Believe it our not – light can completely transform your photos!
When it comes to wedding photography, one of the most powerful elements I work with is light. As a Nashville wedding photographer, I know that light has the ability to set the tone, create depth, and elevate every single image. Whether you’re imagining dreamy couple portraits bathed in the warm glow of golden hour or envisioning the dramatic, romantic vibe of off-camera flash, the way light is used throughout your day can make all the difference. And the best part? There’s no “right” or “wrong” light—it’s all about embracing the light you have and how it works with your vision.
In this blog, we’ll explore different types of light you might encounter on your wedding day and how they can impact your wedding photography. From the golden hues of sunset to the soft embrace of overcast skies, light is truly the unsung hero behind every beautiful wedding photo.
The Beauty of Direct Sunlight: Natural Spotlight for Stunning Couple Portraits
Direct sunlight can be a photographer’s best friend—or worst nightmare! As a Nashville wedding photographer, I’ve worked with all kinds of lighting conditions, and direct sunlight definitely has its pros and cons. On one hand, it’s like a natural spotlight, highlighting your colors and making the skies look bluer and the surroundings warmer. On the other hand, it can create harsh shadows if not carefully managed.
This type of light is especially powerful during midday or early afternoon, but it’s a challenge to control. The key here is positioning—if you can angle your couple portraits just right, you can avoid unflattering shadows and capture crisp, vibrant photos. The sun can be your best friend if you embrace it strategically!
Golden Hour: The Dreamy Glow Every Couple Wants for Their Portraits
Golden hour—the time just before sunset—truly lives up to the hype. For any Nashville wedding photographer, golden hour is considered one of the best times of day for shooting, and for good reason! This time creates a soft, almost diffused light that wraps around you like a warm hug. It brings out a dreamy, romantic feel in every photo, with a color palette of soft golds, pinks, and reds.
Couple portraits during golden hour are often some of the most requested shots by couples, and for a good reason. The soft, glowing light flatters every face and brings a magic to your wedding photos that’s hard to replicate. But, a word of caution: it’s a fleeting moment, and on overcast days, sadly, golden hour doesn’t exist. So, if you’re envisioning that perfect sunset moment, we’ll want to be sure to time your portrait session right!
Midday Light: Bright and Bold (but Sometimes Challenging)
Midday light—the sun at its highest point—presents unique challenges for a photographer. The bright, harsh light can create strong shadows and highlight imperfections. If you’ve ever tried to take a photo in full sun, you know it can be tricky to get flattering images without squinting or harsh contrast.
But don’t let that scare you! As a Nashville wedding photographer, I’ve learned how to use midday light to my advantage. It’s about positioning and knowing how to use the available light in a way that flatters you. Midday photos can have a crisp, bold look if you’re in the right place and facing the right way. It’s just a matter of how we approach it!
Overcast Days: Soft, Even Light for Flattering Couple Portraits
While many people think cloudy skies are a photographer’s nightmare, overcast days actually create the most beautiful, even light for your wedding portraits. With the clouds acting as a giant diffuser, the sunlight is softer and more flattering, reducing harsh shadows and giving your skin a gentle, natural glow.
This type of light is also very versatile—you can face any direction, use any background, and the sun won’t interfere. As a Nashville wedding photographer, I actually love working with overcast light because it gives me the freedom to play with composition and lighting without worrying about the sun’s harsh rays. It’s perfect for those romantic, timeless couple portraits!
Blue Hour: A Magical Moment After the Sun Sets
Blue hour is one of my favorite times to capture photos. This is the hour after golden hour, when the sun dips below the horizon, and the sky takes on a beautiful, cooler tone. The light is soft and ambient, creating a serene and romantic mood perfect for intimate portraits or creative shots.
For couples wanting a bit of nighttime magic in their wedding album, blue hour is the perfect opportunity. It gives your photos a cool, moody feel that contrasts beautifully with the warmth of earlier moments. Sometimes extra ambient light or flash is needed to add the extra “wow” factor, but no matter what – the magic of blue hour is not to be missed!
Off-Camera Flash: Creating Drama and Depth for Your Wedding Portraits
Off-camera flash is a powerful tool that I use to add depth and drama to my photos. By positioning the flash off to the side (instead of directly on the camera), I can control the light more creatively, creating shadows that add dimension and mood to your portraits. This type of lighting can produce a romantic, dramatic vibe, perfect for evening or indoor weddings.
Off-camera flash is especially great for smaller spaces or areas where natural light is limited. It can also be used to balance out other light sources, like ambient room lighting or string lights, and add depth to your photos. (This is also true for direct flash below!)
Direct Flash: A Bold Approach to Wedding Photography
Direct flash, where the flash is positioned directly on the camera and pointed at the subject, is another tool I use in certain settings. While it can create a more moody look, it can also be diffused to soften the light and create motion blur for added artistic flair. When combined with ambient light or background sources like windows or candles, direct flash can help add depth to your photos and make your portraits pop.
I often use this approach in situations where I need a quick burst of light to brighten a dark space. When used properly, direct flash can actually add a dynamic, energetic feel to your photos, especially during a lively reception!
Embracing All Types of Light for Your Wedding Day
Ultimately, the key to stunning wedding photos is not about finding “perfect” light—it’s about embracing the light you have and learning how to make it work for you. As a Nashville wedding photographer, I love using a variety of light sources throughout the day to tell the unique story of your wedding day. From the bright midday sun to the soft glow of golden hour and the moody romance of off-camera flash, each type of light brings its own magic to the table.
If you’re on the hunt for the perfect Nashville and destination wedding photographer, I’d love to see if we’re a match! Finding the right fit is crucial, and if my portfolio speaks to you, let’s chat about your dream wedding. Reach out here so we can start getting to know each other!
xo,
kailee rose