After you have chosen a barn for your wedding venue, one of the next things to do is organize a photographer to take as many photos as possible. Besides stunning pictures of the bride and groom, you will almost certainly want shots of your family as well as the beautiful scenery. For this reason, it’s important to have a brainstorming session with the photographer to determine how you can squeeze all these images into a short time frame.
One of the first things to consider is how you can capture unique details while making use of the venue’s natural lighting and stunning backgrounds.
1. Photos Outside the barn
Images of the barn will be a good place to start your Wedding Day Photography. Remember, these photos will be passed down to your children and grandchildren so you can show them where you celebrated your love for one another.
2. Outdoor portraits of the bride and groom
The barn’s interior will, of course, be a space that has a certain charm. However, nature’s beauty is far more stunning and lovely to behold. So, you must make use of the farm’s vast acreage when planning photographs of the happy couple. This natural landscape is also a perfect spot for taking group shots. You can have images of the bridal party, groomsmen and the entire family. The outdoor backdrop is also ideal for taking intimate portraits of you and your partner.
You also need to dress appropriately for the weather. According to Curtis Wallis Photography, spring or summer outfits should consist of breathable fabrics. However, an autumn or winter wedding may require sleeves or shawls.
3. Reception images
The reception is one of the most enjoyable aspects of any wedding. Therefore, make sure you carefully capture all the strategic elements in your reception space, including the tablescapes and decor. An experienced photographer may suggest taking overhead shots of these scenes as this will enable them to include all the intricate details in interrelated and sophisticated imagery. Being a rural location, Crockwell Farm offers various photo opportunities with backgrounds ranging from lovely gardens to bountiful fields. This will be one of the most important parts of your day so you cannot afford to overlook it.
4. Photos by the windows
In the olden days, before electricity, windows were the primary source of lighting. As a result, most barns will have windows that are large enough to provide the interiors with generous amounts of natural light. A bride and groom portrait will look spectacular in this type of setting. A ‘window shoot’ can also illuminate everything from the bridal make-up to vivid shadows. You will certainly have a stunning reminder of your special day.
5. Capturing the details
You will have probably heard the saying ‘the devil is in the detail’. Well, in relation to wedding photos, the challenge is for the camera’s lens to capture all the essential details. For example, you will need a neutral setting for wedding items such as perfume, shoes, and jewelry. One suitable backdrop could be floorboards or natural wood. Your photographer will no doubt propose various ideas so that you can incorporate all your desired images in one shoot. Making full use of all the delightful details you can find in a barn venue is a challenge you will want to accept! Your first dance photos will be magical with the barn beams and doors as a backdrop too.
6. Balcony scenes
If your farm venue has a balcony, you will definitely want to put it to good use so you can have images that will help you commemorate your wonderful occasion. Balconies are great locations for bridal portraits. For example, they tend to emphasize the silhouette of the wedding gown against an architectural background.
7. Incorporating vintage furniture
Farms are venues that often feature vintage furniture and they can certainly add an exciting flavor to the wedding scenes. Attractive pieces such as settees can be elegant and beautiful backdrops for portraits of both the bride and groom. Consider asking your photographer for suggestions about how to take advantage of your venue’s vintage fixtures and fittings.
8. Barn door background
One of the favorite backdrops at a farm wedding venue is the barn door. Imagine the bride posing in front of a whitewashed background. You could make the image even more vivid by incorporating blossoming boughs, floral wreaths, and signage. You will be eternally grateful if your photographer uses the barn door as part of your wedding portfolio.
9. Staircase images
Another place to take memorable wedding photos is the staircase. To a photographer, this setting presents endless picturesque possibilities. You can arrange for your photographs to be taken in a wide variety of scenarios, such as standing, seating, posing or perhaps candid shots. To add more spice to these images, consider adding items such as glowing lanterns, a scattering of budding flowers or even luxurious fabrics. This will help personalize each treasured photo and enhance your wedding album.
10. The ‘I do!’ moment
You will already be well aware that this is the shot you cannot afford to miss. Capturing the moment when the happy couple tie the knot is the highlight of any wedding. In addition, another crucial moment is when you and your partner walk down the aisle. It is vital that you have these photos in your collection for eternity. Everything else is a distant second.
Conclusion
By planning ahead and arranging photos that will fully capture your happy day, you can make the farm wedding venue your own. A good photographer will help you organize a fresh and inspiring photoshoot both inside and outside the barn. Remember, you can use the interior and exterior of the farm as your canvas and brush to paint your love story. Backgrounds such as barn doors, vintage furniture, staircases, and wide-open spaces will heighten your emotions and the enjoyment that you feel on such a momentous occasion.
Author’s bio
Harriet Thame is the marketing head at Crockwell Farm, a venue specializing in barn weddings.