How to Scout Wedding Photography Venues

Stepping into a new wedding venue for the first time can be a daunting experience for any photographer, filled with challenges and opportunities. Understanding the intricacies of the venue's layout, lighting, and potential photography spots is essential to capturing the essence of the couple's special day effectively. This helpful video tutorial will show you how to maximize the space.

Coming to you from John Branch IV Photography, this instructive video focuses on navigating the complexities of a wedding venue from a photographer's perspective. Branch emphasizes the importance of assessing the venue's lighting conditions, including ambient and artificial sources such as market lights and side lighting. He also points out the significance of identifying key areas within the venue, such as the dance floor, DJ's location, and the couple's table, which are critical for planning the photography setup. This guidance is invaluable for beginners, as it helps them visualize the event's flow and prepare their equipment accordingly.

Moreover, Branch shares insights on finding suitable spots for portraits within the venue, illustrating how even limited spaces can offer a variety of backdrops for beautiful shots. He demonstrates creative problem-solving by suggesting different angles and compositions around simple elements like trees and architectural features. This part of the video is particularly crucial for photographers aiming to maximize their creativity in confined or less varied venues. It highlights the importance of adaptability and the ability to see potential in every corner of the venue, skills that are indispensable in a genre where you do not get to pick the location. Check out the video above for the full rundown.

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.

Log in or register to post comments