© Spellbound Images by Wendy - All Rights Reserved
Last weekend I had the pleasure of photographing a beautiful couple on Sand Key Beach in Clearwater! Frankly... this is the most beautiful wedding I've shot on Sand Key. Either beach officials have changed the rules on where events can be held on the beach, or the wedding planner fought for a better place to set up her weddings. I'm more inclined to think it was the wedding planner since even her deco was more professional and eye appealing than other weddings I've done in the same area.
Josh and Becky's wedding was set for the perfect time of day to capture not only the ceremony in great light but also the formal shots on the beach could be done at the precise time without waiting for the sun to come down lower in the sky. In fact we had to do a little bit of rush before we lost light completely. Doing sunset shots is normally a big waiting game... and once the sun gets to the correct level in the sky... it drops quite rapidly. However, that lovely golden glow is what makes beach portraits ideal... especially for weddings!
When you've surrounded yourself with beach weddings and portraits you know to check your sunrise and sunset times (make sure it's for your area), and schedule your sessions accordingly. When it comes to weddings you cant always chose what time the ceremony will be, so... the light is not always great and adjustments must be made. If the bride and groom want you to capture that kiss at sunset, and the ceremony ends way before sunset.... you may have to interrupt the reception to go get the shot they request. Normally couples have already chosen their time of day before they ever decide on their photographer, not even thinking about the photographs they are looking for. Obviously not the case here... This couple had well laid plans and knew what they were looking for. If you come across a couple who has chosen an early wedding but still wants sunset shots... maybe you can get them to adjust their time during your consultation. Hopefully all the wedding planners out there know what they are up against for a beach wedding and check their sunset schedule before deciding on a ceremony time, because it will change depending on the time of year.
So there you have it... Sand Key Beach in Clearwater, with the right planning, at the right time of day... Perfect!
Love, Laughs, and Photographs!
Wendy
All images captured with the Olympus E500 on Lexar digital media.
