Tips for shooting cool pool weddings in Chicago during summer

Chicago Summer Poolside Wedding Photography: Tips for Capturing Cool, Candid Moments

Chicago’s summer brings sunny skies, refreshing breezes, and the perfect backdrop for a poolside wedding. Whether it’s a rooftop celebration overlooking Lake Michigan or a backyard oasis in Lincoln Park, photographers can leverage the interplay of water, light, and joy to create vibrant, memorable images. Here’s how to master the art of poolside wedding photography in the Windy City.

Maximizing Natural Light and ReflectionsChicago’s summer sunlight is intense, but with careful timing and positioning, it can enhance your shots. Schedule key portraits during the golden hour (1–2 hours before sunset) when the light is soft and warm. Position the couple near the pool’s edge, using the water’s surface to reflect their silhouettes or the skyline’s glimmer. For a dramatic effect, photograph them during the blue hour—just after sunset—when the pool’s lights create a turquoise glow against the darkening sky.

Avoid harsh midday shadows by seeking open shade, such as under a pergola draped with sheer fabric or a large umbrella. If shooting in direct sunlight, use a reflector to bounce light onto the couple’s faces, minimizing harsh contrasts. For creative reflections, ask guests to toss flower petals or confetti into the pool, capturing the ripples and colors as they scatter across the water.

Capturing Movement and Splashes CreativelyPoolside weddings are inherently playful, so embrace the energy of the setting. Photograph the couple dipping their toes in the water, capturing the droplets mid-air with a fast shutter speed (1/1000th of a second or higher). For a more artistic approach, use a slower shutter (1/125th of a second) to blur the motion of a bridesmaid’s skirt as she jumps into the pool, creating a sense of movement without sacrificing clarity.

Incorporate the pool’s surroundings into your compositions. Frame the newlyweds against the city’s skyline reflected in the water, or use the pool’s steps as leading lines to draw attention to their first kiss. During the reception, capture guests dancing around the pool, their laughter and joy frozen in time. If the wedding includes a poolside game like limbo or a synchronized swim performance, switch to burst mode to ensure you don’t miss any spontaneous moments.

Playing with Water as a Styling ElementWater isn’t just a backdrop—it can be a styling tool. Encourage the couple to incorporate water-themed details into their decor, such as floating candles in the pool, submerged flower arrangements, or acrylic signs with watercolor designs. Photograph these elements up close to highlight their textures and colors, using a macro lens for intricate details like dewdrops on a rose petal.

For a whimsical touch, have the bride and groom write their vows on waterproof paper and toss them into the pool, capturing the papers as they drift away. Use a polarizing filter to reduce glare on the water’s surface, allowing you to see through to the bottom of the pool for unique perspectives. If the wedding features a poolside lounge area, photograph the couple reclining on daybeds with cocktails in hand, using the pool’s reflection to add depth to the image.

Adapting to Chicago’s Summer Weather QuirksChicago’s summer weather can be unpredictable, with sudden gusts of wind or passing clouds altering the lighting. Keep a portable diffuser or scrim on hand to soften harsh sunlight if clouds temporarily part. If a breeze picks up, use it to your advantage by photographing the bride’s veil or the groom’s tie flowing in the wind, adding dynamism to the shot.

In case of rain, embrace the moisture for creative effects. Photograph the couple under a clear umbrella, capturing raindrops bouncing off the pool’s surface or the reflection of city lights in the puddles on the deck. Use a high ISO (800–1600) to maintain sharpness in low-light conditions, and consider converting some images to black-and-white for a timeless, moody aesthetic.

Highlighting Candid Interactions Around the PoolThe most memorable poolside wedding photos often stem from unscripted moments. Capture the bride’s sisters helping her adjust her bikini cover-up before the ceremony, or the groom’s friends cheering as he takes a plunge into the pool. Use a telephoto lens (85mm or longer) to shoot from a distance, ensuring subjects remain unaware of the camera and act naturally.

Incorporate Chicago’s urban charm by framing the couple against iconic landmarks, such as the Willis Tower’s reflection in the pool or the Navy Pier Ferris wheel twinkling in the distance. Photograph guests mingling around the pool bar, their colorful drinks and laughter adding to the festive atmosphere. For a sentimental touch, capture the couple’s first dance on the pool deck, with the water’s glow illuminating their faces.

By blending technical precision with a knack for capturing joy, photographers can turn a Chicago summer poolside wedding into a visual celebration of love, laughter, and the city’s vibrant energy.