As elopements continue to grow in popularity, the less creative the shots may become. It is easy to pull out a random wedding or elopement photograph that could be described as a basic template. However, there are a number of ways to stonewall that generic feeling and make your shots appear more creative. In this article, I approach this from the perspective of a photographer for photographers.
First Look
The first look is not one I have seen very often in elopement photography, however, I believe it is very effective. Much like the traditional wedding day, capturing the raw emotions as the couple sees each other for the first time can be a breathtaking visual. The amount of emotions in an image can hold so much weight for the couple and always bring them back to that moment in time (Todd, 2023). It is important that the photographer on-site does some organizing of both the groom and the bride so that both are turned away from each other (Todd, 2023).
Scenic Shots
Depending on the location, utilizing scenic shots can be a beautiful way of creating an inventive and awe-inspiring image the couple can treasure. Not to mention, it can also help your portfolio stand out above the crowd of other photographers. By taking advantage of beautiful surroundings, you can incorporate wide-angle shots that better encapsulate the landscape (Schreiber, 2024). Meadows, forestry, or beachsides are all viable options, but at the end of it, a beautiful locale can provide an astonishing backdrop for the couple’s special day (Schrieber, 2024).
Candid Moments
Life is never as composed as it appears in pictures. It’s usually a lot more chaotic. But out of that chaos can come a lot of beauty. Long and short of it all, candid shots are photos that are way more relaxed, casual, and authentic. Needless to say, when it comes to capturing the love in the air, some of the best elopement photos are unposed and spontaneous (Todd, 2023). As a photographer, I would encourage the couple to interact naturally and give them enough space to engage with one another in an authentic way (Schrieber, 2024).
Close-Up Portraits
Emotions on the elopement day are usually pouring out like water. It’s a natural reaction once you realize the weight and significance of being joined together in holy matrimony. Focusing in on the couple’s expressions allows you to save those emotions forever. Bjorn Schrieber of Looks Like Film (2024) makes a note to use a prime lens with a wide aperture to create a soft, blurred background that emphasizes the couple’s faces. Bringing those emotions to the forefront will not be a difficult task, but it is your job as the photographer to capture those.
Detail Shots
As a photographer, you can also utilize close-up shots of key items through the ceremony, such as the bouquet, boutonniere, the rings, and anything else relevant to the day (Todd, 2023). When you highlight the rings, flowers, and other meaningful items, you get a great idea of the style and environment of the day. If there are vows, engraving on the rings, lace on the wedding dress, it is a great piece of set dressing for the wedding album.
Environmental Photos
Going back to the scenic photographs, this next topic flows rather well into it. The topics of scenic photos, detail shots, and close-up portraits all blend well into why environmental photos are important. All of those are part of capturing the atmosphere. For example, a lot of elopements I have worked take place in Monument Circle or the Statehouse in Indianapolis. The environment in the Statehouse is very refined and eloquent with its marble flooring and artistic flourishes. Meanwhile, Monument Circle captures a deeper history, with the monument being erected in memoriam for soldiers who served in the American Civil War and other battles and skirmishes preceding. Working at both of these venues simultaneously captures the history of the area in that moment and encapsulates personal history.
Celebratory Shots
Once again, it is way easier to capture moments of celebration on the big day. Moments of celebration and joy are never easier to capture than the day where you celebrate a marriage. The first kiss, leaving the courthouse, and family and friends embracing are all perfectly acceptable moments to shoot (Todd, 2023). Justin Parker of Shutterhow (2023) suggests also using props for certain shots like confetti, balloons, smoke bombs, and sparklers to highlight special moments. While researching for this article, I wanted to give props to Sarah Meza (2023) for capturing some shots of celebratory drinks, which works well for this category as well as candid shots.
Silhouettes
Silhouettes may very well be the most epic and dramatic images that create this grandiose feeling. You can simulate this with artificial lighting or you can utilize natural lighting, which is probably the avenue that I would suggest. Artificial lighting works better for close up shots, meanwhile, natural lighting will come across as more authentic. Once again, Justin Parker (2023) does a great job of summing it up perfectly: highlight the couple’s shape and form, and create a romantic and dreamy atmosphere.
Religious Traditions
One thing that has grown popular has been the use of religious rituals and traditions in the ceremony. Most notably, with Christian weddings, foot washing ceremonies have become an extension of the day (Maderia, 2022). The exchange of vows and prayers are usually implemented into the ceremony as well. If you were to capture some of those moments, I would encourage you to be as respectful as possible without exploiting those situations. The natural beauty of those moments make for excellent photos.
The Drive Away
Like the end of a movie, the “just hitched” moment always brings out some emotions. At the end of the day, images of the couple driving away can be a creative addition to your work. While this was far more popular in the 80s and 90s with model cars, it’s not something that is done often anymore, yet it is always a unique image when it is taken.
Remember, elopements are unique, and there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. However, keeping things creative can bring about a spark to your photos that cannot be replicated or removed from you. While difficult at times, utilizing creative shots is crucial to standing out in your work. I hope to have added something of interest to your day and I hope you have an excellent week!
Warmest regards,
Logan Clark
Works Cited
Kolars, Clare. “How to Have A Religious Christian or Catholic Elopement — Minnesota + Wisconsin Portrait Photographer.” Madeira Creative, 25 January 2022, https://madeiracreative.com/journal/2021/morning-elopement-in-a-wooden-church-hovland-minnesota. Accessed 11 June 2024.
Meza, Sarah. “50 Ideas for Your Elopement [2024] — Elopement Photographer & Guide... — Texas Elopement Photographer.” Sarah Linda Photography, 15 May 2023, https://www.sarahlindaphotography.com/blog/elopement-ideas. Accessed 11 June 2024.
Parker, Justin. “11 Fun Elopement Ideas for Playful Inspirations.” Shutterhow, 18 April 2023, https://www.shutterhow.com/fun-elopement-ideas/. Accessed 11 June 2024.
Schrieber, Bjorn. “Elopement Photography Tips: Your Ultimate Guide to Capturing Intimate Moments.” Looks Like Film, 28 May 2024, https://www.lookslikefilm.com/2024/06/08/elopement-photography-tips/. Accessed 11 June 2024.
Todd, Chris. “7 unique elopement photo ideas.” Christopher Todd Studios, 28 March 2023, https://christophertoddstudios.com/7-unique-elopement-photo-ideas/. Accessed 11 June 2024.