Consider how your venue will affect your photographs

I know that no one has mentioned this to you when glancing through those venues. I get that it is important to have somewhere that speaks out to you and takes your breath away. I imagine the list below are things you are also considering;

• Atmosphere
• Number of guests
• Budget
• What's included
• Lighting....YES, LIGHTING ! Us photographers rely on light to take photographs. The more light - the better the photographs.
• Space.... YES, ALSO SPACE ! We don't want to be at the alter with you, or sitting on the guests laps. We need space to move around and to stay out of the way. 

TOP TIP - it may seem like your photographer doesn't have a part to play in the preparation of your wedding. But any photographer genuinely invested in your wedding and your images will want to discuss many aspects such as venues, decorations, lighting options, and more. All the things that may affect the photographs. You can work together to generate amazing ideas that result in stunning images !

Here's my 8 'yays' and 'nays' when it comes to picking a venue from a wedding photographers point of view.

1. YAY TO FAIRY LIGHTS

Anywhere that will allow and extra lighting is a win win for both parties.

As well as creating that rich atmosphere. Us photographers love any extra lighting, it makes the images so much lighter without using any flash.
Fairy lights are a great way to capture that beautiful dots of lights, this is known amongst photographers as Bokeh.
Draping them in all angles is even better, because realistically, we are going to be taking photographs of every corner.

2. YAY TO SKYLIGHTS

This is a photographers dream.

They let in all this gorgeous natural sunlight which makes it so much easier to create stunning images.

On a sunny summers day it can get hot, so you may want to consider air-conditioning or fans.

3. NAY TO HISTORIC BUILDINGS

Yes, they are beautiful, and yes, they are so classy. BUT... they are usually so dark.

These buildings often have a small amount or little windows meaning us photographers need to get out that flash. Flash cannot produce the same images as those using natural sun light.

So if bright and light images are you're thing.. stay away from those historic venues.

4. NAY TO FIRE EXITS AND UNWANTED BACKDROPS

Have a think about where you place your top table, cake, and activities.

You want photos of these events and we want to make them as beautiful as the rest of the images.

Consider what may be in the background of these shots. If you cannot move it, suggest  a wide decorative backdrop to hide those unwanted  bits and bobs.

5. YAY AND NAY TO THE OUTDOORS PHOTOS

YAY because of all that precious sunlight.

NAY because of the weather. We all want you to have the sunniest of days on your wedding day. But this can also make a person too bright in images, and we cannot always have both the subject and background in perfect light.

I'd suggest creating some shaded areas where we can go and take photos. This also acts as a backup plan if it does decide to rain.

6. YAY AND NAY TO OUTDOOR CEREMONIES

Just like we discussed above, the sun can be both our friend and enemy. I'd suggest creating some shade over the place of marriage so that you don't end up squinting in your lovely images.

Outdoor ceremonies usually come with a lot of space. This means us photographers can move around, getting all of the angles, without disturbing the ceremony too much. 

7. YAY TO FEATURES

 
Anything that the venue can offer that makes it stand out from the others.

These features could be ; foliage, water features, the surroundings, gardens, stairs, iconic gates, bedchamber.

All of these create beautiful context to a photograph and can make them a little more interesting.

Most venue's will come with features that you may not realise are features at all. It's always best to take your camera when you're visiting and get as many photos as possible. You can then show these to your photographer who can help you decorate accordingly. 

8. NAY TO SMALL SPACES

Spaces like these make it very difficult to get the images that you expect from us.

We need space to move around and capture different angles. As well as having space to even capture that moment.
i.e. Everyone is stood up, looking back at the bride walking down the isle. This means the only space available capture the 'first look' is down the isle.. the groom turns around but can't see the bride because the photographer is directly in the way... failed 'first look'.