Skylights and open areas like this create very tricky problems, especially during the ceremony when you don't have the ability to use flash.

For this type of photograph you will need to set your camera so that it is giving you a good exposure for the outside. Now if possible, set your flash .5 to 1 stop higher than the ambient light and shoot. This setting will darken the outside slightly and bring attention to your couple.

The truth behind this shot is that the outside light was too bright for me to overcome during the ceremony. The final fix was to shoot one image during the ceremony which was exposed for the outside and then shoot one which captured the couple. The final image was a sandwhich of the two with some editing done to erase one layer down to the other.

This is a simple window portrait for the couple. This particular church had an overhang which made the light brighter toward the bottom.

A reflector was used bring additional detail into the hair and shadow areas.

Strengths:

• The brides dress has nice detail.
• Their heads are close together
• The grooms head is tilted toward the bride.

Weakness:

The area this was shot was a little tight and the bride had to lean backwards and drop her chin. This created a little distortion of her porpotions.

Mouseover for a larger view.

Dresses can sometimes be a challenge. For this image you would need to:

• Watch your flash on the paneling. Paneling is bad about reflecting.
• Slow your shutter speed to bring in more light so the brides hair is not lost in the background.
• The train is long and comes much closer to the camera than the bride's face. You may need to tilt your flash to make sure the dress is not over-exposed.

Mouseover for a larger view.

A simple enough shot. If you are using an on camera flash it will be too high. A cord which allows you to take the flash off would be very helpful. These are sold at: B AND H Photo

If your camera has a pop-up flash you may be able to use that one if your lens is not so long that is creates a shadow when working up close.

As with hand and rings shots a quick step into daylight will often give you the best light.