How to Handle Harsh Light in Wedding Photography

One of the challenges of wedding photography is that you are on a tight timeline, and if conditions are not flattering or conducive to portraiture, you have no choice but to power through them and still create the best images you can. So, what can you do when the big day presents with harsh, hard light? This excellent video tutorial features an experienced wedding photographer showing you how she handles harsh light to still create flattering, memorable images. 

Coming to you from Katelyn James, this great video tutorial will show you how to deal with harsh, unflattering light in wedding photography. Some wedding photographers work with artificial light, often with an assistant to help handle the equipment efficiently, but even if you have the lighting equipment and someone to help with it, this can be tricky to pull off when you are working with large groups, like in the wedding party portraits shown in the video. Nonetheless, with a bit of careful thought, you can create flattering thought. Check out the video above for the full rundown from James. 

If you would like to continue to learn about wedding photography, be sure to check out "How To Become A Professional Commercial Wedding Photographer With Lee Morris and Patrick Hall!"

Alex Cooke's picture

Alex Cooke is a Cleveland-based portrait, events, and landscape photographer. He holds an M.S. in Applied Mathematics and a doctorate in Music Composition. He is also an avid equestrian.

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If she doesnt want to use a lens hood (which is fine, i dont do either) its perfectly fine to just use your left hand to cover the sun from your lens in those shots where you want less flare.