OK. So much to unpack here. Things to know in general:
- Be careful of direct overhead sun when shooting. When you're on the upper decks(11-13), try not to shoot when the sun is glaring overhead. Sunrise/sunset times will provide more flattering lighting at those locations.
- When you're inside, it won't hurt to use some flash. Learn how to adjust the flash output on your phones to the negative side to provide fill flash and compliment the natural light.
- Always, always be aware of what your background looks like in EVERY shot. You have to live with these later. Not just to make sure things you don't want are excluded but to include those elements which convey "I'm on a cruise".
Now, about those locations. Part of this may depend on just how "thematic" you want to be (or not). Or. Take some posed "We was there" basic standup kinda snaps and call it good. These don't do much for me but still seems to permeate the general wedding photography market and that's all you seem to see posted on the tubes. But, minus the location difference, the exact same kind of wedding pictures were being taken since the early 1900s. Be aware, if you do end up with a shooter from the onboard company, they are NOT a wedding photographer (really good ones are worth every penny). And no, I don't have example shots. It's amazing how dull and boring many of the
DCL wedding shots I see posted actually are. Most are well-exposed and technically accurate. But jeez, I could have hired somebody from Sears or Montgomery Wards from the 70s to take the same photos.
You need to channel your inner Figment. If you want some shots to remember, put some time (as you are) into a shot list. Write it down and follow it. Back to the concept of theming here. Especially if you do your pics right before/after the ceremony and you plan on wearing identifiable wedding finery. I would also say the Promenade on Deck4 really isn't that great a place for photos - it just doesn't have great vibes (except maybe early evening right at/after sunset). And I would also stay away from the MDRs - yes, they are visually nice but don't really convey a wedding atmosphere to me. Some ideas:
- The Atrium - sorta obvious but it is pretty grand. Don't hesitate to use the props around you. Like the grand piano - recreate the Lady Gaga/Bradley Cooper duet from last year's Oscars. And the staircase, of course. Say hi to Donald. Etc.
- Deck 13, Goofy Sports Deck - shots of you two playing mini-golf.
- Deck 11, Vanelloppe's - shots of the two of you sharing a sundae.
- Deck 4, Pub 687 - shots of the two of you hoisting a pint.
- Deck 12, AquaDuck - if you are REALLY adventurous, and don't mind, AT THE END OF THE PHOTOS, a shot or three of y'all riding down the flume. Not sure whether this would be allowed or not (doubtful but I love the idea).
- Deck 4, BV Theater - shots (in the dark, VERY little flash or none) of you two sharing a popcorn watching a movie.
- Deck 3 or 4, deep seat portholes - always an interesting shot
- The Oceaneer Club - oh my, so many options. Are you Star Wars fans? Toy Story? What about the two of you flying the Millenium Falcon? Riding Rex?
There are a lot of other possibilities but it's so dependent on the two of you, your imaginations, and how freewheeling you want to be. And face it, some of what you will end up doing will be spur of the moment after you see what things are like once you're on board.
One last - if you have a REALLY good friend, have them review one of the many free books/tutorials on the web about wedding photography. Make them, or at least only ONE person, your photo coordinator. You have just as good a chance of getting the right shots as any other possibility here. Having some oversee takes a huge load off of you too.
Best wishes!
