Wedding Photography Tips at Watermark Community Church

Congrats on the big day! You have the rings, the dress, the date..and maybe your photographer?

I wanted to write a blog and give my experience to brides and other photographers - my thoughts of capturing weddings at Watermark's Chapel and most of all..the Loft(reception area) - One of the trickiest rooms to light in Dallas.

I will explain why below.

To learn more about the wedding space, visit: www.watermark.org

The Loft - Reception

As I like to call it - Holey Red. That's right. Red walls,red ceiling with scattered holes in the ceiling accent, brown carpet, and can lights that are warm(red).

There giant windows behind the currents, but, I don't think they can be open for your event.

For brides and grooms reading this: off camera lighting this room is very important. Since the room is large, dark, and red tint is inevitable, you have to add light to the room and even gel the light to balance out the red tones.

This is even helpful for you...yes you, my Indiana Jones hat wearing friend with f1.0 Ziess/Leica natural light only for a 'stylized film look' shooter ;-) 

Let me show you 4 comparisons:

1) Cell Phone

2) No flash on professional DSLR

 3) On camera flash with pro DSLR

   4) Three- Point Off Camera Lighting

1) Cell Phone

With cell phones photos - Guest will need to get closer so the little flash on board can capture in the dark red room.
*Tip: It is much better to step right outside(if during the day) and use all of the natural light coming in the building* Photo example below.

2) No flash/Just DSLR

Not bad. But not great. The photos above show the room as is with people in it. However you can quickly see that they are flat and a warm cast. You might get lucky and have your subject under a ceiling can light(with their face not showing).

3) On camera flash(with diffuser) DSLR

Getting better here with a single flash in the Loft. We can all agree that this is a better look than a cell phone. The flash on camera(with diffuser) allows for light fill, with the softer light, and be able to focus the attention of the image. 

4) Three-Point Off Camera Lighting

There are many different lights to choose from and setups to adopt. Flashes? Strobes? I have shot both and are all great. The world is your view finder ;-)

I like to use 3 AD200's for a room up to 300 square feet, triggered by an on camera flash(as seen below in the diagram.

It is important to point out that not every photo needs a Three-Point lighting setup. But it is the experience of the photographer to be decide the desired look, make the quick adjustment to setup, and take a photo for a beautiful shot on a moments notice.

Now that you are ready for the Reception; below are a few extra spots worth mentioning.

The Chapel - Ceremony

The Chapel is well lite and with the right glass, you won't need flash for the ceremony. So good news so far!

If you shoot your family portraits on the Chapel stage, I would recommend 2 flashes on umbrellas.
These kids were characters for sure :-)

Extras

 Use the natural light of the 'Town Center" to your advantage. It is right outside the Loft doors. Very useful on Saturday afternoon/Summer evenings. 

Groom's Room

This room is dark and a little warm. Use a prime and flash. 

Bridal Suite

Bride's room is lighter and great fill light from the mirrors for candid getting ready shots. Primes are best for this room. Keep a flash ready if you need it.

To learn more about the wedding space, visit: www.watermark.org