Bridal inspiration from wedding photographer Unathi Mbonambi

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Wedding photographer Unathi Mbonambi is renowned for her magnificent, inspirational images. Here she gives advice on what to take into account when planning your wedding photo portfolio

Q: How important is location? A: When shooting the photographs for a wedding, the location is part of the story of the couple’s Big Day, so it’s an important aspect. I’ve documented weddings in all kinds of locations, some obviously more beautiful than others.

Q: What do you consider when choosing a location? A: Because I primarily shoot weddings, I usually don’t get to choose the location. However, I base what the location looks like into how I shoot the pictures. So, I will make the call on how much of the location details to include or frame in the wedding images. I decide whether to focus solely on the couple or incorporate a lot of the location elements, depending on how spectacular the setting is. Q: What works best for you – natural light and outdoor shots or special lighting indoors? A: Based on my photographic style, I personally prefer to mainly use natural light. My style is very candid; it’s about capturing those seconds of authentic emotion. I find that it’s easier to use available light to document those special moments the instant they occur. However, as a wedding photographer, I’m always shooting in various light conditions, most of which aren’t

I personally prefer to mainly use natural light. My style is very candid; it’s about capturing those seconds of authentic emotion.

For those ultra-romantic wedding shots that include golden sunlight, you need to take the photographs about an hour before the sun sets or an hour after it has risen.

necessarily offering the best light. So, I often find myself having to use lighting equipment. But even when I do, I try my best to align the lighting to my photographic style.

Q: What is important to you when putting a shoot together? A: It’s absolutely vital to work with quality service providers, especially when it comes to a wedding shoot. You see, it’s crucial that all the different elements tell the same story.

Q: What is the best time of day for a shoot? A: The whole day is the best time for a wedding shoot! Seriously, it really depends on what you’re photographing, where you’re taking the pictures and what you want the outcome to be. For those ultra-romantic wedding shots that include golden sunlight, you need to take the photographs about an hour before the sun sets or an hour after it has risen. However it does depend on the shoot itself. If you’re photographing a very edgy wedding, for instance, the same lighting might not be ideal.

Q: Any tips for the bride-to-be on her wedding photographs? A: My most important advice would be to create a wedding day timeline that takes the photography into account. Many people only consider the day’s activities when they plan the wedding timeline; they forget to consider that the entire day is actually a photo shoot as well. So when the couple plans the timeline, they should incorporate more time into the day’s activities, especially the early part of the day when they are getting ready. For example, it may only take five minutes to get into your dress, but it takes much longer for the photographer to capture this. Remember that. Your photographer will definitely need to spend time to perfectly capture all those special moments – the details of your wedding outfit, the people assisting you to get dressed, the make-up artist, hairdresser, your mother, the bridal party and so on. These are memories that you want captured so that you can cherish them forever. www.umphotography.co.za