Wedding Portraits in Bright Sunlight

Jun 20

Written By hopesandcheersphoto .

Wedding portraits in bright sunlight can be stressful for many couples. As a wedding photographer with years of experience, I understand your concerns – squinting, harsh shadows, and those dreaded 'raccoon eyes' are all real possibilities. However, I've learned to embrace the challenge and capture stunning images even in the harshest midday light. I've developed a unique approach to minimizing these challenges and creating beautiful, timeless portraits, even in the most challenging lighting conditions.

In a wedding timeline, there’s only so much you can control, and sometimes, those bright midday conditions are just the window you have for portraits. Sure, photographing during this time of day can be trickier, but it’s far from impossible. In fact, some of my most stunning shots have come from these bright, midday moments. During a recent wedding in Salt Lake City, Utah, we used a few simple strategies that made shooting in full midday sun a breeze—and I’m excited to share with you the result and how we can make it work, too.

Utilizing Your Body as a Natural Diffuser
“Embrace the light, not the glare” I’m going to emphasize how important is to have a positive approach to lighting. I'll carefully position you so you're not directly facing the sun. This could involve looking to the side, downwards, or even closing your eyes momentarily for a dramatic effect. As a couple, we'll find angles where you can comfortably look at each other or gently lean into each other, creating intimate moments while minimizing squinting. I’ll also harness the interplay of light and shadows to create depth and interest in your portraits. Your body can cast beautiful shadows that add dimension and intrigue to the overall composition.
Unleashing Creativity with External Elements
We will go beyond the pose by introducing props like a chair and a veil or any other element that adds a layer of creativity and adds visual interest to your portraits. This not only breaks up the monotony of traditional poses but also allows us to explore unique and artistic expressions. Each prop tells a part of your story. A vintage chair can evoke a sense of nostalgia, while a flowing veil adds a touch of romance and elegance.
Mastering the Art of Fill Flash
Gone are the days of harsh, unnatural flash. Today, we utilize off-camera flash and reflectors to subtly fill in shadows and create a more balanced, natural look, even in the brightest sunlight. The key is to use flash judiciously to enhance the existing light, not overpower it. This creates a more luminous and radiant appearance without compromising the overall mood of the photograph. Fill flash helps to bring out subtle details in your features, such as the sparkle in your eyes and the delicate contours of your face.

Photographing couples in love is a privilege, and capturing their joy even in challenging lighting conditions is a constant source of inspiration for me. By combining creativity, technical expertise, and a deep understanding of light, we can create wedding portraits that are not only beautiful but also deeply meaningful. I'm excited to work with you to capture your love story in all its radiance.

Wedding Portraits Location: Tunnel Springs Park, Utah // Bride and Groom: Anika & Tj // Planing and Design: Wildpinescollective // Photographer: HopesandCheers // Dress: RawGoldenRentals