Friday Tips and Tricks | Brides & Photogs | Capturing the Bling

When I first started  photographing weddings, I hadn’t dabbled much in the wonder that is macro-photography. I’d spent much of my time perfecting the art of portrait work and so the tiny details weren’t on my radar. However, some of the photographers that I followed on a daily basis (my mentors without them even knowing it) would post these amazing images of tiny details and I would always gasp at their beauty. There was something about the magnification of such tiny parts of the wedding day that captured my eye and allowed me to see things I wouldn’t normally see. About a year in to my business, I made the plunge and purchased the Canon 100 mm 2.8 and started playing. I was giddy with delight…no, really. I remember borrowing my parent’s wedding rings to practice and finding little things around the house to style them on. Believe it or not, those are still some of my favorite macro images to this day. A fresh eye I suppose. Well, years later, I’m still in love with macro photography and so today’s Friday Tips and Tricks post is going to be in relation to that. Here are just a few things I recommend when dealing with photographing ring pictures…applicable to both photographers and brides.

FOR BRIDES: Your groom has worked really hard to get you some ice on your finger and as a photographer, we want to show it off! Not to mention, your husband-to-be probably wants it shown off! With that being said, it is always good to

1. Have Your Ring Cleaned– It is so good to have this done before the session or wedding. I have photographed stunning rings that look bleak in photos because they aren’t clean.

2. Have All Three Rings Prepared for Your Photographer– I can’t tell you how many times I have a wonderful ring idea during prep time but I need all three rings. Inevitably the groom has his ring and the wedding band and he is at a different location. Make it easy for them and have all of your details gathered in one place before the ceremony.

3. Give Your Photographer Special Details To Style the Rings With– Details are SO important when it comes to capturing your special day as a couple! Help make your ring pictures special by including special things your photographer can style them with (invitations, programs, love letters, vows, etc.)

FOR PHOTOGRAPHERS: The Ring especially is an important part of the client’s day because it represents the marriage itself. How special for them to have a styled photo of such a significant symbol! Make sure to get a good ring shot and here are some tips…

1. Ask For All Three Rings Ahead of Time– I will always ask the bride to have her details gathered for me when I get to the venue and I stress the need for all three rings. If this doesn’t happen, you can always grab them during the reception to snap a few. However, chances are you will have to use artificial light which I never recommend so push for the prep time.

2. Style Them In A Way That Reflects the Day– I will often times find myself doing the same thing with rings but work to stretch yourself to match the image with the uniqueness of the day. How much more special is that? Find something from their venue (a book, a program, a flower, etc.) that will better tell the story of the day.

3. Utilize the Engagement Session- One photographer I followed when I first started suggested using the time when the couple is changing outfits during an e-session to snap some ring shots. What a great idea! It gives you something to do and gives them some fun ring shots!

4. Turn the Ring Away From the Light Source– The ring will shine more brilliantly when it isn’t competing with the light source. Your groom will love you for showcases its brilliance!

5. Place it On Something That Is Stable– Besides the safety factor, this is important in order to capture the tiniest details of the gem. If you can, either place the ring on something that it is stable or stabilize it with your hand or something else. Though tree branches are beautiful, the wind is your biggest enemy!

6. Be Careful– My greatest fear is that I would lose a ring during my ring shots. Be very mindful of where you are placing the ring and what problems could occur. (I recommend staying away from steps with cracks in them…that was a close one for me and a lesson learned!) You do not want to have to tell the B&G you lost their ring on their wedding day!

Hope this helps you brides and fellow photogs out there! Here are some of my favorite ring shots from 2013!

Happy Friday!