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Listen "89. Are Weddings Staged?"
Episode Synopsis
When you think about wedding photography, you might picture those perfectly candid moments, where the photographer blends seamlessly into the background, capturing the day as it unfolds naturally. This style, often described as “fly on the wall,” is certainly appealing for its authenticity and the sense of storytelling it can provide. But the reality is, creating those stunning, emotionally resonant photos often involves more planning and staging than one might expect.
The idea of a completely unstaged wedding day sounds lovely—just letting the day unfold and capturing moments as they happen. However, in our experience, a truly candid approach can be limiting, especially when it comes to ensuring that the images are both beautiful and meaningful.
For instance, the lighting at a wedding can make or break a photo. Natural light is wonderful, but it’s not always reliable. Without some level of control over when and where key moments happen, you run the risk of capturing something in poor lighting, leading to subpar images. This is where a bit of staging becomes essential.
We often hear from couples that they love the idea of candid photography, but they also adore the iconic moments—like the bridesmaids' reveal, the first look, or the exchange of gifts. These moments are best captured with some planning. For example, when we stage a first look, it's not just about the moment the groom sees the bride; it’s about ensuring the lighting is right, the background is clear of distractions, and that the couple is positioned perfectly to capture that raw emotion.
This kind of staging isn’t about faking a moment; it’s about setting the scene so that the moment can unfold naturally, with all the right elements in place to create a photo that tells the story in the best possible way.
Reflecting on our earlier experiences, we’ve learned that without a clear timeline, the day can quickly become chaotic. Moments are missed, or worse, rushed. A well-structured timeline isn’t about rigidity; it’s about ensuring there’s enough space for things to happen organically, while also making sure all the important moments are captured.
When we first started photographing weddings, we sometimes found ourselves at the mercy of the day’s unpredictable nature. Dinners were late, ceremonies ran over, and we often had to scramble to capture what we could. Those experiences taught us the value of being proactive, of communicating with the couple and the planner, and of ensuring that everyone is on the same page regarding what needs to be captured and when.
While some might think staging adds stress to the day, we’ve found it does the opposite. Our couples often feel reassured knowing that we’ve thought through every detail. They trust that we’re not just there to take pictures but to ensure that those pictures reflect their vision and the effort they’ve put into planning their wedding.
For instance, if a bride has gone to great lengths to keep her dress hidden until the big reveal, it’s our job to make sure that moment is captured perfectly. If it’s left entirely to chance, with people coming in and out or with less-than-ideal lighting, the significance of that moment could be lost. Instead, by staging the moment—setting it up so the light is right, the background is clean, and everyone is ready—we ensure that the emotion shines through, and the resulting photo is one they’ll cherish forever.
After the wedding, the real work begins for us. Editing the photos and videos is a meticulous process, and it’s made infinitely easier when we’ve been able to control key elements during the day.
This is where the value of staging really becomes apparent. It’s not just about making our job easier—it’s about ensuring the final product is as perfect as it can be. When a moment is staged well, the editing process is smoother, and the couple receives a set of images that truly reflect the beauty and emotion of their day.
The idea of a completely unstaged wedding day sounds lovely—just letting the day unfold and capturing moments as they happen. However, in our experience, a truly candid approach can be limiting, especially when it comes to ensuring that the images are both beautiful and meaningful.
For instance, the lighting at a wedding can make or break a photo. Natural light is wonderful, but it’s not always reliable. Without some level of control over when and where key moments happen, you run the risk of capturing something in poor lighting, leading to subpar images. This is where a bit of staging becomes essential.
We often hear from couples that they love the idea of candid photography, but they also adore the iconic moments—like the bridesmaids' reveal, the first look, or the exchange of gifts. These moments are best captured with some planning. For example, when we stage a first look, it's not just about the moment the groom sees the bride; it’s about ensuring the lighting is right, the background is clear of distractions, and that the couple is positioned perfectly to capture that raw emotion.
This kind of staging isn’t about faking a moment; it’s about setting the scene so that the moment can unfold naturally, with all the right elements in place to create a photo that tells the story in the best possible way.
Reflecting on our earlier experiences, we’ve learned that without a clear timeline, the day can quickly become chaotic. Moments are missed, or worse, rushed. A well-structured timeline isn’t about rigidity; it’s about ensuring there’s enough space for things to happen organically, while also making sure all the important moments are captured.
When we first started photographing weddings, we sometimes found ourselves at the mercy of the day’s unpredictable nature. Dinners were late, ceremonies ran over, and we often had to scramble to capture what we could. Those experiences taught us the value of being proactive, of communicating with the couple and the planner, and of ensuring that everyone is on the same page regarding what needs to be captured and when.
While some might think staging adds stress to the day, we’ve found it does the opposite. Our couples often feel reassured knowing that we’ve thought through every detail. They trust that we’re not just there to take pictures but to ensure that those pictures reflect their vision and the effort they’ve put into planning their wedding.
For instance, if a bride has gone to great lengths to keep her dress hidden until the big reveal, it’s our job to make sure that moment is captured perfectly. If it’s left entirely to chance, with people coming in and out or with less-than-ideal lighting, the significance of that moment could be lost. Instead, by staging the moment—setting it up so the light is right, the background is clean, and everyone is ready—we ensure that the emotion shines through, and the resulting photo is one they’ll cherish forever.
After the wedding, the real work begins for us. Editing the photos and videos is a meticulous process, and it’s made infinitely easier when we’ve been able to control key elements during the day.
This is where the value of staging really becomes apparent. It’s not just about making our job easier—it’s about ensuring the final product is as perfect as it can be. When a moment is staged well, the editing process is smoother, and the couple receives a set of images that truly reflect the beauty and emotion of their day.
In God we trust