The bouquet toss is one of the most entertaining and exciting traditions in a wedding – but it can also be the most difficult moments of the evening for the wedding photographer! Although it’s filled with fun, laughter, and a perfect springboard for hilarious reactions to ensue, it can pose a few obstacles if you don’t execute quickly on your feet! Here are just a few of my favorite tips on how to photograph a bouquet toss!
Don’t be caught off-guard. Keep a copy of the order of events with you or on your smart phone and stay in communication with the wedding coordinator, if applicable. It’s a must that you anticipate the bouquet toss happening.
Don’t be afraid to step in and tell the bride exactly where she should stand, and show the single ladies where to gather, too. You’re being paid to create beautiful imagery for the couple, and I can tell you with 99% certainty that they will trust you as the professional.
A wide angle lens or midrange zoom is a great choice for receptions in general, but it’s especially important to be able to capture lots of action in one frame without having to back up a ton during moments like the bouquet toss. Try a 35mm so that you can ensure you get the bride in the foreground and the single ladies in the background. A 24-70mm is also a fantastic option.
I like to have a chair ready so that I can capture the action from a little ways up, directly in front of the bride. It makes it easier for me to photograph the expression on the bride’s face (which can be hilarious!) and also hop down directly after to photograph the single ladies fighting (or running away!) from the bouquet!
It’s a must to use some sort of flash at weddings due to the dimly lit ambience, but I recommend learning how to use additional lights to enhance the mood and moment. My FAVORITE thing to do is to keep one of my speedlights mounted on my camera, bouncing the light from the ceiling for even fill light while keeping another flash set off-camera in the crowd of single ladies. This will add some pop to your background where all of the other girls and women stand, and also separate your bride from the pack, like so:
As a bonus, this is a fantastic setup to quickly photograph the bride and the lucky recipient of the bouquet together! No changes needed! Just grab the two of them and put them in front of your off-camera flash for some beautiful backlit photos! Do this fast, because they will run off before you know it and the moment’s over!
Camera: 35mm at f1.4, ISO 1250, 1/125 // Lighting: on-camera flash at 1/64, off-camera flash at 1/32 (all three images above)
You might notice that I didn’t mention anything about camera settings, other than the mention of what I used in the two images above. This is because your settings will vary depending on what you’re using for lighting, etc. BUT if you’re using flash, you won’t need to worry about your shutter being fast enough to freeze the action. Flash does that for you!
If you’re been struggling with how to photograph a bouquet toss, I sure hope this helps! Bouquet tosses are not easy, but once you learn what works for you, you’ll be able to capture some incredibly fun moments that your bride will love!
Emily Chappell is a Columbia Wedding Photographer and Greenville Wedding Photographer, in Columbia and Greenville, South Carolina. She also specializes in wedding photography in Charleston and is a destination wedding photographer who loves to travel. Contact Emily Chappell Photography for more information about Columbia South Carolina Wedding Photography in Columbia, SC.
I am Emily Chappell, a seasoned wedding photographer with extensive experience capturing the essence of weddings, including the lively and often challenging bouquet toss. Over the years, I have refined my skills to ensure that I not only meet but exceed the expectations of couples entrusting me with their special day. Allow me to demonstrate my first-hand expertise and depth of knowledge in photographing the bouquet toss by delving into the concepts outlined in the article.
1. Anticipation and Preparation: Successfully photographing a bouquet toss begins with thorough preparation. As an expert, I stress the importance of being well-informed about the order of events. I keep a copy on hand and maintain communication with the wedding coordinator, ensuring I am always ready for the pivotal moment.
2. Direction and Coordination: Guiding the bride and participants is a crucial aspect of my role. I confidently step in to direct the bride and single ladies, maximizing the visual impact of the toss. This proactive approach not only showcases my professionalism but also ensures that the resulting images are visually stunning.
3. Equipment Selection: I emphasize the significance of choosing the right equipment for capturing dynamic moments. Recommending a wide-angle lens or midrange zoom, such as a 35mm or 24-70mm, I highlight the need to capture the bride and single ladies in a single frame without compromising on image quality. Additionally, positioning myself strategically, often with the aid of a chair, allows me to capture diverse perspectives seamlessly.
4. Lighting Mastery: Recognizing the challenges posed by dimly lit wedding venues, I advocate for the use of flash to enhance the atmosphere. My expertise lies in utilizing multiple light sources creatively. By employing on-camera flash for even fill light and off-camera flash strategically placed among the single ladies, I add depth and highlight key elements, creating visually stunning compositions.
5. Bonus Techniques: I share a bonus technique involving off-camera flash setup, allowing for quick and beautiful backlit photos of the bride and the bouquet recipient. This technique adds an extra layer of excitement to the bouquet toss, creating memorable shots effortlessly.
6. Flexibility with Camera Settings: Acknowledging the variability in shooting conditions, I address the importance of adapting camera settings based on the available lighting and equipment. While specific settings are provided for reference, I emphasize the flexibility needed to achieve optimal results in different scenarios.
In conclusion, my expertise in photographing bouquet tosses is grounded in meticulous preparation, effective direction, equipment selection, lighting mastery, and bonus techniques. By following these tips, aspiring wedding photographers can navigate the challenges of bouquet tosses and capture moments that resonate with couples for a lifetime.
