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On the wedding day, detail shots are one of the most important images you need to capture. And besides the dress, the shoes, the cuffs, the florals, etc., the rings should also be a part of that shot list. Depending on where you are, the props at your disposal, or the available backdrops, there are plenty of creative and unique ways to shoot the rings. So if you’re wondering how to photograph wedding rings, you are in the right place, as this blog will offer some unique wedding ring photo ideas and tips on wedding ring photography. Additionally, for some visual aid, we’ve also included some engagement ring photo ideas and wedding ring detail shots from ShootDotEdit customers to spark your creativity.

How Do You Photograph A Wedding Ring

Image Credit: ShootDotEdit Customer @brandiallysephoto

When photographing wedding rings or taking engagement ring photos, look for ways to capture them in different ways. You could take photos of the ring on your clients’ fingers as you guide them through different poses that show off the rings, or you could also place the ring against complementary backdrops to really capture its sparkle. If the wedding day timeline allows, we’d highly recommend dedicating some time to photographing the rings by positioning them on their own or with other elements. Follow these wedding ring photography tips to capture stunning photos of this important piece of jewelry:

1. Lighting

You can experiment with different ring photography light setups and find what works best for you. As with any exposure and composition, balance is key for all wedding ring photo ideas. If you're shooting in a dark background, you'll need to use a flash to ensure that your image is exposed properly. On the other hand, too much light can wash out all the details of the rings. So experiment with your flash until you find the right balance. 

If you're shooting in low light, consider using a tripod or setting your camera on a stable surface to avoid any unintentional blurs. Try creative lighting techniques like backlighting to create a beautiful halo around the rings or position them near a window or use a reflector to bounce light onto the rings. If you happen to be photographing engagement rings outdoors, keep a diffuser handy to make sure you make the most of the natural light. 

2. Choose The Right Lens

Image Credit: ShootDotEdit Customer @dianenicolephoto

Capturing a detail shot of the engagement or wedding rings is always going to be a must-have on your shot list. Plus, it’s a great addition to the wedding photo album too. To do this, work with macro lenses, or you can try camera settings that enable you to take amazing close-up shots. One of the best lenses to photograph wedding rings is a macro lens. It allows you to get close up and personal with your subject, and needless to say, it’s great for capturing wedding day detail shots.

A macro lens will also allow you to shoot at a shallower depth of field, which can create a beautiful bokeh effect in your images. Use these to capture the intricate details of the rings, from the diamond facets to the band's textures and patterns. To get sharper wedding ring photographs and avoid distortion with even a slight camera shake, you can use a digital camera that’ll provide better image stabilization.

3. Select The Right Angle

One of the ways to succeed at creative wedding ring photography is by experimenting with different angles. If you already have a few wedding rings photo ideas in mind, here are some techniques that could help you achieve them:

• Shooting from a high angle can give wedding rings a more delicate look. For different wedding ring photo ideas, try to shoot them from an angle above the hands by holding the camera above the rings and pointing it down or by shooting from a bird's eye view. Wedding rings deserve their own spotlight, and the right angles can work all the magic.
  
  
• Shooting from a low angle can make the rings look larger and more dramatic. To photograph wedding rings from an angle below the hands, you can hold the camera below the rings and point it up or use a reflector to bounce light onto the bottom of the rings. 
  
  
• To get creative wedding ring photos from a side view, you can hold the camera to the side of the ring and point it in. This angle is great for showing off both the shape and structure of the rings.

Related Read: Photography Angles & Techniques: Understanding POV, Framing, & Composition

4. Add Elements In The Frame

Image Credit: ShootDotEdit Customer @stephanie.heymann.photography

While a simple shot of the wedding rings on their own can be beautiful, sometimes it's fun to get creative and add some elements to your frame. Here are a few quick tips to keep in mind when adding elements to your shots:

• Take note of the wedding rings background. A plain background will allow the rings to stand out, while a busy background can offer a nice frame for the shot. When framing your shot, also think about how you can use negative space to create a sense of balance.
  
  
• Choose elements that complement the rings. For a unique ring photography idea, while adding elements, consider things like color, texture, and scale. For example, a bride's bouquet can add a pop of color, while using moss or stones can add some interesting texture. Take note of the scale, you don't want anything to dwarf the rings or make them look lost in the frame.
  
  
• Pay attention to the symmetry of the frame. Adding elements to your flat lay should help create a visually pleasing composition, not throw it off balance. Even when you’re exploring engagement ring photography ideas, this can help make the detail photo more visually appealing.

Engagement And Wedding Ring Photography Ideas From ShootDotEdit Customers

1. Erin Morrison Photography

Image Credit: ShootDotEdit Customer @erinm_photography

2. Jorge Santiago Photography

Image Credit: ShootDotEdit Customer @jorgesantiagophoto

3. Lovers Of Love

Image Credit: ShootDotEdit Customer @loversoflove

4. Brandi Allyse Photo

Image Credit: ShootDotEdit Customer @brandiallysephoto

5. Looyenga Photography

Image Credit: ShootDotEdit Customer @looyengaphoto

Further Read: Wedding Photo Ideas: Inspiration From ShootDotEdit Customers

Photographing the rings is a crucial part of engagement and wedding photography. While there are so many tried and true ways of photographing the rings, wedding photographers can always get a little creative and also come up with wedding ring photo ideas that might be unique for your clients and align with their personalities. For something that’s done so often, it’s certainly not easy to have each of your engagement or wedding ring photos stand out. But using different photography and lighting techniques, as well as playing around with different elements that highlight the rings, can help you take ring photos that make it to the wedding album.