Everyone knows (especially us): the rings are an important wedding detail.
When it comes to wedding photography, however, the wedding rings are all too often an unfortunate afterthought – or worse, completely overlooked! Whether you’re the bride or the wedding photographer, there are a couple things you can do to make sure that the wedding rings turn out picture perfect.
Here’s what to know to get the best wedding ring photos ever!
TAKE TIME
All good things take time. Don’t leave the wedding ring photography for last or expect good pictures to take five minutes. Plan at least 45 minutes to photograph the detailed items – including the rings! – at the very beginning of the photography session.
DIG THE DETAILS
It is fabled that Leonardo da Vinci once said “Details make perfection, and perfection is not a detail.” The key to aesthetic wedding ring photography is in the details. One great recommendation is to prepare a “treasure box;” collect ahead of time all the detailed items you’d like to have photographed. These will be photographed first before all props and belongings return to appropriate holders. Include special items like:
- The wedding dress
- The veil and any hair pieces
- Shoes: both men and women’s
- The wedding bouquet and center pieces
- Any jewelry or watches
- The wedding invitation and program
- Any special perfume bottles
- Grandma’s handkerchief
- Any excess floral or confetti décor
- Unique elements pertaining to the couple (travel tickets, knick-knacks, pieces from a thematic wedding)
- The wedding cake
- The engagement and wedding rings, of course
MAKE IT MEANINGFUL
There are a number of “standard shots” in wedding photography like sneak peeks of the bride getting ready, pictures of the bride walking down the aisle, and shots of the couple’s first dance. However, any successful wedding photography should capture the uniqueness of each wedding. Include family heirlooms or special details in the ring pictures. Incorporate aspects of the floral, natural, or architectural elements of the wedding into the pictures of the wedding rings. Each and every wedding is unique – a treasured celebration of how the couple met, their backgrounds, their unique personalities and their future together. The wedding should incorporate aspects of that. Sure you can include fun traditions, but don’t forget to include wedding elements that showcase personal meaning. Don’t plan a wedding that doesn’t fit the vibes and don’t take wedding photography void of personal meaning.
LIGHTEN UP
Light plays a key role in highlighting the textures, shapes, and colors the wedding rings. “The secret to life is to put yourself in the right lighting” remarks Susan Cain. Most of us are well-acquainted with the importance of good lighting – the same is true of photography and especially of wedding rings. Save golden hour for the pictures of the people and wedding party and take the wedding ring pictures with your own lights – be prepared with candles or small LED lights.
QUALITY AND QUANTITY
You’ve heard “quality over quantity,” right? Not when it comes to wedding ring photography! In this case, a crucial element to quality wedding ring pictures IS quantity. Take a LOT of pictures at different angles, on different settings, etc. Each couple and photographer will have their own favorite versions of zoom levels, clarity, and focus on the rings so take a lot of pictures.
A few words for the photographers: Liability protection and “Ring Kits.” As a photographer it’s especially important to come prepared both to take the perfect pictures and to protect yourself in the case of a mishap. Let’s face it – worst case scenarios spring upon even the most experienced photographers; what turns a good photographer into a great one is the level of preparation. For further information check out Kelli Wilke Photography, Erica Kay Photography, and Love, Brittny Photography and learn more professional wedding photography tips.
THE RIGHT RING
Finally, the key to perfect wedding ring pictures is – of course – having perfect one-of-a-kind wedding rings. From repurposing a family heirloom to deciding on men’s wedding band metals, Joslin’s has all the answers. We can’t wait to help you find the perfect fit for you.
Whether you’re the bride, the wedding planner, or the photographer, these tips will turn a stressful photography session into a smooth breeze – plan ahead, take your time, and choose to make it special for the happy couple.
Contact us today or drop by to start your own journey to perfect wedding ring photos.
