The SECRET to Taking Wedding Day Photos in Harsh Light

We're bringing back an old series today, behind the image! In this series we show you behind the scenes footage from real wedding days and then I break down some images from the shoot and explain my thought process behind them. Today we're looking at a bridal party shoot in harsh light where a few small adjustments made for some beautiful glowy light!
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[@itst0000]

its takes a special kind of energy and personality to do wedding photos

[@presleycavazos]

What a G ! So simple, so effective. this was so good thank you

[@davidbarnard6048]

Love your videos I have learned so much, you know what I love just as much? You, your husband, and videographer. Yall are the cherry on top.

[@mrdennischapman]

Interesting video, thanks. One thing that I have done when shooting a similar situation is to bring a large collapsible reflector and I have someone hold that over my head to block the sunlight and precludes lens flare. I think you mean Lens Flare rather than Haze (haze is a result of Lens Flare). And, after 55+ yrs of professional shooting I always use a lens hood because I have noticed that it really does reduce flare and reflections that degrade the quality of the lens. I use a hood that fits (reverse) over the lens and is somewhat hidden until needed.

[@brianargyle7344]

I agree--am always shooting with the lens hood on, even indoors. Just turn it around when you're not using the lens...

[@reneemellott8612]

Your videos are the BEST!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thank you Katelyn for sharing your talents!!

[@dej2]

Katelyn... I love this video. Thank you for sharing. I think we all sometimes get into doing the safe thing. Being creative and taking carefully crafted chances, broadening our bag of tricks so to speak. Thank you

[@danaross]

Excellent video. Very real. Well done. Thank you.

[@photographybykatb]

Thank you for this! I learn so much from you and your hubby

[@30dcanon]

Just curious, why do you hold the camera, left hand, over the lens vs underneath and tucking the elbow in.. Just a curious question as, for me and many others I know, tucking the elbow in gives more stability.. Enjoyed the video and explanation of your thought process in this situation..

[@candissdelcastillo7863]

I liked this . Thank you.👍

[@allisonmiller3864]

Thank you! So helpful!

[@fangbifxx]

That’s so much better in the end!

[@djm-photography]

Top tip from a automotive point, turn the wheels inwards, the lines of the car would compliment the photo, also less negative area and a better stance.

[@KimberlyAn73]

Love it when you let me into your head Katelyn! 😂❤

[@f__e__e__l__e__e__p]

the shadows in front of them were cool

[@KatelynJames]

Thanks for watching!

[@Nadiya3494]

May I ask a question, why don't you like to use a good for lens? If it solves that problem without trying to find something that blocks the sun. It's pretty often is there is nothing there. I'm not trying to judge I'm just trying to understand for myself, is there any disadvantages of using a hood?

[@pierrevilley6675]

The one thing i don't understand is why you don't use the lens hood, it would help a lot with flare and haze in this situation, and it also protects the lens.

[@sportyyyspice]

she explains at 7:20 why she opts not to use one

[@pierrevilley6675]

@@sportyyyspice thanks for the time code, i missed that part. I still don't get why someone would want to shoot without a lens hood though, besides personnal taste, it does make the lens longer, but the disadvantages of not using it are far worse than that (limited IQ, no frontal element protection... etc).

[@Meth0z]

Lol i was about to say the same.. i always use my lens hoods unless i want flares ok my shots.. they're great for protection and harrdly notice them specially if you get the rubber collapsible ones.. don't even need to take them out..

[@DaMeng3000]

And the rationale offered for it doesn’t make sense either. “I don’t like carrying it around” You mean the lens hood that can attach to the lens? Like what…

[@josemedina5450]

I cracked up how Ty flashed the date up on the screen in post-production (Katelyn and Michael's wedding anniversary)

[@MichaelFrederickPhoto]

How did you get everyone at focus shooting at 2.5, I am going to assume eye AF was off and wide zone was used. Does being that far back and keeping them on the same plane allow you to get the shot?

[@KatelynJames]

I never use Eye tracking in a situation like this. My goal is to focus on whoever is closest to the camera and yes the distance expands the DOF a bit! I care more about the focus for the traditional shots. The glowy shots at the end I don't care about the entire group being tack sharp. because the focus is on the B&G. Shooting at say 5.6 would have lost a lot of that glow!

[@livestreamsuk6004]

It amazes me why people don't use lens hoods! Try it!!

[@KatelynJames]

Thanks for watching!

[@gburgMD]

Well, I guess the other Dover Hall clients know now!!

[@fitzgeraldfilmsMN]

Tyler! I feel like I haven’t seen a wedding video from you in years.

[@scuffleburgoutdoors]

Do you use nd filters , if so which ones ? Thanks for the video !

[@compelling98]

How did you get everybody's faces in focus with f/2.5?? at 1:21

[@MarioSchwarzl]

Because everybody is standing in the exact straight line, toe to toe, this way the focus will never be off even with F1.4

[@lizzydalizard]

The walking picture i freak out of i dont have all the bridal party in the photo, i am not sure i would have delivered this?

[@Kristenwynnphotography]

I deliver these but people do get so touchy about it if someone's cut off! It's hard - limits composition.

[@sportyyyspice]

She showed so many images where the full bridal party was included in the composition though, so I don't think it's an issue! I don't think that was really the point of the walking photo anyways- it felt like a relaxed, natural portrait of the couple, with their bridal party in the background. Personally I love including images like that in my client's galleries... too many "perfect" photos where everyone is lined up and smiling at the camera gets a little boring :)

[@Kristenwynnphotography]

@@sportyyyspice I agree I love these shots too but there are clients who DO complain about someone being cut off - and it's hard when you have a LOT of bridesmaids etc!

[@Kristenwynnphotography]

I get so focused on perfection and my wild ideas - I'd have wasted time having them bring the car over and park it different ways so I could use it and meanwhile time is a ticking! ;)

[@earthrokk01]

I just threw all my lens hoods in the trash!!! LOL. Not! Great video and channel. You got a new subscriber. Thanks

[@aA-mw4jb]

So they are standing in open shade but their eyes are facing the sun?

[@melodyphillips2388]

Sun is behind them, but the pea gravel reflects light onto them.

[@PaulGuthikonda]

Or you could've used a Lens Hood. Just Sayin'!

[@melodyphillips2388]

Standing in the chimney shadow did the same thing in this case. Lens hoods are rebellious children too often 😂.

[@unique93obr]

I understand that you like light and airy edit, but those photos are overexposed.