How to Light a Large Group in a Church for Wedding Pictures

Natural lighting can be limited inside a church.

When taking photos inside a church, which is common after a church ceremony, the lighting of the photos can be a challenge. Churches are often rustic buildings with little or no natural daylight. The windows of a church often consist of stained glass which can further limit light exposure. A professional photographer typically has several tricks up his sleeves to produce quality photos, even from inside a church wedding venue.

Things You'll Need

• Spotlights
• Candles
• Taper candles

Instructions

1. Test the church site with some practice shots before the wedding takes place. Develop the photos to decipher the degree of the lighting and how much you need to lighten the area for your wedding shots.

2. Point a portable spotlight or spotlights on the group, positioning one on either side of the posing group. Many photographers come equipped with portable lights and spotlights for this situation.

3. Position the group in front of a window, even a stained glass window. On a bright and sunny day, even the light emitted from a stained glass window can help illuminate the shot. The photograph will likely have a colored hue or tint from the stained glass window and thus creates a visually interesting and whimsical shot.

4. Scatter candles around the posing group. Pose the group on the alter stairs of the church. Place candles on the floor at their feet, on the surrounding stairs and on any tables nearby.

5. Place a taper candle in the hand of each member of the wedding photo. This casts a soft glow on their faces that can help illuminate the photograph.