Last updated: 5th March 2025
WEDDING PLANNING: How To Get The Best Wedding Photos
“Wherever there is light, one can photograph.”
– Alfred Stieglitz
In this handy guide, I’ll help you plan your day for beautiful natural looking photos.
Light is the key ingredient to stunning wedding photography. As a mostly natural light photographer, I always strive to work with available light whenever possible. That’s where the magic happens!
The way light falls can completely transform a scene, adding warmth, depth, and atmosphere. Even challenging or unusual lighting can create something truly special—soft blur can evoke movement and emotion, while shadows add drama and dimension.
To make the most of the natural light at your wedding, here are a few tips I’ve learned from photographing in all kinds of weird and wonderful lighting conditions.
1. My Expertise as a Photographer
Weddings don’t always come with perfect lighting conditions—but that’s where experience comes in. No matter what the day brings—whether it’s golden sunshine, moody overcast skies, or dimly lit venues—I know how to work with it to capture the true feeling and ambiance of your wedding. My goal is to document your day authentically, without being intrusive, so your photos will reflect exactly how it felt in the moment.
I also come fully prepared with professional flashguns and video lights, which I can use when necessary—such as for winter group shots or in venues with tricky artificial lighting. As a general rule, I only bring out the flash once the sun has set or if we’re dealing with particularly unflattering yellow or strip lighting that could affect the look of your photos. I do often turn off lights in getting ready spaces and ceremony rooms to optimise the natural light and your photos.
Planning for light is a huge part of what I do. If I haven’t photographed at your venue before, I’ll often visit ahead of time to scout the best spots. I also use tools like Suncalc to track how the light will fall on your wedding day—helping us plan for the most flattering and breathtaking shots.
2. Getting ready
Where you choose to get ready can have a big impact on your wedding photos. The best spaces are bright, open, and filled with natural light—large windows are your best friend! Not only does this create soft, flattering light for your photos, but it also helps your hair and makeup artists work their magic.
If possible, consider an Airbnb or a stylish holiday rental. These spaces often have unique decor and are free from the visual clutter of hotel fire exit signs, fire extinguishers, and generic furnishings. Choosing a beautifully designed space can add personality to your getting-ready photos and make the morning feel even more special.
When I arrive, one of the first things I do is assess the light in the room. To make the most of natural light, I often turn off artificial lighting—overhead lights and lamps can create unflattering colour casts or mix with daylight in a way that affects skin tones. By working with the available natural light, I can capture a more authentic, beautiful atmosphere in your photos.
A little planning can make a huge difference, ensuring your morning feels as relaxed, fun, and photogenic as possible!
3. Outdoor Ceremonies
If you’re planning an outdoor ceremony, it’s always a good idea to have a backup plan in case the weather doesn’t cooperate. Rain or shine, a little preparation goes a long way! If showers are in the forecast, having umbrellas on hand for your guests and an indoor option for signing your paperwork will help keep everything running smoothly.
When it comes to lighting, timing is key. Midday sun is the harshest and can create unflattering shadows on your face, so consider choosing a shaded spot for your ceremony if possible. Cloudy days are actually a photographer’s dream—they provide soft, even lighting that makes for beautiful, flattering photos.
4. Indoor Ceremonies
For an indoor ceremony, the best space is one that’s light, bright, and airy. If you have a choice of rooms, opt for the one with the most natural light, or set up near a large window to take advantage of soft, flattering daylight.
Dark and moody spaces can create a beautiful atmosphere, but make sure they’re well-lit to avoid harsh shadows. If your venue uses coloured uplighting (especially red), consider adjusting it or switching it off during key moments, as it can cast unflattering tones on skin in photos.
5. Sunset Photos
Beautiful sunsets are rare and unpredictable in Scotland—you’ll need a clear evening with little to no cloud cover for that perfect golden glow. If you’d love sunset photos, let me know in advance, and I’ll check the sunset timing for your venue to plan accordingly.
Some of the most breathtaking sunsets I’ve captured have been on the west coast of Scotland and around Loch Lomond, where unobstructed horizons create the perfect backdrop. Open landscapes without tall buildings or dense trees allow the light to shine through beautifully.
The best time for dreamy, golden-hour photos is typically 30–60 minutes before sunset. This is when the light is at its softest, creating a warm, flattering glow. If the conditions are just right, I might even steal you away from dessert for a few magical shots—you won’t regret it!
6. Blue Hour and Night Time Photos
The hour after sunset—known as blue hour—is a magical time for photos, especially for city weddings. As the sky deepens into rich blues, the ambient glow of city lights or twinkling fairy and festoon lights creates an incredible atmosphere. If you have decorative lighting at your venue, this is the perfect time to make the most of it!
Once the sun has fully set, night-time shots can add a touch of drama and romance to your gallery. Whether it’s a beautifully lit portrait, creative flash photography, or a fun sparkler exit, the results can be absolutely stunning. If sparklers aren’t an option, a simple phone torch can create a similar glowing effect—just as magical and much safer!
7. Making the Most of Your Dance Floor Photos
If you want epic dancing shots, lighting is key! Ask your band or DJ about their setup—warm, atmospheric lighting works wonders, but please request that they avoid laser dots. Those tiny green and red spots might seem fun, but they can be tricky to edit out of your photos and even damage the sensor of modern digital cameras.
Fairy lights and festoon lighting add a gorgeous, twinkling backdrop and help create a more magical atmosphere. I also love getting creative with flash when there is fairy lights for dynamic and energetic dance floor shots.
Want a true WOW moment? Consider using confetti cannons during your first dance for a stunning, celebratory effect!
For summer weddings, keeping natural light flowing into the reception space during your first dance and speeches creates beautifully natural, ambient images before the evening lighting takes over.
8. Whatever the Light, I got you!
That being said, don’t stress about the light (or the weather!)—I’ve photographed weddings in every imaginable setting, from sun-drenched fields to candlelit caves and dimly lit basement venues. With years of experience handling all kinds of lighting conditions, I know how to make the most of any space and situation to ensure you get stunning photos, no matter what.
“Thank you so much, the photos are better than we ever could have dreamed of! You are so incredibly talented, everyone who has seen our preview photos are amazed at how beautiful they are. Thank you again, from the bottom of our hearts.”
– Brogan & Michael, Edinburgh eLOPEMENT
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EDINBURGH WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER
Based in Edinburgh, Scotland. I capture wedding and elopement photography worldwide.
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