Although winter weddings have become increasingly popular, the vast majority of weddings still take place in the summer months and many brides dream of that perfect summer’s day.
As a wedding photographer though that often involves as much careful planning as the opposite, which is a rainy day.
At the height of summer with a cloudless sky, the temperatures in Scotland can often so soar to the high twenties or even thirty degrees. As a wedding photographer, there are two things you need to consider; firstly the comfort of the bride and groom and guests who are standing out in the heat and secondly the often harsh overhead sun, which isn’t very flattering as it creates harsh shadows, not to mention the beads of sweat which might be sunning down peoples faces!
Before I photograph a summer wedding, I always do a recce to take various scenarios into consideration, such as bad weather (wind and rain) or strong overhead sun.
I photograph much of the day naturally as it happens, so for certain parts of the day, such as an outdoor ceremony, I have no control over this. I therefore need to reply on my skill to overcome some of the challenges such as carefully choosing my position or using some fill flash.
When it comes to taking photographs of the bride and groom, I like to find a more relaxed setting, out of the glare of the sun. Not only does this make for better more natural shots but it also helps them relax.
Shade is very important. Sometimes trees can adequately provide this, which creates a lovely natural feel. Most venues tend to have features such as summer houses, gazebos, colonnades or conservatories, which work very well as they still give a summer feel whilst providing cover.
My favourite time for photographing couples for a summer wedding is actually between the dinner and evening reception, as the sun is a lot lower and you start to get a lovely evening summer light which is wonderful for photographs.
Of course it can rain in the summer too, so I always carry wedding brollies with me!
