Behind the Scenes: Creating Stunning Bridal Details in an Unexpected Location

As photographers, we’re always on the lookout for unique ways to capture beautiful moments, no matter where we are. On this particular wedding day, I found myself in an unexpected location—a dark office with wood paneling in a church. It wasn’t exactly the picturesque bridal suite you might imagine for wedding day details, but with a bit of creativity, I was able to turn it into the perfect backdrop for capturing those intimate bridal details. Check out this post for a little behind the scenes with Mattie Wezah Photography. 🙂

Embracing the Light
The office was dimly lit, and the dark wood paneling wasn’t exactly ideal for showcasing the delicate, light-colored wedding details I wanted to photograph. But every photographer knows the power of natural light, and this office happened to have a window with soft, clean window light streaming through. I strategically positioned the bridal details near the window, taking advantage of the natural, diffused light pouring in. This is what our space looked like:

The Magic of a White Reflector
In order to add a bit of fill light and prevent the shadows from getting too harsh, I used a white reflector (actually, a white piece of foam board – what a fun behind the scenes tip!). By bouncing the soft natural light back onto the details, I was able to achieve a beautifully even lighting setup, highlighting every delicate detail while maintaining that soft, dreamy glow.

Unexpected Beauty
The result? Gorgeous bridal detail images that look like they were taken in a pristine, well-lit studio—completely transformed by the window light and my white reflector (foam board). Can you believe this image was taken in the room above? It was!

The Lesson
This experience was a reminder that sometimes, we have to pull out a little creativity and lighting knowledge to make beautiful images in unideal spaces. As photographers, we’re always challenged to find beauty in every situation and make the most of what we have. Whether it’s a dark office, a tiny corner, or an unassuming space, great images can come from the most unlikely of places.

So, the next time you’re at a wedding or any event, don’t shy away from the unconventional spots. Hopefully seeing this peek behind the scenes at one of our weddings will give you the confidence you need. With a little creativity and an eye for light, you can turn any space into a stunning photography setting.

Stay tuned for more behind-the-scenes moments and tips for capturing beautiful images no matter where you are!