What is a bridal fashion shoot?

A bridal fashion shoot is a photo shoot with a model wearing a bridal gown. The model here is Amber Joseph.

Can you do a bridal fashion shoot using only natural light?

Yes. Of course. But you need to use the available light to your advantage. It is necessary to see how the light is, and position the model accordingly.

I often use portable flash because it  (potentially) gives much more control and versatility over the lighting, and hence the images that are created. But it is extra weight to carry around, and takes time to set up.

To a limited extent natural light can be manipulated, for example by using a reflector. It is also faster working with natural light because you don’t have to position any flash heads, or measure their light output. If you are using natural light and working in “aperture priority”, it is easier and faster to change your aperture than if you are using manualy controlled (off camera) flash. So in a way it “seems” as if taking photogarphs using natural light is faster and easier. But is it faster and easier for taking really good photographs? creative photographs? and photographs that stand out from the crowd? Photos that make the eye linger?

In my opinion a good understanding of how the direction and “quality” of light affects photographs is just as important for natural light photography as for flash photography.

Our bridal fashion shoot

I took these photos on a workshop at Horsley Park, organised by Pete Bristo.  The model for this bridal fashion shoot was Amber Joseph. I have included a “fun” photo that shows that Amber is not only a beautiful model, but a “good sport” with a sense of humour.

Adding a sense of movement

This image was created by merging two photographs together. I was not planning to do that when I took the photos, and was not using a tripod, so it was necessary to line the photos up and do a few minor adjustments to where things were!

Acknowledgement

Model: Amber Joseph
Locations: Horsley Park