How To Capture Live Action Shots at an Outdoor Wedding

Attending an outdoor wedding is not only an opportunity to celebrate the love and union of two individuals but also a chance to capture memorable moments as a guest. Whether you're an amateur photographer or simply armed with a smartphone, there are several tips and techniques you can employ to capture stunning live action shots. In this article, we will share valuable tips to help wedding guests capture the best live action shots at an outdoor wedding.

Respect the Professional Photographer:
While it's fun and exciting to capture your own photos, it's important to respect the professional wedding photographer. Avoid obstructing their view or interfering with their shots. Remember that the couple has hired a professional to capture the essential moments, so be mindful of their presence and let them do their job.

Familiarize Yourself with the Venue:
Take some time to explore the wedding venue before the ceremony begins. Familiarize yourself with the surroundings, find interesting backdrops, and identify potential photo opportunities. By doing so, you'll be better prepared to capture candid moments and find unique angles throughout the day and night.

Capture Candid Emotions:
The beauty of weddings lies in the genuine emotions displayed by the couple and the guests. Look for spontaneous moments of laughter, tears, and joy. Candid shots often make for the most memorable and cherished photos, so keep your camera ready to capture those unscripted moments of happiness.

Find the Right Lighting:
Lighting plays a crucial role in photography. Luckily, outdoor weddings allow you to utilize natural light. Always take advantage of the soft, diffused light during the golden hour, just before sunset, for the most flattering and atmospheric shots.

Use Burst Mode:
If you're using a smartphone or a camera with burst mode capabilities, utilize this feature to capture a series of shots in rapid succession. Burst mode increases your chances of capturing the perfect moment, especially during fast-paced events like the first kiss or the bouquet toss.

Focus on Composition:
Compose your shots carefully by considering elements such as framing, symmetry, leading lines, and rule of thirds. Avoid placing the subject dead center and experiment with different angles and perspectives to add visual interest to your photographs.

Engage with the Guests:
As a wedding guest, you have the advantage of being familiar with the couple's family and friends. Engage with the guests and build a rapport, which can lead to more relaxed and natural shots. This also allows you to capture candid moments of interaction between guests, showcasing the warmth and love surrounding the couple.

Experiment with Editing Apps:
To enhance the quality of your photos, consider using photo editing apps. These apps allow you to adjust exposure, colors, contrast, and apply filters to create a polished look. However, remember to keep the edits subtle and avoid excessive post-processing, as it can compromise the authenticity of the moment.

Share Your Photos Responsibly:
If you decide to share your photos on social media, be mindful of the couple's privacy preferences. Some couples may prefer to keep their wedding photos private until they've had a chance to review and share them themselves. Respect their wishes and seek permission before posting any photos that feature the couple prominently.

Enjoy the Moment:
Lastly, remember that you're attending the wedding to celebrate and enjoy the special day. While capturing great photos is important, it shouldn't overshadow your experience as a guest. Strike a balance between capturing memories and being fully present in the celebration.

We’ve been fortunate to work with the pros at SwiftShots who have captured some live action footage for several of our wedding guests. If you’re in the market for a wedding photographer or videographer, they would be a great option for you to consider