Deciding where to take your wedding pictures can be tricky. If you hire a professional photographer, they may want to set up a mini photo studio for portraits. Unless you want studio-style pictures, consider taking a more organic approach. Think about your color scheme and your theme. Instead of relying on the photographer, get creative. Creating your own photo backdrop is a fun way to ensure that your pictures capture your style. It will also give your photographer a place to focus, where guests can congregate. You may end up with more creative shots since subjects will be at ease in front of your pretty pre-made stage.
Paper Garlands
Hanging paper garlands are both versatile and beautiful, especially when they’re made with three-dimensional paper shapes like diamonds, hearts, or snowflakes. Etsy is full of great inexpensive paper garlands made from a wide variety of recycled paper sources—from old books of French poetry to the pages of children's comic books. If you’re creating an indoor backdrop, hang your garlands from the ceiling to create a three-dimensional garland forest. This will give your pictures depth and texture and it will also create a subtle softness since the camera won’t be focused on the garlands that are hanging further away from the subjects.
A Handmade Banner
If you have a nice textured wall or fence, consider hanging a simple banner. It can include a phrase like “love” or “just married” or may simply consist of some colorful decorative shapes to liven up the background. Use your imagination and don’t be afraid to take it down halfway through for some variety.
You Can’t Beat Nature
Trees, a verdant valley, a wide open blue sky, the crashing surf, snow-capped mountains, or mountain streams are all gorgeous and unbeatable wedding photo backdrops. If you’re lucky enough to get married near some natural beauty, take advantage of it! Set up some chairs, parasols, or other photo props ahead of time to designate your photo area so your wedding party knows where to pose. If you’re worried about weather, set up an indoor photo area too, just in case (though rainy and snowy wedding photos are incredibly beautiful too, if you’re willing to brave the elements). Make sure your photographer is prepared with a wide umbrella in case you all end up getting wet. It’s also important to think about where the sun will be in the sky come picture time. Ideally, it will be shining at an angle off to one side or another. If it’s behind you, the figures in your pictures will look like dark silhouettes. If it’s in front of you, everyone will be squinting.
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