📸 How Lighting Impacts Event Photography (and What You Can Do About It)

Lighting is one of the biggest factors that affects how your event photos turn out. It sets the tone, directs the focus, and influences everything from mood to clarity. Here’s what you should know, and how we can make the most of whatever lighting situation your event throws our way:

1. Lighting Sets the Mood

Lighting shapes the feel of your photos. Bright, natural light gives a clean, energetic look. Soft, warm lighting adds a cosy, intimate vibe. When choosing your venue, think about how you want your event to feel, and how you want it to be remembered in photos.

2. Overhead Lighting Isn’t Ideal

Harsh overhead lighting, like fluorescents, can cast unflattering shadows and make skin tones look off. If that’s what we’re working with, I’ll adjust my positioning and camera settings to soften the effect. If there’s an option to use window light or bring in some softer sources like lamps or string lights, even better.

3. Natural Light Wins

Daytime events in well-lit spaces are a dream. Natural light is flattering, even, and requires less post-editing. If your event happens during the day, choosing a location with good window light can make a big difference.

4. Flash: Handle With Care

Flash can be helpful in darker spaces, but too much of it can flatten your images or create jarring shadows. I use it sparingly and strategically, so the results look natural and never overdone.

5. Making the Best of Low Light

Not every event takes place in a sun-drenched venue with big windows, and that’s okay. I’ll adapt my settings, use fast lenses, and work with the available light to keep your images sharp and atmospheric, without losing the mood.

Want your event photos to shine, no matter the lighting?

Let’s chat. Book a free consultation, and we’ll talk through the lighting setup at your venue and how to make it work beautifully in your photos.