White walls, white ceilings, wood paneling,  ballrooms, hotel rooms, barns, golf courses…the lists goes on.

One of the great things about shooting weddings in Virginia, Maryland and the District of Columbia is that there are so many awesome venues to choose from and there is usually something available in every bride’s budget range.  My heart sings when I see a venue that has great lighting- either gorgeous windows or nice white walls or ceilings that reflect light beautifully.  While all venues aren’t perfect, there are a few key things about lighting that photographers know when setting up for a reception.  Because of this, a photographer may not need to go on a venue tour.  In cases where I have previously shot at a venue, I already know my lighting plan, so it’s a seamless transition from the ceremony and portrait time to the start of the reception.  In venues where I have not shot, that’s not a negative for experienced photographers, but it does mean that I will get set up and run a few tests prior to the start of the reception.  In these cases, it takes a quick 10 minutes to get up and running.  Usually during the times that I am testing my light, guests may be filing in to find their tables and the bride and groom may be having a moment of downtime before their entrance.

Sometimes it creates peace of mind for the bride to go on a venue tour with their photographer and I have done these in the past, however, in some cases it is not always possible depending upon the timing and the location (i.e. a destination or out of state wedding).  One recommendation that I make to brides when touring their venue is to take photos, a camera phone will suffice.  This way we’re on the same page with what to expect on the wedding day.  It’s also important to communicate any special details that you want captured as it relates to your reception space in writing.  I do this by having my couples complete a questionnaire a few weeks before the wedding.

So should a venue tour be a requirement? I don’t think it should, but proper communication and understanding of your photographers’ ability to properly light your venue should!  I hope this helps those of you trying to make decisions on whether or not to tour the venue!