Many young couples spend a significant amount of time planning for a wedding that will only last a day. In order to ensure that you capture lasting memories of your wedding day, it's important that you have a venue that will provide the types of photographs you are looking for. As you search for a venue to host your wedding, you should be evaluating each option's photographic suitability.
Here are three tips you can use when looking for a spot to hold your wedding to ensure your venue will provide you with the photographs you desire.
1. Constantly look for photo opportunities.
As you tour each potential wedding venue, it's important that you have a clear idea of how you want your wedding photographs to turn out in mind. If you want elegant and sophisticated photographs, be looking for a venue with stately furnishings or grand staircases where these photographs can be staged.
If you are looking for romantic and natural photographs, then a venue with an outdoor garden or mature landscaping might be your best bet. By knowing your preferred photography style prior to booking a venue, you will be sure to end up with a location that is suited to meet your needs.
2. Be sure to evaluate lighting.
Having a basic understanding of the principles of lighting that can affect photography is essential as you evaluate potential wedding venues. Natural lighting is always best, so finding a venue that offers plenty of large windows to let in natural light will help improve the quality of your wedding photographs.
Broad light sources (like windows or doors) create soft light, which can reduce shadows and suppress any harsh textures. Understanding the lighting limitations of your venue will also help you convey any special lighting needs to your photographer prior to your ceremony.
3. Don't be afraid to snap some test shots.
While you might feel a bit silly posing for bridal pictures as you tour potential venues, taking a few test shots will allow you to get an idea of how your final portraits will look. You don't need to hire a professional photographer; a friend or relative will suffice.
As you come across locations that look suitable for wedding photographs, have your accomplice take a few snapshots. You can evaluate these photos to determine which venue will be able to best provide the types of wedding pictures you want to have as keepsakes.
Taking your photography needs into account as you evaluate wedding venues will help you select a location that will produce beautiful pictures to help you remember your wedding day.