You might be wondering, “What does theatre have to do with wedding photography?” At first glance, the two might seem worlds apart. One is about storytelling through performance, the other through the lens of a camera. But as a wedding photographer with a background in theatre, I can tell you that there are more similarities than you might think. My theatre experience has shaped my approach to wedding photography in ways that might surprise you.
The Art of Storytelling
Theatre is all about telling a story. Every performance, every line of dialogue, and every scene is crafted to create an emotional journey for the audience. Wedding photography’s goal is the same — to tell a story. The difference is I’m telling the story through images, not words. Each shot, each frame, is a moment in the larger narrative of your wedding day.
Like in theatre, where actors use gestures, facial expressions, and the surrounding environment to communicate emotions, wedding photography captures the moments that reflect your wedding day’s joy, excitement, and intimacy. My theatre background has trained me to look for these moments, to anticipate emotions before they unfold, and to document them in a way that creates a compelling visual narrative.
Blocking and Composition
One of the key concepts in theatre is “blocking” — the arrangement of actors in a scene. It’s about positioning the cast to create visually interesting compositions and to guide the audience’s focus. This is where my theatre training comes into play in wedding photography.
In theatre, blocking guides the audience’s eye to the crucial parts of the scene. Similarly, composition and framing in photography help direct the viewer’s attention to the key moments. Just as a director would stage a scene to ensure the focus is on the right element, I carefully compose each shot to highlight the most meaningful parts of your wedding day, whether it’s a quiet, intimate moment between the couple or the dramatic sweep of the ceremony space.
Lighting as a Character
In theatre, lighting is used not only to illuminate but also to set the tone of the scene. A dramatic spotlight on an actor creates tension, while soft lighting can evoke a sense of calm. In wedding photography, light is equally crucial. Just like on stage, how I use light in wedding photos can completely transform the mood of an image.
I use light to emphasize emotions, highlight details, and create depth in my images. Whether it’s the soft, flattering glow of window light while getting ready moments or the dramatic contrast created by flash during an evening reception, the light shapes the story I’m telling through the lens.
The Importance of Timing
Theatre is all about timing — a perfect pause or a well-delivered line can make or break a scene. In wedding photography, timing is just as important. Capturing the perfect moment requires the right balance of patience and anticipation. I’ve learned from theatre that timing often makes all the difference. Whether it’s capturing the perfect laugh, the subtle look exchanged between a couple, or the fleeting moment of a first dance, anticipating and waiting for those moments is key to creating a memorable shot.
Directing the Scene
Another aspect of theatre that influences my photography is the idea of directing. While wedding photography is more about capturing moments than creating them, there are still times when I gently guide couples to get the best shot. In theatre, the director helps actors find the correct posture, movements, and facial expressions to communicate their character’s emotions. Similarly, in wedding photography, I may ask couples to shift their positioning or to take a small step forward to create more dynamic compositions. These subtle directions help capture the moment in the most flattering and artistic way.
The Emotional Connection
Theatre teaches actors to connect with the emotions of their characters. It’s not just about playing a role; it’s about living in the moment and conveying those feelings authentically. When it comes to wedding photography, my job is to capture those raw, unscripted emotions that make your wedding day unique. Whether it’s the look of awe on a partner’s face as they see their loved one walk down the aisle or the tearful joy during vows, these moments are what I aim to capture — real, unfiltered emotion.
The Role of Costuming and Styling
In theatre, costumes tell you everything about a character before they speak a word — from their social status to their personality and background. The same concept applies to wedding photography.
How you and your partner dress for your wedding tells a story, too. The gowns, tuxedos, and even the more minor details like accessories or shoes play a huge role in the visual narrative of your day. As a wedding photographer, I draw inspiration from this idea of “costuming” to help guide couples in styling their look for the day. Whether it’s encouraging a bride to wear a dress that speaks to her personality or assisting their spouse in picking a jumpsuit that complements the venue, styling your wedding day attire is as important as the event itself.
Like a well-chosen costume can elevate a theatrical performance, thoughtfully curated wedding outfits can make the photos more dynamic and memorable, adding another layer of meaning to each shot.
The Final Act
Ultimately, theatre and wedding photography share a common goal: creating something beautiful that resonates with the audience. Whether a live performance or a set of wedding photos, both are designed to evoke emotion, tell a story, and preserve a moment in time. My theatre background gives me a unique perspective on approaching each wedding day as a narrative, carefully crafted with intention and purpose. From how I frame each shot to how I use lighting to tell your story, my experience on stage has shaped how I see the world through my camera.
So, the next time you look at your wedding photos, think of them as part of a beautifully staged performance — with you as the show’s star. I’ll be there, behind the lens, capturing each act, each scene, and each meaningful moment as it unfolds.
