The Unexpected Lighting Mistakes that Ruin Wedding Photos in Columbus
Whether it be a Hollywood production or no-budget music video, lighting is arguably the most important aspect of creating a good image. The placement, shaping and quantity of light drastically affects how a photo or video turns out. However, it can be difficult to control lighting in every scenario, especially when shooting wedding photos in Columbus. Let’s face it, here in the Buckeye State, weather conditions can drastically change in a matter of seconds.
As a videographer who’s shot countless weddings in Columbus, I’ve learned from a few key lighting mistakes that quickly ruin a couple’s photos or video. Fortunately, there are simple ways to avoid these! By far the most common mistake is…
#1. Direct Sunlight
Although warm and full of life, sunlight is very much a two-sided coin. When the Sun is directly over our heads, it creates harsh shadows underneath our eyes and noses. This is often referred to as “Raccoon Eyes” and is one of the easiest ways to ruin your wedding photos. However, it’s also one of the easiest mistakes to avoid! There are many ways to do this, such as having your wedding photographer either side or back light you and your bridal party. This requires a bit of planning, as you’ll have to determine what time of day the Sun will be placed correctly.
Fortunately, apps such as Sun Seeker and its free counterparts are great resources to do this with, and provide couples with the information needed to plan their wedding day photoshoots efficiently. I always suggest hiring a wedding coordinator if possible, as well, which is one of the many services that Complete Weddings & Events offers.
Harsh sunlight can also be avoided by simply taking your photos in the shade! Whether it be under a tree, gazebo or just an overcast sky, utilizing areas without direct sunlight will result in softer, more pleasing photos of your wedding day.
#2. Mixed Color Temperatures
Although not always avoidable, mixing different color temperatures in your wedding photos can lead to some unappealing results. For example, if your chosen venue has large windows with sunlight flooding in AND warm overhead lights, the colors in your images may appear a bit off.
Some of this can be fixed with photo and video editing software, but things still may not look exactly how you had hoped. Because of this, I always search for ways to avoid mixing color temperatures when possible. This is often through turning off overhead lights, or utilizing locations with one primary light source.
Additionally, working with photographers and videographers who are experienced with various lighting conditions is a great way to avoid mixed color temperatures when capturing your wedding photos. Complete Weddings & Events Columbus, for example, specialize in using available light to its full potential, and in turn capturing your wedding day gorgeously.
#3. Not Enough Light
It may seem obvious, but having a proper amount of light is crucial to capturing your wedding day photos effectively. We’re very blessed to have incredible camera and lens technology on the market these days, but even so, a lack of light can easily ruin your wedding photos and video.
Fortunately, there are many venues around Columbus that have exceptional lighting conditions! Royal American Links and Swan Lake Event Center are some of my favorites, as they offer both interior and exterior spaces to capture stunning photos and video. Along with your choice of venue, building your wedding day timeline with photography in mind is another great way to avoid lowlight conditions.
The exact time you should plan on taking your photos will depend on what month your wedding is being held, but is arguably the best method to ensure you don’t run out of light on your big day!
There are many aspects that can affect the quality of photos and videos. Locations, wardrobe, framing and posing are just a few of the many things to consider when capturing images. That being said, lighting is easily one of, if not the most important aspect of photography and videography. It’s an artform within an artform, and can be overwhelming when planning the biggest day of your life. However, if your photo and video team avoid direct sunlight, mixed color temperatures and extreme lowlight conditions, your wedding day photos and video will be nothing short of beautiful.
Complete Weddings + Events Columbus
At Complete Weddings & Events Columbus, our photographers and videographers are more than capable of adapting to various lighting conditions and providing you with stunning images. Whether your wedding is in the heart of Columbus or out in the sticks, we’ve got you covered!