Wedding photography at night brings its own set of unique challenges. As seasoned wedding photographers, we take pride in our ability to capture stunning images even in low-light situations. However, creating high-quality images in these conditions requires both technical expertise and proper planning. Our ability to execute nighttime wedding photos has developed over many years of experience.
With over 15 years of experience in the wedding photography industry, we’ve learned how to navigate the specific demands that come with offering wedding photography at night and deliver beautiful, timeless photos, no matter the lighting.
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Why Wedding Photography at Night is More Difficult
Photographing weddings at night, particularly those with minimal artificial lighting, introduces challenges we simply don’t face during daylight hours. Night wedding photography / wedding photos at night require a careful balance between camera settings and lighting techniques to avoid common issues like motion blur and grain.
In low-light situations that come with evening wedding photography, motion blur can occur. Now, we’re about to get a little technical on you, but don’t worry—most of this article is not overly technical! Bear with us for just a minute…
We can increase our shutter speed to freeze movement, but this darkens the image during nighttime wedding photography. To compensate, we have a few options: we can increase the ISO to brighten the photo, which can sometimes introduce grain, or we can open up the aperture on our lenses, which lets in more light and gives that beautiful blurred background effect.
It’s a delicate balance between all these variables, and it takes years of practice to get it just right. When providing wedding photography at night, these are the adjustments we fine-tune for each unique environment.
Our Approach to Wedding Photography at Night
At our studio, we rely on full-frame cameras paired with 2.8 zoom lenses, which allows us to capture the best possible images in ultra-low-light scenarios for your night time wedding photos. The quality of full-frame sensors gives us the advantage of gathering more light, producing clearer, sharper, and more vibrant photos than the crop-sensor cameras often used by less experienced photographers. Simply put, full-frame cameras offer significant advantages for wedding photography at night, and our investment in this high-end equipment allows us to capture images with greater detail, clarity, and performance in low-light conditions. This investment, combined with our years of experience, enables us to consistently deliver exceptional results for our clients.
It’s also important to understand that newer or lesser experienced photographers using crop-sensor cameras often undercut on price because their equipment is less expensive. But this cost-saving comes at the expense of photo quality, particularly in night wedding photography. Our investment in professional gear, combined with our years of expertise, allows us to deliver results that far surpass what you might get from cheaper alternatives.
Additionally, we ensure that all of our equipment is fully charged and backed up, so we’re ready to keep photographing all night long, no matter how long the celebration lasts.
Lighting Techniques We Use for Wedding Photography at Night
Off-Camera Flash
We strategically use off-camera flash to create stunning, dramatic portraits, especially in darker settings. Off-camera flash allows us to control the light, highlighting you and your guests while enhancing the ambiance of the venue. This technique adds a look and feel of higher production value compared to on-camera flash or constant lighting alone, giving your photos a more polished, professional appearance for your wedding photos at night. It’s a powerful tool for capturing important moments without overwhelming the natural beauty of your setting.
On-Camera Flash for Movement
When we’re photographing movement, such as during the processional or reception dancing, on-camera flash helps us freeze motion and reduce the risk of motion blur. However, we limit its use during ceremonies, as frequent flashes can be distracting. Instead, we prefer other lighting options that allow us to stay less intrusive while still capturing beautiful, sharp images.
Constant Lighting for Ceremonies and Receptions
Constant lighting is a more subtle lighting option that works particularly well for ceremonies in night time wedding photos. This steady, non-disruptive light ensures that we can capture all your key moments clearly, even in darker venues. For receptions, where lighting is often more flexible, we can add additional lighting to highlight the dance floor and speeches, capturing every moment in vibrant detail.
Overcoming the Challenges of No Supplemental Lighting
While we do everything we can to accommodate your venue’s lighting rules, some restrictions—particularly during ceremonies—can affect the final quality of your images. Romantic candlelit ceremonies, for example, while visually appealing, present serious challenges for night wedding photography.
Candlelight alone does not provide enough light to freeze movement or produce sharp, clear images. To get a little technical for just a moment again – Without supplemental lighting, we’re forced to increase our ISO, which introduces grain/ digital noise, or slow our shutter speed, which can result in motion blur. Either way, the photos won’t be as crisp or clean as they could be for your nighttime wedding photography.
We want to emphasize that proper lighting is essential for capturing high-quality wedding photography at night. For romantic candlelit ceremonies, we recommend adding supplemental lighting, whether it’s ambient lighting throughout the room or spotlights in key areas. These subtle adjustments allow us to maintain the romantic atmosphere while ensuring we capture your special moments perfectly.
How We Handle Lighting Discussions with Clients
We always have a timeline meeting with our clients ahead of time to discuss lighting needs and venue rules. This is where we provide recommendations for additional lighting and explain how it will enhance the quality of your nighttime wedding photos.
Receptions are rarely a problem—venues typically allow us to add supplemental lighting, ensuring beautiful, sharp images of your guests and important moments like speeches and the first dance.
While receptions often require supplemental lighting, venues typically allow us to bring it in without issue for nighttime wedding photography. Ceremonies, however, can be more challenging, as they often come with stricter rules or expectations about additional lighting—especially in churches, where the use of flash photography is often restricted.
We’ve also encountered situations where clients made last-minute decisions, like dimming the lights just before the ceremony started without consulting the photography team or opting for a last minute candlelit ceremony.
While these decisions can create a beautiful atmosphere, they do affect the quality of night time wedding photos. Adequate light is crucial for producing sharp, vibrant images, and sudden changes can leave little time for us to adjust, resulting in lesser quality imagery. If we know about lighting changes well in advance, we can make adjustments, but last-minute decisions leave little room to make the proper accommodations.
Our role is to provide guidance, and when clients trust us with lighting recommendations, they’ll be much happier with their final photos. Ultimately, our job is to create images that you’ll cherish for years to come, and proper lighting plays a huge part in making that possible.
Post-Production: Reducing Noise and Enhancing Images
Despite our best efforts in-camera, photographing in low-light environments can still introduce digital noise or grain into an image. This is where our post-production expertise for night time wedding photography comes in. We use specialized software to reduce digital noise, fine-tuning each image to enhance its natural beauty without making it look overly processed.
Post-production is about maintaining the authenticity of each moment while removing distractions like grain and enhancing the image to make it as beautiful as possible. This process requires a delicate touch, and it’s something we’ve mastered over years of editing experience, particularly for low light wedding photography. (You can read more about our editing process here.)
Why Hiring a Professional Matters for Wedding Photography at Night
Hiring a seasoned professional isn’t just about having the right gear—it’s about having the experience and expertise to handle any lighting situation. Since 2008, we’ve been perfecting our craft, navigating the challenges that come with providing wedding photography at night, and we have the tools and know-how to capture the highest-quality images in any setting.
More importantly, we understand the limits of photography and what’s needed to achieve the best results. In extreme low-light situations, we’ll recommend the lighting solutions necessary to ensure that your photos turn out beautifully. When you trust our guidance, you’re ensuring that your memories are preserved in the best possible way.
Our Process: We’ve Got You Covered
We understand that thinking about lighting and night time wedding photography settings might seem overwhelming, but that’s where we come in. From our initial meeting to the day of your wedding, we’ll take care of everything. We’ll work with your venue, your planner, and you to ensure that everything is in place for your special day.
All you have to do is enjoy your moment—we’ll make sure every detail is captured beautifully.
Custom-Tailored Approach
No two weddings are the same, and neither is our approach. We take the time to understand your vision, your venue, and your timeline to craft a custom lighting and photography plan that works best for you. Whether you’re looking for a well-lit, elegant ceremony or a vibrant night time wedding dance floor, we’ll tailor our approach to ensure your wedding is beautifully captured—without compromising on quality.
Conclusion: Trust the Experts for Your Night Wedding
Wedding photography at night brings unique challenges, but it’s something we’ve gained extensive experience with over the years. With more than 15 years in the industry, high-quality equipment, and a strong understanding of lighting, we’re able to capture beautiful photos you’ll cherish for years to come. Trust us to guide you through the process and capture your most special moments, even after the sun goes down.
At Jaimie Dee Photography, we understand that your wedding day is a whirlwind of emotions, moments, and memories. Our goal is to capture these moments so that you can relive them for years to come. One common question we get from our couples is about how many photos per hour wedding couples can expect to receive. On average, we deliver between 100 to 150 images per hour on a typical wedding day. The average number of wedding photos delivered depends on various factors, which we’ll explore in detail. Let’s dive into what this looks like throughout your big day and what factors influence this range.
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Pre-Ceremony: Getting Ready and First Looks
The day usually begins with the excitement of getting ready. We capture candid moments of the bridal party preparing and those precious moments with close family and friends. Depending on the bride’s preferences, we may photograph the dress and other details. If there is a first look, this part of the day is particularly emotional and full of beautiful reactions. During this phase, the number of images can vary greatly: how many photos per hour wedding couples receive often depends on the flow of the day, key moments, and any additional requests they may have.
Details and Prep Shots: Photos of dresses, shoes, invitations, and other details if requested by the couple.
Candid Moments: Laughs, hugs, and the anticipation building up.
First Look: The emotional first look between the couple, if planned.
Factors Influencing Image Count:
Number of Bridal Party Members: More members mean more interactions and candid shots.
First Look: Adds a significant number of emotional and reaction photos.
Ceremony: The Heart of the Day
The ceremony is the most crucial part of your wedding day. Our goal is to capture everything from the processional to the exchange of vows, and those unforgettable “I do” moments. However, as live event photographers, we understand that each ceremony is unique, and we aim to capture as much as possible based on the flow of the event. The image count during the ceremony can vary based on many factors, and the question of “how many photos per hour wedding couples receive” often depends on the duration of the ceremony, key moments, and the overall pace of the day.
Guest Count: More guests mean more reactions and interactions to capture.
Ceremony Length: Longer ceremonies typically result in more images.
Venue and Decor: Elaborate decor and unique venues provide more photographic opportunities.
Factors Influencing Image Count:
Ceremony Type: Religious or traditional ceremonies might be longer and involve more rituals.
Guest Interactions: Emotional reactions from guests and family members.
Post-Ceremony: Family and Bridal Party Photos
After the ceremony, we move into family and bridal party photos. These are often more posed but equally important. We aim to capture combinations of every family member and the bridal party in various groupings, based on your preferences.
Family Photos: Group portraits with immediate and extended family as requested.
Bridal Party: Fun and formal photos with bridesmaids and groomsmen, tailored to your style.
If you choose to do a first look before the ceremony, it opens the doors to photographing combined bridal party and family portraits beforehand. This allows you to open up your post-ceremony schedule, giving you more free time to enjoy your cocktail hour or more time for couples’ portraits.
Factors Influencing Image Count:
Number of Groupings: More family members and friends mean more group photos.
Posed vs. Candid: Some families prefer more candid shots during this time, which can influence the number of images captured.
First Look: Doing a first look can allow for more flexibility in your schedule, potentially increasing the number of images captured before the ceremony.
Reception: Celebrating with Loved Ones
The reception is where the celebration truly begins. From the first dance to the cake cutting, and the lively dance floor, this part of the day is rich with photographic moments. We aim to capture the joy and excitement of your celebration, tailoring our approach to your unique events and preferences. When it comes to how many photos per hour wedding couples can expect, it depends on the flow of events, the energy of the crowd, and the specific moments that unfold throughout the reception.
Decor and Details: Centerpieces, table settings, and overall decor, based on the couple’s preferences.
Events and Traditions: First dance, speeches, bouquet toss, and any other traditions you choose to include.
Guest Interactions: Dancing, laughing, and candid moments with guests.
Factors Influencing Image Count:
Reception Events: More activities and traditions lead to more photos.
Guest Count: More guests typically result in more candid moments and interactions to capture.
Decor and Ambiance: Elaborate decor and unique settings provide additional photographic opportunities.
How many photos per hour wedding couples can expect?
While we aim to deliver a high number of images, several factors can influence whether you receive closer to 100 or 150 images per hour:
Event Size: Larger weddings with more guests and elaborate decor tend to have more photographic opportunities.
Number of Events: Additional mini-events or unique traditions provide more moments to capture.
Photographer’s Style: Our team captures a blend of candid and posed moments, adjusting to the flow of the day and the couple’s preferences.
In summary, while we average 100 – 150 images per hour, the final count depends on the unique elements of your wedding day. Whether it’s a grand celebration with hundreds of guests or an intimate gathering, our priority is to tell your story through our lens, capturing every moment with care and artistry. When considering how many photos per hour wedding couples can expect, it’s essential to understand that the average number of wedding photos delivered will vary based on the day’s specifics.
Planning your wedding and want to ensure every moment is beautifully captured? Contact us today to discuss how we can make your special day unforgettable with our photography services.
For couples planning their wedding, Buckhead offers some of the most prestigious and elegant venues in Atlanta. These Buckhead Atlanta wedding venues provide stunning settings, exceptional service, and a range of styles to suit any wedding vision.
Having a wedding in Buckhead offers the perfect blend of urban sophistication and Southern charm. With its array of luxurious venues, upscale amenities, and convenient location, Buckhead provides a prestigious and elegant setting for your special day.
Here are the top Buckhead Atlanta wedding venues to consider.
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Buckhead Atlanta Wedding Venues
1. Cathedral of Christ the King
The Cathedral of Christ the King is a magnificent neo-Gothic church located in the heart of Buckhead. Known for its stunning architecture, beautiful stained glass windows, and grand altar, this cathedral provides a majestic and sacred setting for a traditional wedding ceremony.
The spacious interior and serene ambiance create an unforgettable atmosphere for exchanging vows. The cathedral also offers various spaces for receptions and other wedding-related events, making it a versatile choice for your big day.
The Swan Coach House, located on the grounds of the Atlanta History Center, is a charming venue that combines Southern elegance with historic charm. The venue features beautifully landscaped gardens, intimate courtyards, and elegantly appointed indoor spaces.
The Swan Coach House is perfect for couples looking for a venue that offers both indoor and outdoor options, with a timeless and romantic atmosphere. The venue’s history and classic style provide a unique and memorable backdrop for weddings.
Link to Wedding: Wedding at Swan Coach House
3. St. Regis Atlanta
The St. Regis Atlanta is synonymous with luxury and sophistication. This five-star hotel offers an array of elegant spaces for weddings, from the opulent Astor Ballroom to the serene outdoor terrace. The hotel’s grand architecture, exquisite decor, and world-class service ensure a wedding experience that is both luxurious and memorable.
The St. Regis Atlanta is ideal for couples seeking a glamorous and refined setting for their wedding day, with every detail meticulously planned and executed.
Link to Wedding: Wedding at St. Regis Atlanta
4. Cherokee Town & Country Club
Cherokee Town & Country Club offers a blend of traditional elegance and modern amenities. Located in the heart of Buckhead, this private club features beautifully manicured grounds, elegant ballrooms, and exceptional service.
The venue is perfect for both intimate gatherings and grand celebrations, with a variety of spaces to suit different wedding styles. The club’s commitment to excellence ensures that every aspect of your wedding is flawlessly executed, from the ceremony to the reception.
Link to Wedding: Wedding at Cherokee Town & Country Club
Conclusion
Choosing a Buckhead Atlanta wedding venues ensures a celebration that is both elegant and memorable. These venues offer a variety of styles and settings, providing the perfect backdrop for your special day. For professional photography services at any of these beautiful venues, contact Jaimie Dee Photography today.
Our experienced team is dedicated to capturing the magic and emotion of your wedding day, ensuring you have stunning photographs to cherish for a lifetime. Let Jaimie Dee Photography help you create unforgettable memories when you choose from one of these Buckhead Atlanta wedding venues. Contact Us for more information.
For couples seeking a traditional and intimate wedding ceremony, Atlanta offers a variety of beautiful chapels. These Atlanta wedding chapel locations provide stunning settings, from historic churches to picturesque gardens, ensuring your special day is unforgettable. Here are the top 6 chapels to consider for your Atlanta wedding.
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Atlanta Wedding Chapel Locations
1. Cathedral of Christ the King
The Cathedral of Christ the King is a stunning neo-Gothic church located in the heart of Atlanta. Known for its magnificent architecture, beautiful stained glass windows, and grand altar, this chapel provides a majestic and sacred setting for a traditional wedding ceremony.
Immaculate Heart of Mary offers a serene and elegant setting for weddings. With its beautiful interior, impressive altar, and peaceful ambiance, this chapel is ideal for couples looking for a meaningful and sacred space to exchange their vows.
St. Peter Chanel Catholic Church provides a charming and intimate setting for wedding ceremonies. The church features stunning architecture, a warm and welcoming atmosphere, and beautiful grounds, making it a perfect choice for a traditional wedding.
Ashton Gardens offers a picturesque chapel with floor-to-ceiling windows that provide a breathtaking view of the surrounding woods. The elegant design and natural light create a romantic and serene atmosphere, perfect for an intimate wedding ceremony.
Located in Dahlonega, Juliette Chapel is a charming and intimate venue perfect for smaller weddings. The chapel’s beautiful design and serene surroundings provide a peaceful and romantic setting for your special day.
The Tate House, also known as the Pink Palace, features a stunning chapel and picturesque grounds. The historic charm and elegant design make it an ideal choice for couples looking for a unique and beautiful setting for their wedding ceremony.
Link to Wedding: Wedding at Tate House
Conclusion
Choosing an Atlanta wedding chapel ensures a celebration that is both intimate and memorable. These chapels offer a variety of styles and settings, providing the perfect backdrop for your special day. For professional photography services at any of these beautiful venues, contact Jaimie Dee Photography today. Our experienced team is dedicated to capturing the magic and emotion of your wedding day, ensuring you have stunning photographs to cherish for a lifetime. Let Jaimie Dee Photography help you create unforgettable memories at your Atlanta wedding chapel. Contact Us for more information.
For couples planning their wedding receptions, Atlanta boasts a variety of elegant and versatile venues. These Atlanta wedding reception venues offer stunning settings, from historic ballrooms to lush garden spaces, providing the perfect backdrop for a memorable celebration. Here are the top 6 venues to consider for your Atlanta wedding reception.
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Atlanta Wedding Reception Venues
1. The Fox Theatre
Known for its stunning Moorish design, The Fox Theatre is a unique and glamorous venue for unforgettable wedding receptions. The elaborate architecture and luxurious decor create a dramatic backdrop for any celebration, making it one of Atlanta’s most iconic venues.
Callanwolde Fine Arts Center offers a blend of historic charm and modern elegance. The Gothic-Tudor mansion, surrounded by beautiful gardens, provides a picturesque setting for wedding receptions. The venue’s rich history and stunning architecture make it a perfect choice for an elegant celebration.
Nestled in Piedmont Park, the Piedmont Garden Tent offers a lush, garden setting with the convenience of a central location. The tented space allows for a versatile and weather-proof reception, surrounded by the beauty of Atlanta’s premier park.
Southern Exchange Ballrooms combines historic elegance with modern amenities. Located in the heart of downtown Atlanta, this venue features multiple ballrooms with stunning architectural details, perfect for large and grand wedding receptions.
The Georgian Terrace Hotel exudes Southern charm and sophistication. Its historic grandeur and luxurious ballrooms make it a perfect venue for elegant and timeless wedding receptions. The hotel’s prime location and exquisite decor ensure a memorable event.
The Solarium offers a charming and intimate setting for wedding receptions. With its historic architecture and beautiful interior spaces, this venue is ideal for couples looking for a unique and historic atmosphere for their celebration.
Link to Wedding: Wedding at The Solarium
Conclusion
Choosing from these Atlanta wedding reception venues ensures a celebration that is both elegant and memorable. These Atlanta wedding reception venues offer a variety of styles and settings, providing the perfect backdrop for your special day.
For professional photography services at any of these beautiful venues, contact Jaimie Dee Photography today. Our experienced team is dedicated to capturing the magic and emotion of your wedding day, ensuring you have stunning photographs to cherish for a lifetime.
Let Jaimie Dee Photography help you create unforgettable memories at your Atlanta wedding reception venue. Contact Us for more information.
For couples looking for something unique, cool wedding venues Atlanta provide distinctive and memorable backdrops for your big day. These venues stand out due to their distinctive features, memorable atmospheres, and non-traditional settings. Unique and cool wedding venues typically have unique architectural designs, unconventional settings, or historical significance. They offer memorable atmospheres that evoke specific themes, ambiance, or cultural relevance, providing a wedding experience that is both extraordinary and unforgettable.
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Cool Wedding Venues Atlanta
1. Atlanta Aquarium
The Atlanta Aquarium offers a mesmerizing and unique setting for weddings with its breathtaking aquatic backdrops. This venue features the Oceans Ballroom, where you can dine and dance beside views of exotic marine life. The enchanting atmosphere of the aquarium, combined with the exceptional catering by Wolfgang Puck, makes it a standout choice for a memorable wedding.
Link to Wedding: Wedding at Atlanta Aquarium
2. Atlanta Botanical Gardens
The Atlanta Botanical Gardens offers a serene and picturesque setting for weddings, surrounded by vibrant floral displays and lush landscapes. This venue provides a romantic backdrop for both ceremonies and receptions, with various outdoor spaces each offering unique charm. Ideal for couples seeking a natural and tranquil atmosphere, the gardens’ beauty and tranquility make it a sought-after location for a stunning wedding experience.
The Fox Theatre, a historic and iconic venue, offers a majestic setting for weddings. Known for its opulent interiors and rich history, the theatre provides a unique and dramatic backdrop for both ceremonies and receptions. The elaborate architecture and luxurious decor create an unforgettable atmosphere, making it a favorite among couples seeking a venue with character and elegance.
Located in the North Georgia mountains, Montaluce Winery & Restaurant offers a Tuscan-inspired setting for weddings. This venue features rolling vineyards, elegant architecture, and beautiful indoor and outdoor spaces, creating a romantic and sophisticated atmosphere. Montaluce provides a picturesque backdrop for a memorable wedding celebration.
Located in Atlanta’s chic Westside, King Plow Arts Center is a turn-of-the-century renovated warehouse offering a unique industrial-chic atmosphere. With abundant natural light, exposed brick walls, and high ceilings, this venue provides a cool and artistic setting perfect for modern weddings. Its versatile space can be customized to create a memorable and stylish celebration.
The Tate House, also known as the Pink Palace, is a historic mansion located in Tate, Georgia. This venue features a stunning pink marble exterior, lush gardens, and elegant interiors, including a grand ballroom. The Tate House offers a romantic and picturesque setting, ideal for couples seeking a unique and charming wedding venue.
Link to Wedding: Wedding at Tate House
7. The Foundry at Puritan Mill
This refurbished industrial space offers a cool, urban vibe with its exposed brick walls and high ceilings. The Foundry at Puritan Mill combines historic charm with contemporary design, making it an ideal venue for couples seeking a stylish and distinctive setting. The spacious interior and flexible layout provide a perfect backdrop for creative and personalized wedding decor, ensuring your celebration is one-of-a-kind.
The Atrium offers a beautiful garden setting with a glass-enclosed reception space, perfect for small weddings. Its lush surroundings and elegant design create an ideal venue for an intimate celebration. The venue combines indoor elegance with outdoor beauty, providing a magical atmosphere for your wedding day.
Choosing from one of these unique and cool wedding venues Atlanta ensures a distinctive and memorable celebration that stands out from the rest. These venues offer a variety of styles and settings, providing the perfect backdrop for an extraordinary wedding experience. For professional photography services at any of these beautiful venues, contact Jaimie Dee Photography today. Our experienced team is dedicated to capturing the magic and emotion of your wedding day, ensuring you have stunning photographs to cherish for a lifetime. Let Jaimie Dee Photography help you create unforgettable memories at your unique and cool wedding venue.
Hi! We're Jaimie & Kyle (+Associates) with Jaimie Dee Photography. We're Atlanta photographers based in the metro area and service clients all over the globe. Jaimie Dee Photography was established in 2008. We're primarily a wedding and portrait studio. Our images are crisp, clean & colorful and strike a balance between classic and candid styled portraits. Aside from the photography, we help you craft the perfect photo experience - from the beginning planning stages to the finished artwork hanging on your walls. When you're in front of our camera, we'll also offer you gentle guidance through a combo of stationary and movement based poses. We'll help bring out your inner diva too - even if you're shy! If you're looking for a photographer in the metro Atlanta area or beyond, we'd love to meet you!
