Franklin Dean
Wedding stationery is an important detail in telling the story of a wedding day. It can include save-the-dates, invitations, reply cards, thank-you notes, programs, menus, seating plans, and more. Photographing wedding stationery can be challenging due to the various pieces involved, but it can be done beautifully and efficiently with some planning. It is recommended to start with the main piece of the invitation, which usually has the couple's names, the wedding date, and the most design elements, and then style around it. Using a lens cap or acrylic blocks underneath the different pieces can add dimension and make the photo more interesting. Natural lighting is ideal, but be cautious of whites washing out and adjust accordingly.
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What You'll Learn
Planning and preparation
Firstly, ask the couple to send you a copy of the wedding invitation and any other stationery components, such as save-the-date cards, reply cards, envelopes, and enclosures. Having multiple sets to work with is ideal, as it gives you options and allows you to experiment with different layouts and compositions. Gather a variety of backgrounds and styling props to complement the stationery. You can use natural elements like florals or more personal items like the couple's ring box. Think about the story you want to convey through your images. Is there a unique print method or an out-of-the-box design that you want to highlight? Plan a rough draft of your compositions beforehand to ensure a smooth photoshoot and capture the most significant details.
When setting up your shot, start with the main piece of the invitation, which typically includes the couple's names, wedding date, and most design elements. Place this in the middle of your frame and style around it to keep it as the focal point. Consider the balance of your photo by distributing props evenly. For example, if you add florals to the top right, place something in the bottom left corner to create symmetry and ensure each side has an equal amount of visual interest.
Use a lens cap, acrylic blocks, or candle lids underneath the stationery pieces to add dimension and make them "pop". Experiment with different heights and layers to create depth in your images. You can also try propping up the paper slightly to add dimension, but be mindful of harsh shadows. Natural light is ideal for shooting stationery, but be cautious of whites washing out. Avoid white backgrounds, and instead, opt for neutral colours like greys, blues, or tans.
Finally, don't be afraid to get creative and incorporate the couple's personality into your shots. If they have pets, for example, you can include them in your photos, whether it's through pet portraits on the stationery or actual photos of the pets with wedding props. Planning and preparation will help ensure a smooth and efficient photoshoot, allowing you to capture the beauty and significance of the wedding stationery.
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Lighting and colour
When shooting in natural light, it is important to be mindful of the time of day. If you're shooting outdoors, try to avoid the hours between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., as the sun will be at its highest and can cause harsh shadows and squinty eyes. Consider using a canopy in a neutral, light colour to stand under if you can't avoid these hours. Shooting in the hours leading up to sunset will give you the most flattering light.
For indoor shots, look for large, clutter-free rooms with neutral wall colours and lots of windows to let in natural light. Avoid overhead lights and lamps, as they can create an unflattering, yellow glow. If you're shooting in a church or banquet hall with dimmed lighting, be aware that this can give your images a warm tone, and the use of flash may be restricted.
When it comes to colour, it's recommended to use a background that is a different colour from your stationery. This will make the stationery stand out and create more visually appealing photos. If you're having a ballroom wedding, avoid overly warm colours like red, orange, pink, and purple, as they can be unflattering in photos.
Additionally, consider using natural reflectors when shooting in bright conditions. Natural reflectors are elements in nature or the environment that help reflect light back onto your subject when they are strongly backlit. For example, you can use illuminated portions of the ground, like red clay or dirt, to reflect warm light onto your subject's face.
By understanding and manipulating lighting and colour, you can create stunning and cohesive wedding photos.
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Composition and props
When it comes to photographing wedding stationery, composition and props are key to creating visually appealing images that tell a story. Here are some tips to help you style and compose your shots effectively:
Plan and Prepare:
Before the shoot, gather all the necessary components, including multiple sets of invitations, reply cards, coordinating envelopes, and any other enclosures. Having a variety of backgrounds and styling props within reach is also crucial. Plan out different compositions and experiment with various props to find a configuration that tells the story of the wedding day.
Main Piece as the Focal Point:
Start by placing the main piece of the invitation, typically the piece with the couple's names, wedding date, and most design elements, in the middle. Build your composition around this focal point, ensuring it remains the centre of attention.
Balance and Symmetry:
Create a balanced composition by distributing props and design elements evenly throughout the frame. For example, if you add florals to the top right, consider placing the ring box or more florals in the bottom left corner to achieve symmetry and harmony in the photo.
Dimension and Height:
Add dimension to your photos by propping up certain elements of the stationery. Using lens caps, acrylic blocks, or candle lids underneath the pieces can make them "pop" and create a sense of depth. Don't be afraid to play with height and perspective to make your photos more visually interesting.
Experiment with Props:
Feel free to experiment with different props to enhance the story you're telling. This could include florals, the ring box, or even incorporating pets into the composition, especially if the couple has a strong attachment to their furry friends.
Remember, the key is to create a visually appealing composition that showcases the beauty of the wedding stationery while also conveying the unique story and personality of the couple.
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Camera and equipment
When it comes to photographing wedding stationery, there are a few key pieces of equipment you'll need to capture stunning images. Here are some detailed tips on the camera and equipment you'll require:
Camera Body: A DSLR camera is an excellent choice for photographing wedding stationery. It offers manual controls and high-quality image sensors that deliver exceptional image quality. DSLR cameras like the Nikon D5000 are popular among photographers for their versatility and ability to produce sharp and detailed images.
Lenses: Consider using a macro lens for capturing the intricate details of the stationery. Macro lenses allow for extremely close-up shots, highlighting the textures and fine print of the paper goods. A 50mm or 100mm macro lens is a great option to have in your kit.
Tripod: Using a tripod will ensure stability and reduce camera shake, resulting in sharper images. It is particularly useful when shooting in low-light conditions or when using slower shutter speeds.
Lighting Equipment: Natural light is often preferred for stationery photography, but it can be challenging to get consistent results. Consider using reflectors or diffusers to soften the light and reduce harsh shadows. If shooting indoors, continuous lighting or a flash with a diffuser can provide consistent illumination.
Backgrounds and Props: Having a variety of backgrounds, such as different fabrics, wood surfaces, or coloured papers, can add interest to your compositions. Props like acrylic blocks, lens caps, or candle lids can be placed underneath the stationery to create depth and make the pieces "pop" in your photos.
Post-Processing Software: Software like Photoshop is invaluable for retouching and enhancing your images. It allows you to adjust colours, fix lighting issues, and make your stationery photos truly stand out.
Remember, while having the right equipment is essential, it's also important to plan your compositions, experiment with different setups, and consider the unique story you want to convey through your photographs.
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Post-production editing
A typical post-production workflow for wedding photography involves importing photos into software programs like Adobe Photoshop or Lightroom, making adjustments, and then exporting the edited photos. Lightroom is a powerful photo editing software that provides everything from basic colour correction to advanced manipulation tools. It also allows for non-destructive editing, meaning changes can be made without damaging the original image file.
To streamline the editing process, it is recommended to cull images by narrowing down the hundreds or thousands of photos taken to the very best ones for editing and delivery to clients. This can be done by assigning keywords and ratings to images, with the least exciting or creative photos tackled first and the more enjoyable ones saved for last.
Once the selection is made, the editing process can begin. This typically involves enhancing the images through techniques such as cropping, straightening, colour correction, exposure adjustment, retouching, and adding text or graphics. It is important to note that "done" is better than "perfect" and that local adjustments are usually unnecessary.
Finally, the edited photos are exported and uploaded to a website or gallery, or printed. With the right post-production techniques, wedding photographers can create unique and beautiful images that showcase their distinct style.
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