Lotus Photography an illustration of how to optimize a wedding location. Bridal close up Bridal portrait at French Chateau by Rising Lotus Photography an illustration of how to optimize a wedding location. wedding bridal portraitBridal portrait at French Chateau by Rising Lotus Photography an illustration of how to optimize a wedding location. bride portraitBridal portrait at French Chateau by Rising Lotus Photography an illustration of how to optimize a wedding location. bridal portraitBridal portrait at French Chateau by Rising Lotus Photography an illustration of how to optimize a wedding location.

 Remember, the magic lies not only in the location but also in vision for the location. I hope this helps couples understand a little about the creative process or spark some new ideas for my fellow wedding photographers. Thanks for letting me nerd out about light, one of my favorite subjects. 

- Marilyn

Rising Lotus Photography and Films based in Ocala serving worldwide.

Sarasota Wedding- Florida's top wedding photographer- Bright and airy colorful editPalmetto Inn, gorgeous bed and breakfast location in Bradenton for weddings. Ceremony under oak trees and newlyweds over the water on the dock. Miami Inspired Beach WeddingMiami inspired wedding on Sand Key in Clearwater with a Bright and soft edit. Designed newlywed shoot with intimate dinner. Styled newlywed shoot. Decor by Yjean of AWE. Alternative to huge wedding or in addition for an intimate photographic experience. Wooded opulent wedding in the woodsNewlywed experience in the woods at private estate in Ocala, Florida