When it comes to wedding photography and videography, many couples want to maximize locations and scenes to get a variety of looks and backgrounds in their photos. While this desire is understandable, traveling to too many locations in one day can often negatively affect the final set of images. In this article, we’ll explain why couples should limit the number of locations and the travel time for their wedding day.

Time spent traveling is time not taking photos or capturing video

The first and most obvious downside of multiple locations is that the travel time takes away from shooting time. With weekend traffic, a few miles can quickly turn into 20 minutes or more of wasted time. In addition, the photographers and videographers need time to park, unpack and find the ideal lighting and background in any scene. So what may seem like a quick stop can actually take much longer than expected.

Rushed Sessions Can Actually Decrease Variety and Creativity

While the motivation behind utilizing many locations is often to maximize variety and diversity in the images and video, these situations can actually have the opposite effect. When photographers and videographers have plenty of time in a single location, they have more time to explore different poses, compositions, angles, expressions and more. When they only have minimal time at each location, on the other hand, they might be forced to resort to more standard poses and compositions before needing to pack up and move again. Creativity takes time to develop, and when creatives are rushed, they may feel pressured to take fewer risks and default to what they know works well.

Example

If you look at the set of images below, you can see what can be done with just a simple white background.  For this particular wedding, we were limited to their hotel room because of weather conditions.  So while this was not planned, the results are a good illustration of utilizing a variety of poses, angles, crops and expressions to create a full set of images.  If we can get this many different photos in a single corner of a hotel room, our creative possibilities only expand as we explore a full location, such as a park or hotel.

Fewer Locations Leaves More Time for Storytelling and better Photojournalism

Fewer locations give you more time to let natural interactions and moments develop. Some of the best wedding moments happen without being prompted. Hugs, laughs, funny moments, emotional moments, and more happen when you’re just hanging out with your loved ones. If you’re rushing around, these moments are less likely to happen because of the stress.

Examples:

Conclusion

With wedding photography and videography, professionals are seeking to create more than just “taking pretty pictures (and video) in front of pretty backgrounds.” We’re looking for emotion, creativity, storytelling, variety in poses, compositions and more.  Be sure to let these things develop organically!

If you really want lots of locations, we would suggest doing a “day after” stylized shoot to take the pressure off the wedding day.

The Orange County coast offers miles of beautiful beaches, some with endless views of open sand and others with unique rocks and tide pools. When it comes to planning a beach visit, whether you’re going for relaxation or a portrait photography session, you have plenty of options. In this article, we’ll break down the best beaches in Orange County for your engagement, portrait or family photography session based on our years of experience photographing incredible couples and families in the area.

What to Look for in a beach photography location

Before we get started with the unordered list, here are a few things to consider for when choosing a beach for your photography session.

• Crowds – Avoid the most popular beaches if you want to avoid large crowds. Also, avoid weekend photography sessions at the beach if you’re looking for the best, most seamless experience.
• Sunset Location – Look for a location with a direct view of the sunset. Some coves don’t allow you to see the sun setting, which can still be beautiful but may be limiting.
• Variety – Look for a variety of landscapes and backgrounds, including open sand beaches or rocky shores with tide pools to photograph engaged couples. Some of the best beaches to visit for leisure aren’t necessarily the most interesting in photos.
• Access – Look for an easy access point (beach parking lot, public beach entry) without a long walk down the shoreline.

The Best Beaches in Orange County

Please keep in mind that these are not in any particular order.  The perfect beach is a personal preference that you should match to your vision, your style, and your personalities.  For more information, you may also be interested in our Best Engagement Photography Locations article.

 Victoria Beach in Laguna Beach

This is one of the most iconic beaches in Laguna Beach and offers a beautiful view of the rocky shoreline, with tide pools at low tides. The beautiful fairytale-like tower is also an iconic aspect of the scene.

Full Sessions Here

Crystal Cove State Park

This scenic beach offers various great photo opportunities: from tide pools which are accessible at low and high tides, to a variety of rock formations. It is also home to hundreds of sea lions who can be seen roaming on the shoreline or in the water.

More Full Sessions

Treasure Island Beach in Laguna Beach

Treasure Island is the southern most beach guarded by City of Laguna Beach, Department of Marine Safety; located just north of Aliso Creek Beach. It is best accessed by ramp at southwest corner of Montage Resort from oceanfront onto Treasure Island.  The beach features a beautiful arch, tide pools and sandy beaches.  However,  this is a busy beach with lots of crowds compared to Victoria and Crystal Cove.

More Sessions Here.

Heisler Park Beach in Laguna Beach

The Heisler Park Beach is a popular spot for locals to enjoy the water and sand.  The oceanfront park stretches along the bluffs on Cliff Drive from Aster Street to Diver’s Cove. The scenic, beautiful location has manicured lawns, walking trails, and gardens that provide a scenic view of the waters below.  Picnic tables for restful time outdoors are also available as well as lawn bowling greens if you’re feeling competitive! Restrooms located near-by too!

Example Sessions

Newport Beach Pier

This Newport Beach Pier offers a beautiful view of the Pacific Ocean and is one of the most iconic destinations in Newport Beach.  Families can enjoy fishing, surfing, or just walking along the shoreline for some photo-worthy moments.  While no rocks or cliffs are available, miles of sand gives the images a picturesque southern California vibe.  This is a great option to pair with the Balboa Fun Zone or other Newport Beach photo locations.

Full Session Here.

Huntington Beach Pier

This pier offers some of the best views in Huntington Beach, and it is home to a variety of restaurants. The beach itself has great surfing opportunities and boardwalks for those who want to get away from the sand.  If you’re looking to take pictures with an epic backdrop, take a walk down the shore and use the iconic pier as the background.  Like the Newport Pier listed above, you won’t get any rocks, tide pools or cliffs with this location, but you will get miles of SoCal sand.  Whether you choose the Newport Beach Pier or the Huntington Beach Pier will depend on your choice for your secondary location of your photo shoo.
Full Session Here.

Dana Point Harbor Beach

Aptly nicknamed “Baby Beach”, this kid-approved seaside spot features gentle waters and numerous seasonal events.  This location only has a rocky scene, with no opportunities for sandy beaches or tide pools.  Choose this option if your other location for your photo session is nearby.

See the full session here

Other Beaches to Consider

Little Corona Del Mar Beach

This beach is located in the South Bay and offers a beautiful cove that features sandstone cliffs. The waves are mild, making it great for swimming and perfect for those with small children as well. Surfing opportunities abound at this location, so if you’re looking to get some surf shots mixed into your photography portfolio then this is the

San Clemente Pier

A more secluded pier, this one provides the perfect backdrop for a family photo.  San Clemente Pier Beach has palm trees and grassy areas near the pier entrance, with a large sandy beach surrounding the pier. The beach can be found just behind railroad tracks that run down both sides.  A large parking lot provides easy access for people who would like to visit nearby shops and restaurants or take in San Clemente Coastal Trail, which runs north from this location all the way up until you reach Newport Coast County Park.

Main Beach In Laguna Beach

Main Beach in Laguna is the most popular beach for locals and tourists alike on sunny days. The park offers a wide sandy beach, boardwalk, basketball courts, sand volleyball courts – all of which are perfect for day-time activities or just to relax and enjoy yourself!

Common knowledge in portrait photography is that shooting at sunrise or sunset is preferred because of the soft, directional  light during those times.  However, how does sunrise compare with sunset for portrait photography? Below are a few factors to consider:

The Flow of the Session

Sunset is typically better than Sunrise in portrait photography because of the general flow of the session.  A typical session schedule is as follows:

1. Warmup and Basic Portraits
2. Action and Creative Photos
3. Sunset Environmental Portraits
4. Twilight/Night Photos

The first phase of the session, the Warmup and Basic Portraits, is a critical time for you and your photographer to warm up, to establish rapport, to communicate essential posing cues, and to capture essential, basic portraits.

Basic Poses 1 to 2 hours Before Sunset

For a sunset session, this phase of the session happens when there’s still plenty of ideal light in the scene, as you can see from the photo above.  In contrast, for a sunrise session, this phase is a bit more difficult because of the lack of light and is usually cut short or cut out of the session.

The Location of the Session

The location of your session is another critical factor.  In California, for example, the sun sets over the ocean.  So if you’re doing a beach or ocean-view session and you want beautiful environmental portraits with background views of the water, then sunset is your best option.

Sunset behind the couple

If you’re not doing a beach session, then it’s still important to consider where the sun is setting relative to your ideal background.  The sun should be setting behind your ideal background.

Other Factors to Consider

Besides the two major differences listed above, here are a few other factors to consider.

• Energy – A sunrise session should start about 30 minutes to 1 hour before stated sunrise.  Factoring in the time for hair and makeup and the travel time to the location, this could mean a wakeup time 2-3 hours before sunrise.  We’ve found that the natural energy of our couples are better at sunset.
• Location Availability – Is your desired venue open at sunrise?
• Foot Traffic – Does sunrise or sunset have more foot traffic at your location?  One of the advantages of sunrise sessions over sunset is that some locations are empty at sunrise and become busy at sunset.

Conclusion

Because of the factors listed in this article, we highly recommend sunset sessions over sunrise sessions.  However, our team has had experience with both, so if a sunrise session is the only type of session that fits your schedule, then we can make either work.

 

 

 

Light and Airy Wedding Photography is one of the four major styles of wedding photography. The style is also referred to as bright and airy, fine art, and filmic, and it can be described as soft, romantic and pastel.  The style can be considered the “opposite” of our “Dark and Moody” Photo Editing Style.

The light and airy style of wedding photography is achieved with a unique shooting style and photo editing style. While there are no set “rules” to wedding photography style, there are general guidelines that photographers follow when photographing these types of images and general characteristics of the photos themselves.

Soft and Pastel Colors

Light and Airy Wedding Photos will generally be less colorful and vibrant than other styles of wedding photos. In this style, it’s acceptable to blow out brighter and lighter areas of an image, such as the skies. Our studio has refined and tested this look over thousands of photos. We then created a set of Light and Airy Lightroom Presets called the Pastel Pack.

Use of Natural Light

Light and airy wedding photography is often shot with natural light. Flash photography is not often used with this style of photography, and if it is, it’s typically used in a subtle way that mimics natural light.

This makes planning and shooting in the right places and the right times of the day critical for this bright style of photography, as heavy light manipulation with flash will often not work well with this look.

Vertical Orientation

Light and Airy Wedding Photos can be either vertical (portrait) or horizontal (landscape) in orientation. However, they are more often shot with a vertical orientation.

There is no agreed-upon reason for this aesthetic trend beyond a subjective, stylistic preference. However it is our belief that a vertical orientation leaves less visual space on the sides of the subjects, keeping the focus on the subjects in the photos (and their expressions/emotions).

Displayed in Spreads

The bright and airy style usually looks great in spreads, with images displayed side by side in a storytelling format. Consistent lighting, editing, and storytelling, combined with this style of wedding photography, make these images perfect for album and wall art. See the example below.

More Examples of Light and Airy Wedding and Engagement Images

See the following gallery for more examples of light and airy wedding, engagement, and editorial photos shot by Lin and Jirsa.

If you are looking for this style of photos for your shoot, be sure to let your Lin and Jirsa client manager and photographer know!

About Nigerian Wedding Traditions

Nigerian weddings are known for their unique and exciting traditions. Like many other cultures, a Nigerian wedding is more than just celebrating the love of two people but also celebrating the joining of two families. The festivities are full of bright colors, gorgeous attire, and lots of food! Below is an introduction to Nigerian weddings, highlighting the major moments and traditions that you can expect to experience if you’re lucky enough to attend one as a guest or a wedding vendor.

Introduction Ceremony

As with most African countries, Nigerian wedding traditions are observed long before the actual wedding date. The rites kick off with an introduction ceremony, where both families come together, perhaps for the first time. The families will exchange gifts with one another as they get to know each other. The groom’s family will also be presented with a list of the required items for dowry.

The Dowry

Although not as common in today’s day and age, it is traditional for a list to be presented to the groom including, clothes, food, and other items. If the bride has extended education, the dowry will be more extensive. The groom is expected to provide all the items listed to the bride and her family. If the groom cannot provide some of the things on the list, he can give money equal to the value of those items. If the bride’s family is satisfied, they’ll give their blessings.

Proper Wedding Attire

One of the best Nigerian wedding traditions is the unique attires! Nigerian traditional wedding dresses are known as ‘aso oke’. The attire is made of thick fabric with long sleeves that widen at the wrists and a kaftan-like skirt, which the bride ties around her waist. Nigerian traditional wedding dresses are also detailed with lace and beads.

The Nigerian male traditional wedding attire is known as ‘buba’. It is a top with matching pants. An oversized robe with open sleeves is draped over the top. It is known as an ‘agbada’. The Nigerian male traditional wedding attire is made complete by adding a ‘fila’, which is a hat worn by Yoruba men.

The bride and groom are not the only ones that get to wear traditional attire. The guests also wear traditional clothes chosen by the bride and groom. These attires are known as ‘aso-ebi’, which translates to family clothes. Just by glancing at someone, you will know which side of the family they belong to.

Money Dance

It’s a long-standing tradition where the guests throw money at the newlyweds. Money spraying can be done at any point during the wedding ceremony, but it is popularly done when the newlyweds are dancing. This signifies well wishes and good fortune for the Mr. & Mrs. The Money Dance tradition is common at Mexican and Filipino weddings as well!

Elder Sibling First

In the Igbo community, marriages follow seniority; younger brothers are expected to put off their weddings until all their older siblings are married. The same tradition applies to women as well.

Lifting the Bride

In some western weddings, it is common for the groom to carry his bride over the threshold. This act is a modest show by the bride. It signifies the bride’s bond with her family. It shows that the bride isn’t eager to leave her family, but she must because she loves her man. The groom carries her into a new life. Nigerian grooms will also carry their brides. However, their interpretation is a bit different. It’s a show of strength. It signifies that the groom will take care of the love of his life.

Nigerian Wedding Food

The bride and groom aren’t expected to handle the catering for their big day. The bride’s mother is responsible for the food and ensuring all guests are fed and happy!

Double The Fun | Traditional vs. Western Ceremonies

Nigerian couples are respectful to their roots and will incorporate a traditional Nigerian Ceremony with all the expected components. However, couples are also choosing to hold a second ceremony with a beautiful white gown and show-stopping tuxedo while also following American traditions such as the bouquet and garter toss.

Nigerian wedding traditions are eccentric, but beautiful at the same time. Their weddings are full of beauty, elegance, and the right degree of pomp.

About Lin & Jirsa

Creative. Clean. Different. We are a group of creatives in Orange County with a passion for storytelling. Founded in 2007, our studio has been recognized as the best wedding photographers in Los Angeles and Orange County by various publications, websites, and groups. We’d love to show you our studio in Orange County, California and walk you through our albums, canvases and other print photography products. We can also provide more information on our Wedding Videography and introduce you to our team!

About Mexican Wedding Traditions

Mexican weddings are full of life, fun, and most importantly, family! Some couples may want to incorporate some aspects of their culture into their big day. This article will provide tips for those looking to honor these traditions into their Mexican wedding. Without further ado, let’s get into the details.

The Bride’s Dress

Typically, the groom pays for the bride’s wedding dress. He’s supposed to give the money to the bride’s family to make the attire themselves. The traditional Mexican wedding dress incorporates elements of traditional Spanish attires. The most notable inspiration being the gypsy dress, which has its origins in Seville, Spain.

Today, the traditional Mexican wedding dress has evolved. Brides often go for a variety of styles. However, most brides will add subtle Mexican elements. For example, a bride can wear a modern wedding dress and then make it traditional by wearing a Mantilla as a veil. A Mantilla typically has more lace than your standard bride’s veil.

Los Padrinos | Mexican Wedding Sponsors

Los Padrinos is the official term for sponsors at a Mexican Wedding. The sponsors are typically handpicked by the bride and groom. To be chosen to be a Padrino is a huge honor in Mexican Tradition.

There are two types of sponsors: role models and gift-giving ones. If the sponsors want, they can be both. The role model sponsors are usually a married couple with some experience in relationships. They are highly respected by both the bride and groom. Role model sponsors act as witnesses to the marriage ceremony and often participate in one way or another during mass. The gift-giving sponsors cover some of the wedding expenses such as florals or the DJ.

Church Wedding

Mexican wedding ceremonies are traditionally held in the Catholic church. Most Mexican families practice Catholicism and believe in the holy sacrament. For many, getting married in the presence of god  is extremely important to the family. It’s one of the 7 most important rituals for Catholics. It is believed by getting married in a church, God has accepted your union.

Also, both sets of parents can walk their child down the aisle. In this case, it’s not just the bride that walks down the aisle with their parents. The groom’s parents should also walk their son down the aisle as a sign that they accept the union.

Wedding Coins

This is perhaps one of the most interesting Mexican wedding traditions. Las arras matriomoniales or wedding coins signify the groom’s wealth. These coins have to be thirteen in number – to signify the 12 disciples and Jesus himself. After the exchange of vows, the groom will give his bride the wedding coins in a decorated box. This act symbolizes trust between the man and the woman. It shows that the groom has confidence in his spouse so much so that he gives her his wealth for safekeeping.

Wedding Lasso

This can be made from rosary beads or a string of flowers. It is worn by both the bride and groom to signify their mutual support for each other. The wedding sponsors can put the lasso on the couple. First, they have to put it on the bride’s shoulders and then the groom’s, forming the number eight. The couple should wear the lasso during the entire mass period. From there, the priest will remove it.

Mariachi Band

Mariachi bands are a staple during cocktail hour or dinner time at Mexican Weddings. They sing folklore songs that are reminiscent of Mexican traditions. The songs favor both the young and the old.

Traditional Mexican Wedding Cakes

Unlike western weddings where the bride and groom have a big tiered cake waiting for them at the reception, the traditional Mexican wedding cake is a little bit different. Instead of having one cake, the table hosts several confectioneries. Polvorones or the traditional Mexican wedding cake has to be part of that display. Polvorones are more like cookies instead of cakes, but they have a long tradition in Mexican weddings. Other cakes included in the wedding are tres leches or milk cake and the fruit cake.

The Money Dance

During the reception, guests give the newly-weds money to dance with them. If a male guest wants to dance with the bride, they’ll pin a dollar bill to the dress and ask for a dance. The same goes for female guests. They have to pin dollar bills to the groom’s suit before asking for a dance. It’s a perfect excuse to give money to the newly-weds.

Mexican Weddings aren’t the only time you’ll actually witness the money dance! This is also a common tradition in Filipino Weddings. Click here to learn more about Filipino Wedding Traditions.

In conclusion, traditional weddings are fun and enlightening. They create the perfect opportunity for you to learn about ancient traditions. If you wanted some tips on hosting a traditional Mexican wedding, you can use the ones listed above.

Check Out More Mexican Weddings

• Odila & Vicente | Mission Inn Riverside
• Alejandra & Gerardo | Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels
• Jennifer & Angel | Bagramian Hall Montebello
• Mandy & Miguel | Mission Inn Riverside

About Lin & Jirsa

Creative. Clean. Different. We are a group of creatives in Orange County with a passion for storytelling. Founded in 2007, our studio has been recognized as the best wedding photographers in Los Angeles and Orange County by various publications, websites, and groups. We’d love to show you our studio in Orange County, California and walk you through our albums, canvases and other print photography products. We can also provide more information on our Wedding Videography and introduce you to our team!