More often than not, wedding photos are shot in staging areas – like a bridal chamber – and in ceremony and reception venues. That might be inside or outside, in a formal location or somewhere more casual, but it’s still usually some place that’s in some way sequestered from the real world. Maybe a church or a function hall, or a public space that’s been rented out for the day.
Sometimes, though, a wedding photographer and his or her clients will take a field trip at some point during the wedding day. Not sure what I mean? Take a look at these snaps from wedding photographer Luca Ragogna:
Full disclosure – this is a model, not an actual bride. But the theory is the same, and I think it would be tons of fun to go to a carnival in a wedding dress and just play games and eat fried whatever all day. IMO, pictures from the little field trips that some couples take turn out awesome, and I think, a lot more fun to look at years later than yet another straight up and down shot in front of a staircase. So I LOVE it.
What do YOU think about the wedding photos that some couples take out-and-about. Did you take a photographic field trip, or are you planning on taking one?
I love the idea of taking pictures around town in your bridal finery! In Russia, it is tradition for the wedding party to visit the city’s most famous sights and take pictures. On weekends, it’s par for the course to see women in poofy white gowns everywhere. Since I live in DC which has so many notable landmarks, the idea has always intrigued me!
@SarahDances Oh, that must be so fun to see brides and grooms all over the place!
We did something like this after our wedding and reception. Since we had an afternoon shindig, we went out just before sunset and got a whole host of fabulous pictures in the downtown area of the town we got married in. They are far and away my favorite pictures of us from the big day.
I think this is also a great idea for days or weeks after the wedding. More or less “trash the dress” but with both the bride and groom. The groom can just wear a nice suit. I’m always a bit wary of ideas that take the couple away from their guests for too long. That said, I agree with you that I usually love these sorts of photos.
@ Christa Terry Oh yeah, I love it! I’ve actually gotten some really adorable pictures when I’ve been out sightseeing and seen newlyweds about. Which I like to think is sweet, and not, as a friend suggested, creepy.
@ Toni Agreed. I think it’s definitely better as a post-wedding thing, so you’re not stressed or pressed for time.
@SarahDances – Are you saying couples don’t have their photos taken at the DC landmarks? That’s really a shame. Maybe it’s a permit issue?
If you’re taking your photos in “public”, check to see if photography permits (which often cost money) are required. Even some public parks may require permits.