No face or faceless wedding photographs capture the emotions and mood of the moment rather than the faces of the wedding couple. The beautiful clothes and gorgeous surroundings of the occasion are in sharp focus and highlight the magic of the day. The couple's faces are never fully shown so that the photograph triggers individual interpretation and imagination.
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As well as being a trending technique, it is ideal for couples who do not enjoy standing in front of the camera, as they can relax and enjoy their special day more.
There are many beautiful shots that can be made by a creative photographer. These include silhouettes of the couple as they walk away from the camera towards the horizon, or they face each other holding hands as the sunset is behind them.
Holding hands beneath their wedding bouquet, with the focus on the beauty of the flowers is a very intimate shot, whilst a portrait of both wedding rings in the palm of the Best Man or on a Bible is a perennial favourite as is hands after the ceremony, each with a gleaming wedding ring on the third finger.
Back-to-Back Portraits
Back-to-back portraits evoke a very personal and intimate feeling. They can be taken of the couple gazing out over a garden, from a hilltop, or on the beach, and they are a clever way to capture the chemistry of the couple without them looking at each other. These shots capture their outfits perfectly and also the character of their surroundings.
Photographers often play with light to accentuate the mood, and the golden hour before sunset is a popular time, as shadows increase and the setting sun bathes the couple in a golden glow and then captures them as a silhouette.
Holding Hands with Bouquets
The wedding bouquet is a very special prop, as it has been carefully chosen in the colors of the wedding palette and its style is in keeping with the character of the day. Many bouquets are homemade, and the photographer can use them creatively as a colorful accent that highlights the bride and groom's interlocked hands and the essence of their romance.
This is a lovely way to capture the beauty of the wedding flowers and also capture some of the details of the bride's dress and wedding nails.
Silhouette at Sunset
This classic photograph is popular as it captures the vibrant colors of the setting sun in the background. The couple stands facing each other, and he places his hands gently on her waist. They are in silhouette against the sunset, and this can cleverly capture the filigree material of her veil.
This shot looks particularly stunning when the couple is by water – either on a riverbank or by the sea and the sunset is reflected in the water. If you are marrying in a city, a fascinating silhouette at sunset can be captured of you both standing on a bridge or on the rooftops. Sharing a romantic kiss makes for a photograph filled with timeless memories.
For this photograph, good timing is essential, as the best sunset moments are fleeting.
Shadow Play Wall
If you have not got a suitable outdoor area for a dramatic silhouette photo or two, then an equally fun and artistic portrait can be achieved with a shadow play wall. This is simply a large, bare, flat wall where shadows can be effectively cast using an electric light. The photographer will use the mixture of light and shadow to capture you together, and the results add a clever blend of romance and mystery.
Couples can choose a variety of postures. They can face each other holding hands, or they can share a special kiss. The result is a creative image that you will treasure.
Hands in Focus
Focusing on hands is very special, as they are a symbol of the couple's love and unity. They can be holding each other's hands gently or the bride's hands can rest on her groom's chest so that the beauty of her engagement ring, wedding ring and wedding nail polish are captured.
It is a good opportunity for the couple to relax for a moment and enjoy the touch of each other's hands. The photographer will probably choose the warm golden hour before sunset for these photographs, as softer light enhances the warmth and tenderness of their hands.
Feet in Sand
Feet can be very expressive, and there are some great photographs that can be taken to capture the magic of a beach wedding.
A carefree shot of the couple standing barefoot and facing each other captures the natural beauty of the beach. If you don't mind getting your feet wet, the same study of your feet standing in the shallow water of the tide mark introduces another beautiful natural element – the sea. This type of photograph is ideal as the couple can enjoy the emotion of the day without worrying about posing for the camera.
If you are unlucky to have rain on your wedding day and you don't mind getting wet, a similar photograph can be taken of you both standing barefoot in a puddle or jumping into it!
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Carnival Masks
Colorful carnival masks make great props as they add mystery and intrigue to photographs. If the couple wears Venetian-style masks with feathers and intricate decorations, this introduces elegance and grandeur to their photographs.
Colorful quirky masks can be chosen to accentuate the color theme of the wedding or to suit the different personalities of the bride and groom.
Peek-a-boo Behind a Tree
A fun and playful photograph that many couples love to have is them playing peek-a-boo from behind a tree! You must pick the right tree to be successful. Its trunk needs to be broad enough for you both to hide behind.
The couple can stand on either side behind the tree, and both peek out – revealing just half of their smiling faces. The bride can stretch her arm around the tree trunk to capture the detail of her wedding nails.
These photographs look good when shot from different angles and with the right mixture of light and shadow introduces a little playful magic.
Shadows on the Beach
If you are planning a beach wedding, some amazing photographs can be achieved by capturing the long shadows cast by the setting sun. These become ethereal with the sand beneath and the waves behind the couple. Tall beach grasses or the silhouette of a fishing boat will both add depth and intrigue to the photographs.
Your photographer will want to experiment with light, especially in the golden hour before sunset when everything is bathed in soft golden light.
Rustic Barn Doors
Rustic barn doors are full of character and evoke a timeless feeling. A portrait of the wedding couple standing with their backs to the camera, looking through the open doors, evokes a lovely feeling of looking to the future together. The old wood of the barn doors contrasts sharply with the fabric of the couple's outfits.
To add a sense of mystery, the couple can stand in the barn and together gaze outwards through one half-opened door. If extra lighting is needed inside, some rustic lanterns are perfect. Another fun study is of the couple pushing the barn doors open as they look outside and toward the forthcoming years together.
Backlit through Curtains
Romantic and dreamy moments can be captured perfectly with the couple standing in front of some sheer, plain curtains that have been lit from behind. This clever technique diffuses the light through the curtains to create a warm and intimate ambiance. With the couple standing sideways in front of the curtain, their romance is captured without the need to see their faces.
This clever trick can transform the most ordinary setting into somewhere magical and dreamy. Experimenting with the angle of the camera and the light will soon reveal the ideal position.
In the Meadow
If your wedding is close to a meadow, it offers a wonderful setting for your photographs – especially if it is filled with wildflowers. Standing amongst the tall grasses and flowers, and gazing lovingly, or the groom gently kissing his bride on the forehead, results in a charming picture that evokes the feeling of peace and serenity.
The couple walking through the meadow hand in hand suggests their connection with the natural beauty around them.
Street Art Murals
Local street art can provide a vibrant backdrop to wedding photographs as well as an element of fun. Well before the wedding day, street art that resonates with the couple's style and character should be located.
The couple stands in front of the mural(s), hand in hand, back to the camera, while they study the art. This creative photograph works particularly well if the bride has interesting detail on the back of her dress or long hair decorated with pretty flowers.
As well as selecting the right mural for its colors and theme, photographs will differ depending on the time of day and whether the street art benefits from being bathed in golden evening sunlight.
Sitting by a Fountain
Everyone loves a water fountain, and a photograph of the wedding couple sitting behind the water spray is very romantic. The couple can sit with their backs to the fountain, holding hands, and the bride can lean her head on her husband's shoulder. Alternatively, they can face the fountain and look down at their reflections in the water.
If the architecture of the fountain is beautiful, a wide-angle shot of the couple standing behind the fountain, sideways to the camera and tossing water at each other, is a fun shot. The beautiful setting of the water fountain is ideal for capturing some memorable photographs of their urban wedding.
