There’s Light at the End of the Tunnel…
“We’re getting married in London, in November and the ceremony starts at 3:00pm…” This is an opening line that is often delivered with an apologetic tone, because as we all know, a late afternoon in November will be almost completely dark. The following four or five months after November, are likely to have difficult weather and low light, so when it comes to some winter wedding photography, things can be a little tricky.
However, if you are planning a winter wedding you will be pleased to hear that all is not lost. In the seven years that I have been a wedding photographer, I have photographed over three hundred weddings and would say that around one third of those have been shot in less than ideal lighting and weather conditions.
Early on, I discovered that difficult situations often bring out the most creative results. When faced with dimly lit settings, I search out areas usually ignored, being drawn to the shadowy corners that may otherwise have gone unnoticed. Photographers always talk a lot about light, but I find the shadows to be equally as interesting and have developed a style that brings a rich subtlety to the images.
Of course, not all winter weddings start late in the day and when the ceremony begins a little earlier (around 1:00pm) there is also the benefit of the ‘golden hour’ (aka twilight). This is my very favourite time of day and in winter it can bring the most complimentary and interesting contrast light.
Bad weather is also not as bad as it may seem. With rain comes umbrellas (the quintessential British accessory) and a certain energy that is only caught when people are trying to get from A to B without getting wet. In my experience, it hardly ever rains solidly all day (trust me!), and when it does stop, you’ll find (especially in London) that the streets have been given a shimmering coat of satin varnish, where subtle reflections give the images a new dimension.
Photography tips for winter weddings:
Try to book the ceremony early (to finish just before the twilight hour)
Make the most of the daylight hours by having ‘getting ready’ shots before the ceremony.
The use of candle light can bring amazing warmth to the images (but to have an effect it needs to be done in a big way – more candelabra than tea lights).
Have nice umbrellas on hand for yourselves and guests.
Book Tom Gold to do the photography.
