WEDDING PHOTO IDEAS: INSPIRATION FROM SHOOTDOTEDIT CUSTOMERS

Wedding photography is a work of art and the photographer, the artist. An artist who paints with light and captures within a fraction of second emotions – so raw and delicate – that remain etched in the memory for a lifetime. With the world as their inspiration and the camera, their tool, wedding photo ideas are waiting to be tapped. The real question is – how do you bring them to life? And that’s where professional photographers find their creative fulfillment – breathing life into ideas and making moments timeless. Whether these ideas germinate in your mind or in awe of someone else’s work of art, having a creative bent of mind is an asset when it comes to photography. So if you crave some inspiration, you have landed at the right place. This blog showcases a list of creative wedding photo ideas featuring ShootDotEdit customers. So let’s dive in!

WEDDING PHOTO INSPIRATION FROM SHOOTDOTEDIT CUSTOMERS

From outdoor wedding images to unique crops, we have curated a list of wedding photography images from ShootDotEdit customers, which could very well be your source of inspiration for your next project. 

1. OUTDOOR WEDDING PHOTO IDEAS

Outdoor wedding photography is one of those photography genres that offer you a host of creative options. From a gorgeous garden, a stellar décor piece, a vintage automobile, or a fountain in the background, when shooting outdoors, there’s no dearth of elements that you can add to the scene or your frame. And they often make for a great addition to your couples’ wedding photographs. What’s more? You have the scope to incorporate that extra dose of sunshine in the images you create. What’s even better? Even on days when the sun doesn’t show up, the dramatic skies could be your canvas to paint your images in a moody and intense style.

Tips:

• Watch out for bad weather: Whenever shooting outdoors, always look out for the weather forecast. If not, then you are planning your session unmindful of a natural phenomenon that could change in the blink of an eye.
  
• Don’t fight the weather: If the weather forecast states bad weather conditions, don’t fight the weather – instead, prepare for it. At weddings, you can’t always reschedule, but keeping essential items handy can work in your favor. Get gear rain cover and extra umbrellas; you never know, they might even double up as pretty props!
  
• Figure out the lighting: Try to use natural lighting to your benefit. In the case of overcast days, try to create directional lighting by adding a negative fill or simply make use of backlighting.
  
• Location scouting is a must: Be aware of the dos and don’ts of the venue you are shooting at. Location scouting will help you be more mindful and aware of the space – permit requirements, timings, natural frames, etc. 

2. INDOOR WEDDING PHOTO IDEAS

When it comes to choosing a wedding venue, as a photographer, you might not have much say in the decision-making process. So if your couple decides to have an indoor wedding, don’t fret just yet! There’s a lot you can explore while shooting indoors. In fact, making use of the right lighting, backdrop, and framing can make for some incredible indoor wedding photographs. Take a look! 

Tips:

• Explore different perspectives: Get creative with the camera angles and framing. Experiment with wide angles and high angles, as well as a bird’s-eye view.
  
• Get creative around staircases: U-shaped, L-shaped, circular, curved, or bifurcated – most wedding venues have elegantly designed staircases that you as a photographer can make use of while shooting.
  
• Make use of the windows or doorways: While shooting indoors, there might be a slight lack of natural light. Windows and doorways make for an excellent filler in that perspective. How about hanging the wedding dress against a large window or a bridal portrait framed against an arched doorway? 
  
• Use artificial lighting: Be on the lookout for natural light transitions around the space (this is where location scouting can be of help). Use flash to your assistance when required.
  
• Experiment with black & white: Dimly lit venues can sometimes give you the scope to experiment with high contrast. And shooting monochrome can help make your images appear timeless.

3. WEDDING PHOTOS BY THE WATER

Landscapes work as an incredible backdrop for wedding photographs. And the above-mentioned wedding photoshoot ideas are a clear testament to that. Whether it is a lake, a waterfall, a river, or the sea, water bodies include the scope of adding and creatively playing with reflections. Moreover, there is also a fun element attached to posing by the water. Something which could be a creative addition to the scene.

Tips:

• Include water as a creative element: Get in the water and allow your couples to be playful and really enjoy. This will allow for some joyful candid moments. Note: Be careful to keep your gear safe.
  
• Protect your gear: Where there is water, the natural instinct is to keep your gear safe. Use waterproof accessories and cover. Also, after the session, add one or two silica gel sachets to the bag to protect your gear from forming any moisture.
  
• Make the best of reflections: Using reflections to bring the focus to the subject (or to the frame) can create a visually striking masterpiece. Moreover, try including the foreground in the scene as well.
  
• Blue hour works well: If possible, work around the blue hours when taking wedding photos by the water to avoid the evident glare from the sun.

4. PHOTOGRAPHING COUPLES IN A FOREST

Surrounding your subject with the lush greenery can make for refreshing imagery. However, it too can soon become equally overwhelming if you don’t know where to explore and look at it. Navigating the forest for the right spots can be one tough call, the other being the availability of lighting. But once you strike the right balance of finding the right spots and understanding the terrain, it could be a perfect match. Just as in these wedding photo inspiration images. 

Tips:

• Location scouting: One might not possibly know a forest at the back of one’s hand (unless it’s a local terrain that you are familiar with). Therefore, underscoring the importance of location scouting.
  
• Carry a few lighting gear: Even though natural lighting can be of great help. It is better to carry some source of artificial light in order to navigate tough lighting scenarios.
  
• Respect nature: Do not leave any trash behind. Carry a bag with you to dispose of litter. Remember to respect the surroundings around you at all times.
  
• Safety is a must: Exploring the woods can be fun when treaded with caution. Stick to known and safe trails. And do not head to an unknown path without making anyone aware of your whereabouts.

5. SPRING WEDDING PHOTO IDEAS

The spring wedding season brings with it an abundance of opportunities to give your images a fresh perspective. Everything is flourishing – the flowers, the trees, the streams. But how to incorporate that essence into a spring wedding? The answer might lie in the details. Something that your couples often spend hours planning. First things first, bring attention to everything floral – the décor, the theme, the bouquet, the boutonniere, and even the dresses. Here are a few tips to help you understand the process better.

Tips:

• Aerial shots: Take your camera angle a bit higher than usual to try to incorporate the entire essence of the place in one frame. Try to take aerial shots during moments when a bird’s-eye view provides the narrative of the scene – the wedding ceremony, bride’s entry, and couple’s exit.
  
• Club details: Wedding details could be as large as a floral arch at the entrance of the wedding ceremony or as little as a boutonniere. But divided by space, it could feel lost in the scene. To bring the details to life, try clubbing smaller details together. Flat lay works best in such scenarios.
  
• Step outside: Everything comes alive in spring. It is the best time to make use of the outdoors. So don’t just restrict yourself to shooting only inside the venue, but scan through the outside arena. You never know what spring element can catch your fancy – maybe a garden with blossoming flowers or trees overlooking a pathway.

6. SUMMER WEDDING PHOTO IDEAS

As fun as summer can be, it could also be a challenging time to photograph weddings, especially outside. But here’s a catch – it is also a time when you can make use of long hours of natural light and have increased access to outdoor venues. The sweet spot of getting the best out of summer weddings is learning how to beat the heat and avoid harsh lighting. Here are a few tips to help you strike that perfect balance.

Tips:

• Plan outdoor shoots early in the day: While setting the wedding day timeline, talk this out with your couples and try to plan most of the outdoor session during the early half of the day when the light is still soft. You can use the golden hour in your favor.
  
• Stay hydrated: Weddings could easily extend anywhere from 6 to 9 hours. Carry a water bottle in your backpack so that you keep hydrated in the overbearing weather.
  
• Find some shade: We admit, you can’t always escape the sun covering a summer wedding. And that doesn’t imply you will stop shooting, rather look for natural or artificial shade. It can work as a natural diffuser, thus cutting down on harsh shadows.

7. WINTER WEDDING PHOTO INSPIRATION

These winter wedding photographs from ShootDotEdit customers sure give the feel of a winter wonderland. These images are proof enough that even amid harsh and extreme winter climates, creative wedding photo ideas can come alive. Rain, cold temperatures, snow, and less availability of natural lighting can be some of the roadblocks that you might come across during the winters. However, with the right planning and preparation as well as an understanding of the location, you can bend them in your favor. Here’s how!

Tips:

• Dress warmly: From hand warmers to snow-protection boots, it is of utmost importance to dress up in winter-specific clothing. This will safeguard you against the harsh chill of the winter and ensure that you are able to operate properly.
  
• Gear-protection cover: Winters could be harsh not just on you but also on your gear. To beat that, start with acclimatizing your camera post the shoot. This will help control condensation damage. Also, add a packet or two of silica gel inside your camera bag. This will suck out any moisture from the gear or the gear bag.
  
• Pack extra batteries: Colder weather can impact your battery’s life (by cutting them to almost half). To avoid any last-minute hassle, always keep extra batteries (for your camera and lighting equipment) handy.
  
• Look for colors: Incorporating colorful elements in a winter frame can liven up the entire scene. Especially, against the white expanse of snow.

8. LIFESTYLE WEDDING PHOTO INSPIRATION

Lifestyle wedding photos belong to the realm of documentary and fine art photography. It focuses on capturing the moment in its true essence all the while introducing a touch of elegance and artistry. In itself, this style works to blend with certain other styles as well to enhance the look and feel.

Tips:

• Connect with the couple: To bring out the true emotions in someone else, it helps to establish a genuine connection. Maybe strike a conversation with the client, ask them how they met, or let the couple just simply enjoy themselves.
  
• Do not direct, help: Even though there is still some level of posing involved in this wedding photography style, try not to force your clients to enact. Help them by giving subtle posing cues when required but first, let the moment unfold naturally.

9. EDITORIAL WEDDING PHOTO INSPIRATION

Do your clients want their wedding photographs to look like a page out of a high-end fashion magazine? And are they willing to level up the posing game? Editorial wedding photo shoot ideas can be a perfect match. In this photography style, the client, as well as the photographer, works together to create gorgeous images that are heavily posed and staged. This might not be the choice of every customer but could strike the right chord for fashion-forward clients who share this vision for their wedding album.

Tips:

• Posing cues: There is no doubt that this style requires a lot of planned posing. Set expectations with your clients about the same. Give them clear posing cues to direct the shoot in a seamless manner.
  
• Set a theme: Setting a theme adds meaning to every aspect of editorial wedding photographs. It stitches all of these flamboyant images into one magnificent story.
  
• Creative angles & frames: This photography style really takes it all out. So when shooting this style, look for frames that appear extraordinaire. For instance, an S-shaped staircase, a splendid cut-glass chandelier, or a detailed window frame.

10. MOODY WEDDING PHOTO IDEAS

Moody wedding photography is a niche that has gained some striking recognition in the recent past. Highlighting a sense of drama in the scene and bringing attention to the mood, this photography style gives birth to many wedding photo ideas for photographers. Some people mystify it to be only associated with the dark tones and mood. However, that is just one of the myths to be debunked. Even though moody photographs tend to highlight darker tones, their focus comes from the source of capturing intensity in any scene. Talk about powerful emotions, moments, motion – and the framing, lighting, and setup to portray it in the most accurate way possible.

Tips:

• Focus on the eyes: Eyes are an intriguing and powerful facial feature. Therefore, focusing on them in any scene holds the potential to make the photograph impactful (as well thought-provoking). The catch is to be mindful of your framing. Reduce the distracting elements around the scene (if any).
  
• Include grain: Including some level of grain in your image can help you achieve the desired film-like look. Intensifying the look and feel, a little grain goes really well with moody photographs.
  
• Look for shadows: Including shadows in an artistic manner in your wedding pictures can help you introduce a sense of dark and moody tone. The goal is to play with light in a manner that it only falls upon a specific portion of the subject that your wish to highlight. The rest blends with the shadows.

11. VINTAGE WEDDING PHOTO IDEAS

How can you create a sense of nostalgia for something that’s happening right now? Vintage wedding photography has a lot to do with just that. Some couples when they look at their wedding pictures, want them to look timeless. A part of it has to do with what’s happening in the moment and a lot more with how it is photographed and edited. The key to getting it right is to think old school (or rather how to make a present moment timeless). 

Tips:

• Edit for vintage: Post-process your images to apply the vintage effect. This will suddenly impact the colors and tone of the images, thus making them appear classic vintage style.
  
• Focus on muted tones: Classic wedding photographs tend to weigh more toward highlighting subtle brown tones in a scene. So look for muted tones or colors that blend to bring out a pale but beautifully dreamy setting.

12. SUNSET WEDDING PHOTOS

Including sunset as a backdrop to your scene holds the potential to truly transform your photographs. The ever-transitioning colors make for a romantic as well as a dramatic setting. The best part is the numerous options to experiment with the lighting, framing, perspective, and angles to give your images a creative edge. And the above-displayed images stand as an example of pretty much everything.

Tips:

• Timing is crucial: If you are making your way to the location when the sun has already started setting, chances are that by the time you reach there, there might not be enough light left. Plan your timeline so that you’re at the location much before sunset. That way, you’ll have enough time to set up your camera and figure out the framing.
  
• Include surrounding elements: Include trees, lampposts, fences, etc., to creatively frame the light source to create a sunlit peek-a-boo effect.
  
• Try silhouettes: Wait for the light to get softer before you start taking silhouettes. Also, help your couple by providing them with clear posing cues. 

13. FAIRY TALE WEDDING PHOTO INSPIRATION

From the interior details, décor, and dresses to the entrance, exit, and the party, there is always that wedding that has everything planned to the T. Weddings that feel like they are taken straight out of a scene from a movie. And it is upon the wedding photographer to do justice to the planning through the photographs. Still wondering what a fairy-tale wedding must feel like? These images from ShootDotEdit customers are a stellar example.

Tips:

• Highlight the background: In most such weddings, the architecture is often grandiose and spectacular. Therefore, try including a striking element of the architecture as the background of your subject.
  
• Get the posing right: Understand that the look and feel of a fairy-tale wedding photo rely as much on the location as the subject’s framing. Awkward posing can diminish the charm of the entire image.
  
• Smart composition: Composition plays a major role in the creation of images that often work around architecture. Shooting indoors or outdoors, be mindful of including elements that make the image grand and magical. At the same time, do not deviate from bringing attention to the main subject – your couples.

14. SILHOUETTE WEDDING PHOTO INSPIRATION

Silhouette is a creative photography phenomenon that takes place when you shoot against the source of light. It then blackens the subject highlighting just the outlines of the subject. With an ever-increasing scope of creativity, silhouettes make for one of the most popular golden hour photographs. However, don’t just think that they are confined to natural lighting. You can recreate a silhouette via artificial lighting as long as you position the subject in front of the main light source. 

Tips:

• Focus on outlines: In order to create interesting silhouettes, it is important to pay attention to the outlines. Pose your subject in a way so that there is enough in-between space. This will ensure that your subject’s outlines are highlighted and they don’t just appear as a blob of shadow.
  
• Strategic framing: That being said about outlines, it is equally essential to frame your subject in a way so that you remove some unwanted elements from the scene. This will help you declutter and keep the focus on the main subject.
  
• Shoot manual: During sunsets and sunrise, the lighting scenario is constantly changing. So if you set your camera settings to Automatic, the gear will try to expose the scene to a balanced exposure. Thus, not letting in a contrasting setup that is so very required.
  
• Experiment with different angles: Silhouettes hold endless possibilities for creative framing. Therefore, give different camera angles a try.

Suggested Read: All About Natural Light Wedding Photography

15. BLACK AND WHITE WEDDING PHOTO INSPIRATION

Transitioning from film to digital or a decade more in the photography industry, black and white images are here to stay and stay for long. The reason? The ability of the monochrome color scheme to bring attention to contrast, shadows, highlights, grain, tonality, etc., in such an intriguing way. What’s even better is that it could be used to showcase different aspects of a moment – whether it is edging on the emotions or on the timeless appeal.

Tips: 

• Be a storyteller: Think in terms of setting a storyline. Understand how you can capture the scene in a way so that it tells something, evoke emotions, or works with the motion and movement in it.
  
• Edit for monochrome: Even if you don’t shoot in black and white, you can always work on them as black and white during the post-processing phase. However, explore different monochrome themes to assess what brings out the real essence of your photograph instead of just applying the first B&W filter.

16. WIDE-ANGLE WEDDING PHOTO INSPIRATION

A wide-angle frame allows you the freedom and the opportunity to include multiple elements in your picture. And in events such as weddings that have a lot going on at any given time, it can work like magic to showcase a bigger picture. This wedding photography idea can work well while photographing wedding ceremonies, wedding party photos, and even couples portraits.

Tips:

• Use distortion to your advantage: When using a wide-angle lens, distortion is a common occurrence toward the edges or a frame. And there are different types of distortions, but by carefully working on the placement of your subject, you can use this distortion to work in your favor.
  
• Balance the scene: Frame your camera in a way so that all the important elements in your scene seem equally balanced. This will rule out the possibility of introducing negative space, which could make your photograph appear incomplete or empty or too cluttered at one spot.
  
• Introduce a visual anchor: There are so many things happening in your wide-angle photograph, but what is the glue that keeps it all together or what is something that strikes out? It is important to have a strong visual anchor in order to make your wide-angle photographs stand out.