How to Photograph Wedding Rings

facebook_0050 When it comes to wedding photography, most of us think of the bigger things first- the classic "money shots". While I love those shots- I think some of the smaller details, like the wedding rings get over-looked. These details are what ultimately will lead to getting your wedding published- which is always good right?

Beautiful images of the rings on display can make for great additions to the wedding album, or even cover photos for thank you notes and things of that nature. So here are a few tips on how to capture these detail ring photos.

Play With Different Backgrounds

Much of the beauty of ring photos is ultimately achieved through lighting and angles, but you can also have some fun with the different backgrounds you choose for your ring photos. Here are a few popular ideas that make for lovely photos:

    • Dining Background - Place your rings delicately in the foreground with a white china plate complete with fork and cake crumbs in the background, perhaps with a half-drained champagne glass on the side. This will capture the appealing decadence of the wedding.
    • Jewelry Box Background – Because the ring designer is often a sig. part of the story, shoot the rings with their original boxes- (i.e. photo of your wedding rings arranged on top of or next to an elegant box can be stunning and really tell their story.)
    • Floral Background - Keep it fresh (good bye 80s!) by posing with the flowers in a non-traditional style. Try hanging from the bouquet ribbons, stems or even some of the table top foliage.
    • Papergoods Background - Capitalize on their personalized wedding program, invite or menu- something fun with their names on it, or where their personality is strongly expressed.

 

Be Careful With Lighting and Lens

Naturally, you always want good lighting for a detailed photograph, but with rings you have to be particularly careful. Use your Macro lens for these details and breathe out slowly to make sure your sharp on the diamond head itself. Because I love natural light, I'm careful to keep the window or light source at 45degrees of the ring.

Try Different Angles

There's a lot to show off in wedding and engagement rings, so be sure to experiment with different angles while you take your photos. Simply moving 180 degrees gives you a whole new perspective. Practice at home and you'll have a litany of ideas ready for your next wedding.

 

77Dimage 1 Image Source: 77 Diamonds

Why I Love Weddings and Women

What I love to shoot- what I really shoot best- is weddings and women. It took me some time to realize that as a photographer you shouldn't shoot every subject that crosses your path just for the money. Find what you love, and figure out how to make money capturing it. Until you define who you are you cannot market your brand or put yourself out there with any sense. Focus only on the things you love. Show that, and that is the type of clients you will start getting.

For me, the romance and kinetic energy of couples sets me soaring. I love telling the story- the details, the passion, the laughter, the golden light. Weddings and engagements have an energy all their own.

The same goes for women- I know what a beautiful photo looks like, and I want to capture that for every woman I encounter. Not famous women, not gorgeous already-been-photographed women, but the relatable girl-next-door, from 8 to 80. To truly create and capture a connection on film, that is what I love. Feminine, modern, contemporary glamour- so good you'd put it on display in your home. Women want to be younger, slimmer, and gorgeous. They want to feel beautiful inside and out. I think I'm finally getting it- how to give them that experience.

Lots to learn and think about over the Holidays as I brainstorm for 2013. A few changes are in the works I think ;)

 

Top: Captured while shooting second for Bianca Jade Bottom: Joanie Anderson during a bridal portrait session

Branding Your Photography: Focus

3 words. Just give us 3 bloomin words. Not 1 not 5.     3 .

How would you describe your photography? Hmm? What words come to mind?

Classic? Vintage? Romantic? Fresh?

If you could encapsulate your business and your brand as a photographer in 3 adjectives, what would they be?

That's your assignment. Brand your business in 3 words. When you're confused about you who are, looking at everybody's work but your own, kinda muddled about which filters or presets to use, come back to this. Just 3 words.

Photo courtesy of Autumn Johnson Photography