Tips for Taking Great Wedding Ring and Engagement Ring Detail Shots

Weddings are all about two loving hearts being united as one. But the details mean a lot, too, especially the ones that have sentimental value. One of the most important details of the day is the ring. Almost every photographer gets the essential exchange of the rings shots. However, if there is extra time, it can be fun to get some more creative shots of the rings, too. These images are great in albums or a storyboard collage print.

(Doing detail shots yourself to show off your new rings? Marrying creativity and caution is essential. You'll want to avoid any ideas that could result in damage or loss of the rings. You also may want to actually use someone to act as a "spotter" for some shots or have a safety net, like a box on a stool, under the rings in case they drop. )

Wedding rings on an abandoned birdhouse perch

Detail shot of wedding rings on birdhouse perch

 When you are having a DIY wedding filled with gorgeous things you created, a macro lens is the perfect choice for capturing all the little details. I recently added some new macro filters that allow me to use a lighter lens to take handheld detail photos instead of hauling out the tripod and using my heavy macro lens. I especially love using it to get those fun wedding ring detail shots.

Placing the rings in a flower blossom allows you to create a pretty backdrop in even the plainest setting.

Setting a scene in the bride's dressing room allows you to get some pretty detail shots with other special items, like grandma's vintage beads.

I'll leave you with a few more tips for taking photos of your engagement ring and wedding band.

1. Make sure your rings are sparkling clean before you photograph them. Dirt and dust really show up, especially if you try some macro shots.
2. If you are using an automatic point and shoot camera, you'll see a little flower icon somewhere on it. This is your close up, or macro, setting. If you can't find it, check your instruction manual. It may be an option in your camera's menu.
3. Look for somewhere with plenty of nice light, but avoid sticking your rings on a rock at noon and snapping away. a wide windowsill or a porch would be a better option when the sun is really intense.
4. Have fun! Be creative and experiment. Look for pretty spots and set up a little scene for your rings.
5. Try and try again. You might have to redo your photos several times to get some good images, especially if you don't usually take macro shots.

If you get frustrated and decide taking photos of your rings isn't working out, just ask your engagement or wedding photographer to take some detail shots.If he or she is anything like me, the photographer already has plans to do so!

Just got engaged? I'd be delighted to help you create some memories of this wonderful time in your life. I offer on location engagement portrait sessions in Cecil and Harford County, Maryland and the Newark, Delaware and Oxford, Pennsylvania area. Contact me to set up your session, message me on Katelyn Thomas Photography's facebook page or visit my portrait photography website for more information.