Throughout the wedding day, there are various, important moments to capture for your couple. The ceremony is one of the most memorable times for your couple and their loved ones and it can provide you with some of the best picture-taking opportunities. It is a great opportunity for you to showcase the genuine emotion from everyone involved, which adds to the overall story of their day.
Must-Have Ceremony Angles
Depending on the location of the ceremony, certain challenges can arise. Whether it is outdoors or indoors, there are issues that can arise from lighting, to weather, and more. When this happens, it can be necessary to move around and find the best angles to take the best photos. Plus, it diversifies the images you deliver after the wedding day.
Here at ShootDotEdit, we provide image editing services to professional wedding photographers (which means we see a ton of ceremony shots). Also, we connect with industry leaders to learn more about what is most challenging for the wedding shoot. To help you look for the best angles during every shoot, here are 7 must-have angles to capture during the ceremony.
1. Shoot from the Front
The bride and groom spent time on how they wanted their ceremony to look and feel. Before it starts, capture a shot of the ceremony front the front. This will help you include the entire ceremony and will showcase all the details the bride and groom included. When the ceremony begins, stand at an angle that will include the bride and groom as they stand together, with their bridal party on their sides. This will require you to stand to face the front of the ceremony site, where you can capture these images for your couple.
2. Move Behind the Ceremony
Many ceremony locations have less than ideal lighting, which can be an issue for the images you want to take. This is especially true for outdoor ceremonies, where the light creates unflattering shadows on your couple’s faces (or the harsh light causes them to squint).
When lighting is not ideal, switch angles to and move behind the ceremony. If you have the ability to, stand behind the altar, where the sun may be less intrusive. This angle can include the couple, and may even feature who is marrying them.
3. Stand above the Ceremony
If the ceremony location allows, shoot form a higher platform. This can be especially helpful when you are in a church or location that has a balcony where you can stand and take photos. The higher angle gives you the chance to showcase the stunning design of the location, especially indoors. When you shoot outdoors, look for an elevated area (somewhere that is not in the way of the ceremony). You can document the ceremony site, everyone involved, and provide your couple with a unique perspective.
4. Shoot from the Side
During the ceremony, there are certain angles where you must stand to the side to shoot. It showcases different parts of the ceremony location, as well as the guests. It can also be helpful when there is difficult lighting when your couple and the bridal party walk down the aisle. Another way to shoot from a side angle is to stand on one side of the ceremony and capture the groom with his groomsmen behind him, and then switch sides to capture the bride with her bridesmaids behind her.
Quick Tip
Don’t forget to send your ceremony images (and more) to a wedding photography editing company to ensure they are consistent when you deliver them to your clients!
5. Capture a Lower Angle
One way to shoot unique images from the ceremony is to capture a lower angle. You can shoot from the end of the aisle while the couple stands at the altar. This provides a unique look at the ceremony and captures details from that angle. This image helps diversify the images for your couple and gives you variety for your portfolio.
Also, when you shoot from a lower angle outdoors, you eliminate any harsh shadows that fall on your couples as they stand at the altar.
6. Stand at the Aisle End
As the bridal party and bride walk down the aisle, take the opportunity to capture this moment from various angles. While your second shooter captures them exiting the limo or building, you can be at the front of the aisle as they walk toward you. When the ceremony concludes, switch angles and move to the opposite end as the bride, groom, and bridal party exit to the reception.
7. Document the Couple’s Perspective
When they are at the altar, the bride and groom are focused on one another. They are also facing each other, which means you should switch angles to capture their expressions. Start with the groom and shoot over his shoulder to capture the bride. Then, shoot over the bride’s shoulders for the groom’s facial expressions. Not only do you mix up the angles and photos you take, but you also get to showcase the bride and groom how they were feeling at that time.
When you switch angles as you shoot the ceremony, you have the opportunity to deliver images that cover every important moment for your couple.