Natural Light at San Francisco City Hall
San Francisco City Hall weddings are magical because this ornate building is always filled with light. White marble interiors reflect the sun rays that are pouring in through gigantic windows. And regardless of the weather outside, your wedding photographer is bound to make awesome images. Natural light at City Hall is just hypnotizing!
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THE BUILDING
A unique example of Beaux-Arts architecture, San Francisco City Hall comprises acres of pearly white marble and elegant gilded bronze. Beauty is everywhere you look and natural light is filling the entire building. Most of it is coming from numerous skylights. Stemming from the ceilings, the sun rays are spreading around and filling even the long hallways. On a sunny day, every corner is drenched in sunlight. And when it is cloudy or foggy outside, crisp white surfaces are still bright. Ornate walls are constantly contrasted with bold shadows. This juxtaposition always creates awe-inspiring backdrops for your wedding photography.
Where to find the most beautiful photo shoot locations filled with natural light? The Grand Staircase and the Rotunda are bathed in light, but they are also the busiest areas. The Mayor’s Balcony also offers shimmery white backdrops, while the third floor features gracious Art Deco windows. The 4th-Floor Galleries offer a myriad of exciting locations and a wonderful interplay of shadows and light.
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See also: How to get married at SF City Hall, The Rotunda, Mayors Balcony, 4th floor, 3rd floor, Front Door, County Clerk, Grand Staircase, Things to do after, Where to stay before the wedding, Candid photos, City Hall natural light, More City Hall guides.
WHEN TO TAKE THE BEST PICTURES?
The best time to get married in San Francisco City Hall? Experienced wedding photographers will tell you it is early morning or late afternoon. Natural light at City Hall looks stunning between 8 am and 10 am, but it is also gorgeous when the sun starts falling. If you book one of the last time slots, you’ll get to be one of the last ones to tie the knot and grab the best photo opportunities. You’ll be wowed by the mystic play of shadows and light that emphasizes ornate decorations and exaggerates the impressive height of the building. By choosing a morning or afternoon ceremony, you are also avoiding the crowds. It is even more important to ensure you get the best images at all the coolest places around the building. You want to have clear backdrops and ample space in front of you. And even if there isn’t an abundance of natural light, you can enhance photos with professional lighting.
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NATURAL LIGHT AND WHAT NOT TO DO WITH IT
As a photographer who spends a lot of time at City Hall, I often see two wedding photography patterns. First, even amateur photographers know that using a direct on-camera flash is counterproductive in soft light. Still, some City Hall wedding photographers use that direct flash-light, which overpowers gorgeous window light. Why? I have no idea. And the second group of photographers (who do love natural light) shoots on the go without stabilizing hands, without using breathing techniques which results in probably “not so sharp” images. Yes, these images look great on a camera screen but not so great on a large computer monitor. At high ISO with slow shutter speed, any movement reduces image quality. For those couples who are pixel-peekers, I recommend researching the subject before hiring a photographer.
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