Outdoor Photography Is superior but be warned…
Do you want outdoor photos? Do you have an outdoor venue? Do you want an outdoor ceremony?
If you are seriously considering these three questions, and if "yes" is the answer to any of them, you might have chosen a great option. Why would you even care to continue reading? Since you obviously want your wedding photography to be outdoors, I won't convince you why. Besides being a perfect backdrop for any and all photos, a dynamic environment for photography, and not to mention the freedom of it. Here are some things to consider. If you want an easy time taking photos and enjoying the weather, then you need to think about these questions:
How does the date and season mean anything?
What time is it?
Where will your amazing photographs be taken?
Good news, I have some knowledge to share with you…
The Season
Heat: If your wedding is during July, August, or even September in Minnesota, the warm and humid days can make anyone uncomfortable.
Solution: lots of water, portable fans, photos during the cooler hours (more on this later), stay in the shade, check your venue for A/C.
Cold: So if your wedding is in the middle of winter, Check this out
I have another whole Journal post about winter photography. But if you want outdoor photographs and it's in the middle of winter, there are limitations like weather and shorter daylight time.
(https://www.alexanderdanielschmitt.com/journal/what-is-different-about-winter-wedding-photography).
Solution: Dress warm, have boots, have a bonfire.
Weather: How does the weather make a difference in your photos? Well, depending on the type, it provides different light.
Overcast: perfect diffused light, no dark shadows, and no squinting into the sun. Any background for photos is perfect.
BUT if it rains… bring umbrellas for photos, bring towels for your ceremony if it's in the open air (this does happen), no sitting down anywhere, all your photos will be standing unless you have a gazebo, overhang, building, or some cover from the rain.
However wet you might be, the rainy weather makes for a very romantic feel to your photos.
The Time
Lighting during the day can change; the sun moves, and shadows get longer. Time of day affects how your images turn out as well as pose a challenge for your photographer. They should know how to work with the sun and the available light, but just in case they don't.
You don't want to stare into the sun. Photos with the sun directly overhead can be hot, and you get shadows under your eyes; this takes skill to work with (stand in the shadows right next to the line between sun and shadow for ambient light).
ALSO - if your ceremony is outdoors in direct sunlight, you might have guests staring directly into the sun. This makes it hard to see, and your photos turn out like you are on the surface of the sun. (Dark shadows and extreme sunlight)
Solution: shade, covered ceremony, sunglasses, change the direction of the ceremony so the sun is over your guests' left or right shoulders.
If you are taking portraits, family photos, or wedding party photos, these are things to think about as well. Use the shade, don't look into the sun, and typically don't take photos under direct sunlight from 11:30 to 12:30. Just another tip for you… How much time do you need for photos? Normally about 2 hours for portraits, bridal and family photos all together Family formals make sure they are all present, and whatever location you choose, make sure it’s accessible to your older family members.
The Place
The last thing you need to consider is WHERE exactly. What does this mean? If you want some outdoor elements to your wedding day photography, the setting matters. How do you find something you like?
It all depends on where your ceremony or venue is. And how much travel you want to do. An outdoor venue won't have much of a problem finding nature. Venues such as barns, vineyards, backyards, gazebos, and even event centers can be in the middle of the woods, prairie, valley, etc. They are perfect environments for your wedding day photography. Open forests, fields, beaches, or trails provide more freedom with you and your photographer to capture amazing images.
If you have a wedding in a more urban city or downtown, then you might have to travel if you want some summer or autumn color. You can travel however far you wish, but find any decently sized park nearby your venue. Perhaps a local or state park, bridge, waterway, whatever it may be, an afternoon at a park with your wedding party and friends can be a perfect way to take your wedding photographs and enjoy yourself at the same time.
Find a park, or if you prefer the outdoors and don't want to travel. The urban environment or even a local bar can be a great place to party with your wedding party. If you do have your wedding downtown or in the city, be sure to find streets, benches, art, parking lots, parking ramps. Any environment can be used by a good photographer. (Just select the right one)
Conclusion
I love taking wedding photos in nature, and I love outdoor photography. But this does mean that there can be issues that you or I might run into, and it's important to be prepared.
Pick a place, time, style, and know how the weather and light affect your photos and the experience (hot/cold, and how to prepare for each).
Then…
You won't have a problem incorporating nature and the outdoors into your ceremony or wedding photography.
P.S. If you own or want to buy any potted plants to decorate your ceremony, it is a very tasteful touch.
