Rhiannon Hendricks
Windows are a popular feature in wedding photography, providing a unique and reflective backdrop for must-have ethereal, architectural, or artistic shots. However, they can also pose challenges for photographers due to the potential for glare, reflections, and uneven lighting. To achieve well-lit photos without glare, photographers should consider their positioning relative to the window and subjects, and use additional lighting equipment if necessary. When including windows in wedding photos, it is essential to communicate with the couple beforehand to manage expectations and make adjustments to the ceremony setup if needed. Windows can also be used creatively in DIY wedding decorations and photo frames, adding a charming, retro touch to the event.
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What You'll Learn
Use natural light to your advantage
Natural light is an important factor to consider when taking wedding photos inside near a window. Here are some tips to make the most of it:
Positioning is key when working with natural light from a window. As the photographer, you ideally want to position yourself between the window and the couple. This way, the light from the window will illuminate the couple and create a backlight for the photo. If the window is behind you, the light will shine on your subjects and reduce shadows in the photo.
If the wedding ceremony is taking place at sunset or night time, or if the room is well-lit and bright, you have more flexibility with positioning. However, if the room is darker than the window, be mindful of the back-to-front lighting situation that will occur.
You can also suggest that the couple stand further away from the windows. This will not only help with lighting but also allow you to capture more angles and shots from the side. The further the couple is from the window, the better the lighting will be, especially when they are walking down the aisle.
If you are struggling with autofocus due to the natural light, a helpful trick is to place your hand over the sun, focus on the couple, and then remove your hand.
Additionally, consider the time of day and the position of the sun when planning outdoor wedding photos. During mid-summer, harsh shadows can occur in photographs between 10 am and 3 pm. To capture golden hour portraits, set aside 20-30 minutes during this time of day.
By understanding and working with the natural light, you can create beautiful and well-lit wedding photos inside near a window.
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Avoid glare and reflection
To avoid glare and reflection when taking wedding photos inside a window pane, there are several techniques you can use. Firstly, it is important to be mindful of the lighting. If shooting during the day, avoid using a flash, as the flash light will bounce off the glass surface, creating an unnatural glare. If shooting at night, use shades or blinds to block stray ambient light.
Another way to reduce glare is to use a polarizing filter. This can be rotated to block light from the angle of reflection. However, be aware that you will need to shoot at a 45-degree angle from the sun or light source for this to be effective. If you don't want to use a polarizing filter, you can try to work on your angle relative to the glass surface to minimize reflections.
Additionally, you can try to create a seal around your camera with fabric to block out reflections. If you are using a tripod, ensure that no light is coming from under the camera. You can also try to find a dark spot in the room to shoot from, as this will minimize reflections.
If you are unable to avoid all reflections, you can try to embrace them and use them to your advantage. Reflections can introduce new textures and a sense of context to your images, and some of the most memorable photos come from photographers who embrace settings that others would shy away from.
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Positioning is key
If the window is behind the photographer, the light from the window will illuminate the couple more effectively. Window light is fantastic for photography, but only when the photographer is in the correct position. It is important to avoid glare and reflections, which can be achieved by ensuring the light source does not create an ugly "shiny" spot or reflection on the window.
The photographer should also consider the time of day and the amount of natural light in the venue. If the ceremony takes place during sunset or at night, or if the room is well-lit, it will be easier to balance the exposure between the couple and the background.
Additionally, the couple should stand further away from the windows, rather than right up against them. This allows the photographer to get in between them and the window, improving the lighting and enabling more creative shots.
By scouting the venue in advance, photographers can identify the best window spots for photos and plan unique photo opportunities. Communicating these plans with the couple beforehand is also beneficial, so they are aware of any challenges and can adjust their expectations or the ceremony setup if needed.
Overall, by paying attention to positioning and lighting, photographers can capture stunning wedding photos that utilise the natural light and beauty of windows.
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Use draping and curtains
If you're looking to take wedding photos inside with a window in the frame, you might want to consider using draping and curtains to reduce glare and improve lighting.
Firstly, check with your venue to see if they have any drapery or curtains already available. If not, you can rent pipe and drape from a rental company or the venue at an affordable price. You can also ask your florist if they can provide draping, as well as any rental companies they work with.
When choosing your draping, opt for sheer, gauzy fabrics like chiffon, organza, or voile to make your setting feel more luxe and intimate. If you want to reinforce your wedding colour palette, choose drapery in colours that match your theme. You can also add flowers or greenery to your drapery to dress it up and create a whimsical, romantic vibe.
To avoid glare in your photos, position the couple further away from the windows, allowing you to get in between them and the window to get better lighting. If the window is behind you, the light from the window will illuminate the couple better.
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DIY window-framed photos
First, source an old window frame. You can find these at second-hand antique stores or even on the side of the road! Look for one that matches the aesthetic you want to achieve. If the window frame is antique, it may have lead paint, so be sure to seal it with a clear sealant spray. Clean the window sash, including the wooden frame and both sides of the glass, before sealing.
Next, choose a photo to display. You can print your own photos at many stores, ensuring they are the right size to fit your window frame. If your photo is smaller than the window, you may need to get creative with how you attach it. Some options include using clear photo corners, double-sided tape, glue dots, or Mod Podge. If you use Mod Podge, be sure to apply a light layer to avoid creases and streaks showing through the glass. Alternatively, you can attach the photo to a piece of clear film or another piece of glass before affixing it to the window pane.
Finally, secure your photo to the back of the window using staples, tape, tacks, small nails, or a combination of these. Then, attach a D-Ring hanger set to the back of your window frame, following the directions on the packaging.
And that's it! You now have a beautiful, DIY window-framed photo to display your wedding memories. You can also add some lace to the glass for a more decorative look.
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Frequently asked questions
To avoid glare, you can use drapery or curtains, or ask your florist to provide draping. You can also use a fabric background or tree branches. If you want to use the window as a backdrop, make sure your light source doesn't create an ugly reflection.
The photographer should position themselves between the window and the couple to get the best lighting. If the window is behind the photographer, the lighting will be better. You can also have the couple stand further away from the window so the photographer can get in between them and the window.
You can use Lightroom to manipulate the exposure without making it look too fake. Use the pen tool to paint exposure onto the spots that need it, and try to make it look like the light is coming from a light source in the photo.
You can use Mod Podge, but it may still be visible through the glass, so you can add lace over it. You can also use double-sided tape, glue dots, or invisible photo corners.
Scout out your favourite spots for photos during your dress rehearsal or walkthrough. If you want to use the window as a backdrop, let it provide sidelight or frontlight rather than backlight. You can also try taking silhouette photos.
