Expert Tips for Capturing Stunning Wedding Photos at Your Venue

You’ll want to remember your wedding day forever. So, it’s only natural that you want to go above and beyond to capture beautiful wedding photos. But, hiring the right photographer is only the first step. You can ensure your wedding photo album turns out exactly the way you want it to with a little prep and inspiration.

Below, find tips for capturing stunning wedding photos and discover a photogenic Rhode Island wedding venue for your special day.

Take full advantage of the landscape

Your venue will set the scene for your wedding day. So, make sure you use any unique elements at your location to stage special photos. Is there a balcony with a beautiful view? How about a cozy nook in a flower garden or a grand staircase leading to the reception area?

While touring your wedding venue, scout out any locations that stand out to you. Make a note of your ideas and share them with your photographer, so you can make a shotlist and plan out your wedding portraits and locations. Remember: If some photo locations are situated further away than others, you’ll also need to allot enough travel time in your wedding schedule.

Find a second wedding photographer

While many weddings can get by with a single photographer, having a second wedding photographer can come in handy for capturing candid moments or alternative angles.

For example, a second photographer can focus on the groom’s reactions while the primary photographer focuses on the bride – that’s especially nice for walking down the aisle. Or, they can capture photos of your guests laughing and mingling at cocktail hour while you take formal portraits with your primary photographer.

So, while they’re not strictly necessary, a second photographer can help you capture the nuances of your full wedding day. Plus, a second photographer can also be nice for backup purposes, in case something goes wrong with “camera A.” You won’t need to miss out due to technical difficulties.

Try different angles

While you’ll definitely want to take traditional wedding photos from a straight-on perspective, don’t be afraid to add in a few shots with alternative camera positions

For example, ask your photographer to capture photos from directly above or below. Try taking photos of the same scene or pose up close, at a mid-length, and from a distance. You’ll get up-close detail shots and sweeping overviews, allowing you to see your wedding from all perspectives. .

Use props

Props can make a photo feel more natural – especially if you struggle with giving your hands something to do. While your bridal bouquet can act as your main prop for photos, don’t be afraid to bring along other items for a more unique feel.

For example, grab a book and pose reading in a sunbeam, or light a candle in a lantern for a dramatic indoor wedding photo. This is a good opportunity to get creative with your wedding photos and show off your personality through the items you bring.

Take advantage of the lighting

Lighting can convey a totally different mood for photos, especially at different times of day. For example, morning sunlight can make an image feel soft and inviting, while the intense light of mid-day can make a photo feel more dramatic and harsh

Depending on the timeline of your wedding day, you’ll definitely want to stage photos during “golden hour,” the period just before sunset, because it casts a warm, pinkish light that’s ideal for staging romance

Have a backup plan for rainy wedding photos

You can’t guarantee that the weather will be bright and sunny. But you can make the most of a rainy day with creative rainy wedding photos. Have a clear umbrella on hand to capture photos of you and your partner in the rain, or shelter inside a door or archway while the rain pours down outside

If you plan on taking key photos outside, it’s also a good idea to find alternative indoor wedding photo locations beforehand — just in case it’s too rainy for outdoor wedding artistry. Stormy weather can present a good opportunity to play with moody lighting and staging more dramatic photos.

Stay in the moment

Last and most importantly, it’s important to stay in the moment on your wedding day. While you’ll certainly take your share of planned shots, you don’t want to be too wrapped up in posing. You’ll also want your photographer to capture candid photos of you and your partner enjoying yourselves on the happiest day of your lives

To avoid being too caught up in the photoshoots, try trusting your maid of honor or a bridesmaid with a list of the shots you want. They can focus on the task of keeping things organized and moving, so you can have fun enjoying the day you planned.

The photogenic Rhode Island wedding venue of your dreams

If you’re looking for one of the best wedding venues in Rhode Island for wedding photos, Kirkbrae Country Club is ready for your event.

Our RI wedding venue overlooks an award-winning golf course with pristine gardens. Our refined, newly decorated ballroom can host events of 400+ guests. You’re guaranteed to capture beautiful outdoor and indoor wedding photos, no matter the weather. Plus, our dedicated wedding planners can connect you with the ideal wedding photographer in Rhode Island who can help you realize your wedding vision.

Contact us today to tour our venue and start planning your special day with us