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Lighting & Natural Reflectors

August 16, 2015

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Photography Tips, Utilizing Natural Reflectors to make shots pop

 

Its amazing how so many factors play a role in creating a beautiful images. I personally think, the most important thing is the lighting. If you are like me, and a good portion of others out there, we utilize the natural light in anyway possible. So what do you do if you are in a tough spot but need a little “pop” of light back on a subjects face, or on a detail like a ring shot? You find whatever you can that is a natural reflector. If you are outside, look for sand, a light sidewalk, or even a white wall and place your subjects next to it. If you are inside, white curtains or a white pillow will do the trick too! If you don’t have a natural reflector, bring a pop up reflector but don’t let it distract your bride or groom. Everything reflects light and what your subject is next to or standing on is going to get the color reflected onto it.  Start observing the way light reflects around you – the trees will reflect green, trees with blooms on them normally will reflect the blooms (if there’s enough) and so on. The more conscious you are of your surroundings the better control you will have of lighting your images.

 

The ground is the natural reflector giving them a pop of glow mixed with the sun!

Photography Tips Lighting, Utilizing Natural Reflectors to make shots pop

These bridesmaids were shot on the white ground.

Photography Tips, Utilizing Natural Reflectors to make shots pop

I cropped the image in even further to focus on the flowers.

Its not always necessary to see where the source of light is.

Photography Tips, Utilizing Natural Reflectors to make shots pop

Gorgeous bouquet that has the chair and the cushion reflecting light on it.

Photography Tips, Utilizing Natural Reflectors to make shots pop

I utilized the curtains to give the rings an “all around pop”.

Ring Shot and Lighting, Using Natural Reflectors

Jasmine Star writes a great post about “natural reflectors” on her blog! Check it out!

 

 

 

 

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HI SUNSHINE!

I'M NICKI

I see the beauty in imperfect things. As a Christ-follower, faith is central to my life, work, and connections. I am fueled by joy, known for my bubbly and sunny disposition, and always with a warm hug. Imperfect beauty inspires my love for all things vintage, abstract art, and real love stories. I love moments full of grit and emotion; life off the beaten path; stunning views along the shore; and the juxtaposition of New York grunge and laid back Cali-vibe. 

As a mother of two, I am very familiar with how quickly life’s most important moments fly by too quickly. I will calmly and seamlessly guide you through frames that will endure. I strive to capture your memories with one-of-a-kind images full of meaning. I cannot wait to connect with you! 

I bring all of these elements to my time with my couples. With over a decade of experience in the industry, I know how to gently guide you through poses that are natural and beautiful. The transition into this sentence doesn’t make sense. Throughout your day, you will feel the love from those there to celebrate
 you two. 
When I’m not photographing weddings, I enjoy long walks in the neighborhood with my husband, my kiddos Tuxie and Sunny, and my labradoodle Hokie.. Also, I am a huge dog-lover! I’m pretty sure heaven is full of dogs. I can’t wait to connect with you, and yes, your pup is always welcome here! 

RICHMOND & CHARlottesville WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER

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