How to nail your wedding photos (Especially when getting married in Port Douglas)
Image: True Emotions Photography. Venue: St Mary’s Chapel
Chances are you’ve been saving wedding photos on your phone for months. And this is perfect. Having a clear idea of what you like (and what you don’t) is so helpful for your content team to work with.
Port Douglas, while beautiful, does come with its challenges for photography due to lighting, weather etc so it’s important to be prepared.
Choose your content team wisely
When selecting your photographer, videographer and content creator it’s one thing to go with the style that you like but also, their experience shooting in Port Douglas. Meaning, I’d highly recommend hiring locally. I’ve worked alongside photographers who the couple have flown in from elsewhere and while they are incredibly talented at their craft, they struggle with timings, the harsh light, working in the heat(!!) and knowing the best spots for your portraits. Hiring locally means you’re getting someone who knows how to handle the environment (plus you’ll save on travel costs!)
Make the most of how close everything is
One of the best things about a Port Douglas wedding is that your portrait locations are all close together. Most are within walking distance of town or a short drive away, which means you can head out for photos without losing half your evening in transit. That’s a big win for your guests too, since the less time you spend away from the party, the more time everyone has to enjoy the day.
Plan your portraits around golden hour
So, when is the best time for photos? The short answer? The hour before sunset. The light turns soft, warm and flattering, and it makes skin, dresses and the water glow in a way midday sun simply can’t. Sunset in Port Douglas is generally around 6pm so ask your photographer for the exact time on your date and work your ceremony and reception schedule backwards from there. For reference, most ceremonies are held around 3/3:30pm.
Choose locations that suit your style
Rex Smeal Park is a popular choice for portraits that scream tropics but keep in mind that the lighting is quite harsh and it is a public space so you might end up with an audience. A good content team will be able to work with this and will then likely lead you to the nearby trees or beach which are a short walk away. If you’d like something with a bit more energy, the streets and waterfront of town make a lovely urban contrast. And if you’re hosting your reception at Sugar Wharf, try to grab a few photos inside the venue before your guests arrive and also at sunset!
Have a weather plan, and a few tricks up your sleeve
Winter in North Queensland is usually cool and sunny, but this is still the tropics, so one day can bring a torrential downpour and the next a clear blue sky. A few clear umbrellas are a simple and surprisingly photogenic backup, and a calm, flexible attitude goes a very long way. Some of the most memorable wedding photos I’ve seen were taken in a passing shower.
A few extra tips for getting the best photos
Consider a first look before the ceremony with either your loved ones and/or partner where you can also get some family shots. This frees up time after the ceremony so you can enjoy more of the cocktail hour and time with guests. Build in buffer time for portraits throughout the day too, since travel, heat and a few extra hugs always take longer than expected.
Humidity is a real consideration, so talk to your hair and makeup artist about styles and products that hold up in the tropic. Loose beach curls might be your dream but will they still look nice at 4pm in 90% humidity? Maybe not. This also goes for your bridal party and choosing dress and suit styles and colours that are comfortable and won’t show sweat too much.
During portraits, arrange for some drinks and nibbles to go with you and your bridal party because chances are you’ll be starving and in need of a drink or two. Water is also important and a few fans and insect repellent aren’t a bad idea either.
Be sure to have a simple family photo list, with names and groupings written down, keeps formal photos quick and calm, and appointing one confident friend to gather relatives will save your photographer a lot of searching.
Think about an unplugged ceremony too, where guests are asked to keep their phones away so they are present throughout the ceremony and your content team have a clear view of your aisle and everyone’s faces rather than a sea of screens. Leave it to your content creator to capture all the little moments instead.
Finally, book your photographer and content creator early, ideally around the same time as your venue. Click here to see my pricing or email hello@eventdiaries.com.au to check if your date is available!!
Lisa xx
