Every bride and groom wants their wedding to be perfect and their wedding photos to be original and beautiful. You can get creative shots and a lot of pleasant memories thanks to a wedding photo shoot in the forest. Fabulous landscapes and a romantic setting away from the bustle of the city - everything you need for mesmerizing wedding photos.
In this article we will tell you which places are best to choose, what to take with you, as well as interesting ideas for shooting outdoors.
Before you think about the subjects and attributes of photography, take the choice of a photographer very seriously. An outdoor photo shoot is significantly different from filming in enclosed spaces (photo studios, museums, etc.). It wouldn’t hurt to look at the photographer’s portfolio, or even better, when the master knows great places for a photo shoot in the forest. This way, you will have one less thing to worry about, and you will be able to prepare for the process more thoroughly.
One of the most important questions that will arise before a wedding photo shoot in the forest is: “What should I take with me?” It is important to understand that everything here depends on the time of year. Props, outfits and ideas will vary depending on the season.
Let's figure it out
Sometimes it’s not easy for girls to navigate the shoot right away, because time is often limited, and you may be seeing the photographer for the first time. First, meet the photographer before the shoot; if possible, do it in person.
Talk not only about your future photo shoot, but also about light abstract topics, so you can establish contact with a professional, and he with you. In addition, light, casual conversations lead to a calm atmosphere.
And on the set you will already know each other and feel more confident. The photographer will immediately see your real angles, when you are yourself, with a calm expression on your face, eyes, and natural smile.
Winter
A magical time of year when the blanket of snow lies almost untouched and literally awaits the newlyweds for a wonderful photo shoot. There can be a lot of ideas for this season. Use skis or sleds as attributes.
Bride and groom on snowboards
Pictures will be colorful that involve dog sleds or a real troika of horses with all the required attributes: bells, bright ribbons and scarves.
A themed prop for a winter photo shoot is a samovar. You can prepare thoroughly and take with you a table, a white tablecloth, various dishes and bagels - all this looks great against the backdrop of a snow-covered forest. The photos will turn out colorful, positive and, at the same time, very cozy.
Remember your childhood - build a snowman. The process itself must be captured in a photo. Play in the snow - this is a very funny activity during which it is impossible not to laugh. Sincere smiles will look great in the photo, and the frames themselves will radiate warmth. And if it snows, then you are incredibly lucky. Large flakes of snow will add romance to the photo shoot.
You can find a bench or a log and take a few photos while sitting.
Sunrise
Try to schedule a shoot early in the morning, around 5 am, suitable for summer shooting; getting up at this time of year is much easier than in the dark winter. But remember that it is better to limit fluids at night, eat less salty food, or better yet eliminate it altogether for a day, and do not drink alcohol the day before shooting.
It is better to go to bed earlier than usual, take a contrast shower in the morning and do a mask and facial massage. These simple recommendations will help a girl look fresh and attractive, despite getting up very early.
Through the branches of the trees, the sunny dawn light is especially beautiful, when the sun is still white, smoothly turns into a soft yellowish color, but still remains whitish until late in the morning, such a gentle light will smooth out even a sleepy face.
It doesn’t matter what time it is, the sun is at its zenith, sunset, dawn, or it’s generally cloudy outside, it’s great to take pictures in the forest! The light through the branches of the trees does not penetrate to you directly, but diffusely. It depends on the skills of the photographer. Even in a narrow beam of light you can take a stunning shot!
Features of shooting photo sessions in the forest
A photo shoot in the forest can be organized at any time of the year. When preparing for this kind of shooting, you need to take into account a number of features on which the result of the work directly depends.
Timing for a forest photo shoot
For excellent forest photography, both sunny and partly cloudy weather and rainy weather are suitable. It all depends on your idea. The ideal time for a photo shoot in the forest (as with any outdoor photo shoot) would be the morning hours after dawn, as well as the evening hours before and during sunset. Use gold watches and their soft light to create visually stunning photographs.
It is worth considering the image of the participants and the theme of the plot for a forest photo shoot. Sometimes the process is specifically scheduled for late evening and twilight. Depending on the time of day, additional lighting may be needed, so some photographers work in difficult outdoor conditions with an assistant.
Choosing a photography location
As for the location for a photo shoot, consider as the main options a forested park area within the city, birch alleys, beautiful forest edges and paths, banks of rivers or lakes, and in some cases, cemeteries and impassable windbreaks. For one place or another you will need different clothes and shoes. In dense forests, even during the daytime there may be a lot of shadow and not enough light, so discuss all the nuances with the photographer in advance.
Thoughtful image
Whatever the photo session, always think through the image together, ideally first express your wishes to the photographer, and he, in turn, will simply guide you to a more desirable result.
A thoughtful look for a shoot is to rent a dress or bring your own. You can ask the photographer if a makeup artist or hair stylist works with him in tandem and use their services. Believe me, high-quality makeup and styling are the key to beautiful photographs, and the photographer will see the entire image in its best light.
Props for a photo shoot in summer
With the right location and well-thought-out images, there is no need for props. But if you want, think about food - cups of coffee, photogenic cakes, ice cream, lemonade in steamy glasses. Accessories that help you keep your hands occupied and relax if you get nervous are also suitable - soap bubbles, flowers, balls, colorful crayons, colored smoke or even Holi colors. Cool sunglasses will decorate more than one shot, and a large hat will be the hit of the shoot. And don't forget matching umbrellas in case of rain!
Olivia the wolf
Header photo by Megan Robinson.
Animals in the frame
There are natural areas where there are stables in the middle of the forest; be sure to find out this fact in your city. They are not expensive to rent for a photo shoot.
In addition to beautiful clothes, many people rent out their animals, such as horses. Here the idea of a photo shoot naturally arises - in the stables. Here the image can be either romantic or more daring.
Shots with horses always turn out kind, they are noble animals. However, you should also be wary of them; before filming begins, you should be instructed on how to behave with them. Horses, like everyone else, love boundaries. But you can and should gain trust in them so that the shooting turns out to be of high quality.
Ride a horse, look into the horse's eyes, tilt your head slightly towards it, stroke its fur - this is a natural posing that will easily fit into the frame with the help of your photographer.
Ideas for a photo shoot at sea
Are you going to a wedding in warm countries and planning to take a walk there with a photographer? Make sure that in the end you get not only standard photos on the beach at the edge of the surf, but something more interesting. A few ideas for a wedding photo shoot in the summer, breaking out of the usual sea-sand pattern:
- on or under a boardwalk pier
- near fallen trees
- next to a pile of boulders
- on a motor boat or yacht
- on decent looking sunbeds and umbrellas
- underwater photo shoot
Chelsea Erwin Photography
San Diego
Think about your clothes too - a bride in a fluffy wedding dress and a groom in a black suit look ridiculous in a tropical climate under palm trees, it’s painful to look at them. For yourself, choose a light, light outfit that would be appropriate at sea, and for the groom, choose cotton or linen trousers with a shirt. Take a set of beautiful swimsuits/swimming trunks to take photos in.
Autumn forest
In autumn, the forest transforms; the riot of colors leaves no one indifferent. Choose a look that matches the color of the foliage. Take a beautiful bright blanket with you to the photo shoot, sit comfortably on it, pour tea from a thermos - you are guaranteed a warm shot.
You can also put red apples nearby in a basket or scatter them in the foreground. Don't forget about accessories; if autumn is already cool, a matching scarf and hat will add some zest to your look.
You can also dilute the shots not only with tea, but for example, by running over the yellow foliage and tossing them with your hands or falling on the foliage, preferably dry.
If you come to the shoot not alone, but with a guy, then running through the foliage will also be colorful and emotional! Sit together leaning on a tree and dreamily look into the autumn sky in an embrace or feed each other sandwiches. And don't look at the camera, look more at each other!
A guy can warm your hands or lie on your lap while listening to you read him a story from a book. At such moments, it is best not to pay attention to the person who is photographing you. The angle from the top point, if of course your photographer agrees to climb the tree, will be excellent!
Universal poses for a forest photo shoot
Poses for a photo shoot should always be harmoniously combined with the image of the model and the shooting location. When properly organizing photography in the forest, you should prepare in advance and think through the poses. First of all, they should be comfortable and demonstrate the beauty of the model. You can use trees, a mountain or a rock as a background or support. You can stand, sit, or even lie on the ground. For mysterious and romantic shots, try hiding in the tall grass or peeking out from behind a tree.
To ensure beautiful and original poses, visit the location for the photo shoot the day before the shoot. Find interesting objects in advance: a tree with a hollow, clean areas with moss, a scary snag, a smooth stump. Borrow other people's ideas from the Internet or fashion magazines. The most universal poses for forest photography:
- sitting on a fallen tree, stump, stone or snag;
- standing near a tree, hugging or leaning on the trunk;
- sitting in a clearing, by a stream, in tall grass.
Bring additional accessories to your photo shoot that can be used to create unusual poses. Baskets with flowers and fruit, drapery fabric, a blanket, a cloak or cape are suitable.
Summer forest
In summer, the forest is completely different, deep green foliage, small wildflowers underfoot. A flying look is suitable for a girl here. A light dress, loose hair that blows in the wind, don’t be static! Move, spin, pick wildflowers or weave a beautiful wreath on your head.
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7 Comments on “7 Reasons Why You Should Make a Love Story”
Drynga
02/05/2021 Reply
Opa In my opinion, you are wrong. I'm sure. I propose to discuss it.Daria
05/11/2021 Reply
Thank you very much for the information.novopet
07/20/2021 Reply
I may be wrong.AnthonyOnept
07/21/2021 Reply
complete garbageDanil
03.11.2021 Reply
interesting informationThekla
11/10/2021 Reply
Thank you
Spring forest
In spring, nature wakes up, there is no such lush greenery around, the leaves on the trees are still very fragile, the cold has barely receded. The sun is still dim and doesn’t burn your face.
I would immediately like to recommend choosing a forest area where trees, pears, and plums bloom! They produce incredible snow-white flowers, and some apple trees produce red flowers!
Feel free to dress up as a “peasant young lady”, rent a portable swing entwined with flowers, a fan, a beautiful dress to match the blooming forest and a hat with a brim.
Your image is ready, ask the photographer to capture you sitting on a swing, a close-up portrait with a fan and how you look in a hat.
Remember about the mood at the beginning of the shooting, although the appetite comes while eating, it is better to immediately direct yourself to the positive and “fly” to the shooting inspired. Better than any cosmetics for a girl - her good mood!
Autumn
It's time when nature prepares for winter "sleep", as well as harvest time. Therefore, pumpkins or apples can serve as thematic attributes. Choose large green and red fruits. In early autumn, you can safely have a picnic: take a beautiful blanket, juicy fruits and a bottle of wine. The bride can feed her lover apples. Pictures with such details will turn out harmonious and will be able to convey the right mood.
The clearing for a photo shoot can be decorated with various objects - from flowers to books and musical instruments. You can take pictures against this background while standing, sitting or lying down.
At the beginning of October, the forest literally turns into a golden kingdom. The trees are adorned with yellow leaves, and beneath your feet lies an untouched canvas of foliage. Against such a background, any wedding photos will turn out bright, rich and romantic. Take a small table for props and have an impromptu tea party. Or you can sit elegantly on a beautiful bench or gazebo.
A guitar would be a great prop.Winter forest
Have you ever taken photographs in winter? If not, be sure to arrange such a photo shoot for yourself! In winter, the forest is different, there is not much color during this period of the year, but most of the snow lies in the forest, until spring.
You’ve been wanting memorable shots with a guy for a long time, but he’s not really a fan of “all these feminine things” and is he an athlete in general, a serious person? So arrange a photo shoot so that you both like it.
How about going on a ski trip together? Combine business with pleasure, and pack a snack in your backpack, because skiing is quite energy-consuming! What about snowballs? There is a child in every person, so awaken it in your serious boyfriend and you will be happy, or rather happy shots!
Involve him in sculpting a snow woman or a snow fortress. But you can dilute the shots with a husky, which you can rent in advance. This is a breed of dog that is only happy to frolic with humans, especially in the snow. You definitely won't be bored with her!
What do you need for a photo shoot in the forest?
A photo shoot in the forest is not much different from any other shoot. In order for the photographs obtained during the filming process to meet the expectations of the subject of the shooting, it is worth taking its preparation responsibly. Before taking photographs in the forest, you need to carefully consider the image, details, poses, and determine the appropriate place and time.
Discuss photography ideas with your model in advance. Depending on your ideas, come up with the most suitable location for photography and go there to draw up a shot plan.
To conduct a photo shoot in the forest, you will need:
- equipment with possibly additional light (depending on the photo shoot plan);
- transport to get to the filming area;
- supplies of water, food, and possibly light alcoholic drinks (for relaxation and fun);
- clothes and makeup that match your look;
- additional warm clothing, possibly an umbrella and raincoats (see weather guidance);
- additional accessories necessary to create the image;
- If the photography is difficult, then it is worth arriving at the location before the model arrives and preparing the place;
Decide how many hours the photo session will last so that you can take your time finding places and interesting poses. It is important to plan travel time in advance, as well as for preparing and decorating the shooting location.
How to choose a forest
On the day of the shooting, it’s better not to look for the shooting location itself; you can waste a lot of time and you simply won’t have time and energy left for the upcoming photo shoot.
Do this in advance, drive through local forest areas by car, ask your friends who already know proven and beautiful places to recommend a place, or maybe your photographer has already done similar shootings and knows such a forest that it will look like a fairy tale?
You can search the Internet, for example, ask in groups on social networks about photography or on a forum. Experienced photographers who have combed more than one place in the city should help with the answer, although not everyone will agree to give away secret places.
Many people want to keep this only for their photo cards to be unique. But, as a rule, sooner or later everyone learns about places that they did not know about before.
How to look better in a photo
Lively and natural emotions in photographs forever remain warm memories of happy moments in life. To look impressive on camera, try to behave naturally, smile and be positive. Rest on the eve of the photo shoot, as well as neat, refreshing makeup will help you look better. Avoid shiny and oily face products and use mattifying cosmetics.
Choose comfortable shoes and comfortable clothes that will not hinder your movements. Practice your favorite poses in front of the mirror, borrow movements from photographs of your favorite actors. Ask a photographer for help. He will tell you how to best demonstrate the advantages of your appearance.