Picture perfect

Wedding photographers tell how to work the light, match your make-up with the weather and find your most beautiful angle. Gorgeous wedding album guaranteed ...

Tricks of the light

Light plays a crucial role in how your memories are captured forever. "Light can create variety of mood and shape the story of the day," says seasoned snapper Lucy Leonardi. "The camera is the tool I use, but the light is the palette I work with," adds wedding photographer Paul Cincotta. Here are a few pro pointers on working it to your advantage:

• "The ideal light conditions to illuminate and emphasise a bride's beauty are in the early morning or late in the afternoon on a bright day," describes Leonardi. "Overcast weather produces good light throughout the day."

• If shooting in the middle of the day is unavoidable, don't fret – photographers have reflectors, flashguns and softboxes to deal with shadows. But there are some beauty tricks you can use too. "Fringes or stray hairs can cast dark shadows across the face, so it's best to have your hair up and secure in these conditions," directs Leonardi.

• "The best advice I can give is for the bride to test her make-up under a variety of different light sources. If you apply make-up under fluorescents, it can look very different in incandescent light or daylight," warns photographer Paul Cincotta.

• "I suggest to brides and bridesmaids that they stay away from glitter and use a matte foundation or powder," details Cincotta. "Skin doesn't naturally 'sparkle', and if the flash is used the glitter [shimmer] can end up looking like a rash of sweat beads on the skin."

Angles & posing: creating the perfect moment

So you've practiced in the mirror and have decided you look best in profile from the left. That's important. But it's also vital to trust your photographer's professional eye. "I'm there to ensure moments are captured when the bride is looking her best – in the right light and regardless of the time of day," explains Cincotta. "I'm not just there to press a button." Some hints to help your photographer perfect the scene:

• "Brides may have found what they believe to be their best [side] and insist the photographer always take shots from a particular angle," says Leonardi, "but I often discover brides have many 'best angles', which change with different light, backgrounds and situations … a good photographer will always try to find the right angle and can shoot from those not easily glimpsed in the bathroom mirror."

 • "When it comes to posing, unless you're a natural extrovert, the best pose is no pose at all," reveals Cincotta. However, your photographer may give you directions or prompts to help create snap-worthy scenes. "This is where you will need to trust the photographer," he explains. "Some things may not feel right, but will look amazing from the photographer's angle."

• The most important thing for a bride to remember is to retain good posture throughout the day (a spontaneous shot can be spoiled by a slump) – and enjoy herself. "The most natural smile works best," confirms Cincotta.

The experts

Paul Cincotta, manager of photography at Hamilton Island Weddings, Queensland. Contact 07 4946 8515/hamiltonislandweddings.com.au
Lucy Leonardi from Lucy Leonardi Photography in Sydney. Contact lucy@lucyleonardi.com/www.lucyleonardi.com

Image courtesy Lucy Leonardi 

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