As an Atlanta wedding photographer, I am often asked what camera I use, as if that is the only element that goes into taking a great photograph. A talented photographer friend of mine shared a piece of wisdom that I have taken to heart ever since. An amateur photographer talks about what equipment they use because they assume that is how you make great photos, while a professional photographer talks about how much money they charge to justify his photos. However, an artist talks about light because he knows that is where all great photos come from. When I am on a shoot I am always looking for the best light for my photography, because I know great natural light makes for beautiful photos.

When I am shooting an engagement session I schedule it for the time of day that has the best lighting, which is usually when the sun is low in the sky. This happens twice in the day: once in the morning at sunrise and once in the evening at sunset. As you can see from these photos, you get this warm, romantic light that is perfect for engagement and wedding photography. You can backlight your subject and get the halo effect, which can add so much to your photos.

I personally prefer to shoot in the morning. It is cooler that way, so you don’t have to worry about sweating. Also, when you shoot in the morning you don’t have to rush to get all your photography done before sunset. You get a very natural warm light for photos, which turns out beautiful on camera.

Using natural light is not limited to outdoor photography. You can take advantage of natural light indoors by using windows and doors. Whenever I shoot at an indoor wedding venue, I get there early to survey where the light comes into the venue. Sometimes you get lucky and the venue will have these large glass windows and doors that provide some wonderful light! It is sort of diffused and makes for some stunning lighting.

I hope you have enjoyed the post! Thank you so much for coming by this Atlanta wedding photographer’s blog and I hope you keep coming back to see what we’re up to. If you would like to learn more about shooting with natural light and wedding photography you can sign up for a class I am teaching through Emory Continuing Education. Here is a link https://ece.emory.edu/section-detail-page-ece.php?SectionID=27933 where you can learn more and sign up for the class. If you would like to contact me, you can do so on my website at https://www.atlantaartisticweddings.com/contact-atlanta-wedding-photographer. I’d love to hear from you!

Thanks again!

David