After my recent blog about Laura and Liam’s wedding (and their spectacular sunset shoot!), I’ve had a few people asking how they can make sure they get the best sunset wedding photographs - so today, I’m sharing my top tips! Read on to find out how to get the ultimate sunset wedding photos.
IT’S ALL ABOUT TIMING
A few weeks ago, I mentioned the importance of timing for epic night photography on your wedding day (that blog post is here). For picture-perfect sunset photos, timing is even more important! Most people think that the best time for sunset wedding photography is right at sunset, as the sun is disappearing behind the horizon, but one of my top tips for getting sunset photos is to aim for around 20-30 minutes before sunset. That’s when the light is at its most glowing golden! Leave it too late, and while you might still be able to get a couple of good shots, it’s nothing on the photos you could have captured 20 minutes earlier.
If your wedding location isn’t too far away, plan a drive out around sunset before your wedding date. Take note of when the sun will set, and whether it’ll set behind a hill or on the horizon.
SCHEDULE SUNSET PHOTOS IN YOUR RUN SHEET
Some wonderful venues around Wellington already have it in their schedule (thank you Boomrock and Sudbury Farm!), but remember to include your sunset shoot in your run sheet with your vendors. Nothing breaks a photographer’s heart more than watching the magical, golden light fade while they’re stuck inside for speeches - trust me, I know from experience!
BUT WHAT IF IT’S CLOUDY?
At the end of the day, you can’t control the weather, so don’t stress too much over getting the perfect sunset. If it’s cloudy, go with it anyway. While you may not have that golden, glowing light you were hoping for, clouds make for gorgeous, soft, pastel light, which makes for some equally stunning photos. It’s worth including a sunset shoot regardless, as by the time the sun is setting, the formalities of the day are done, and you and your partner will be feeling a lot more relaxed (and well-fed) - and that happiness shows in the photos!
JUST THE TWO OF YOU
Your bridal squad can sit this shoot out, and enjoy a drink or two, while you newlyweds take some well-earned moments to themselves (romantically accompanied by the photographer and videographer). After all that socialising, partying and celebrating, it’s nice to be able to spend some time together away from all the madness. I tend to keep my sunset shoots super relaxed, and give the couple time to just wander, hang out, and be together.
DON’T BE IN A RUSH
Set aside enough time for you both to relax, enjoy the last of the light, and breathe. Don’t rush back - enjoy the moments of peace and quiet, while I snap some photos to capture the magic. Some of the best photos are the last frames captured on the day!
Check out a selection of some of my recent sunset wedding photography below for some inspiration:
