As the sun began to dip lower in the sky, I knew it was time to switch things up. I grabbed my trusty Profoto lighting kit and set up a single strobe with a 24-inch softbox to the side of the couple. I positioned the light at a 90-degree angle to their faces, creating a stunning rim of light that separated them from the background.
Avoid direct sunlight during midday portraits. Move your couple under a tree canopy or the shadow of a building, and look for directional light bouncing off opposite walls.
You do not always need artificial gear to achieve a signature Ghionis look. His training emphasizes recognizing natural modifiers in everyday environments. As the sun began to dip lower in
. By mastering the direction, quality, and color of light—and learning to see light where others see darkness—you can achieve a high-end wedding aesthetic regardless of the equipment you use.
Jerry Ghionis is widely considered one of the top five wedding photographers in the world, and his educational content is highly regarded for its practical, "real-world" applicability. His teaching style focuses on making every location look like a studio by meticulously building light one step at a time. Core Philosophy: The "Five Steps" Avoid direct sunlight during midday portraits
Look at the ground. White concrete, light sand, or bright stone walls act as massive, free reflectors. By placing your couple near these surfaces while backlit, the sun will bounce off the ground and naturally fill in the shadows on their faces. 3. Off-Camera Flash (OCF) for Dramatic Reception Portraits
What do you currently own? (e.g., speedlights, continuous LEDs, reflectors) he creates a moody
"Lighting Techniques for Wedding Photographers" by Jerry Ghionis is a valuable resource for wedding photographers seeking to elevate their lighting skills. The e-book provides a comprehensive guide to understanding and working with light, covering both natural and artificial light sources. By applying the techniques and principles outlined in the book, photographers can enhance their creative control, produce stunning images, and take their wedding photography to the next level.
Investing in your education builds a professional mindset, giving you the confidence to charge premium rates for your wedding photography packages. Share public link
Lighting is one of the most critical aspects of wedding photography. It can make or break the mood, atmosphere, and overall quality of your images. Here are some essential lighting techniques to master:
One of his signature moves is photographing from the "shadow side" of the subject. By placing the camera in the shadows and letting the window light hit the far side of the face, he creates a moody, cinematic look. 3. Mastering Harsh Sunlight (The "Squint-Free" Technique)