Nighttime Wedding Photo: Farmers Image Of The Week
FARMERS IMAGE OF THE WEEK
Jo Plus Liam
Nighttime Wedding Photo: Farmers Image Of The Week
This week’s Farmers Image Of The Week comes from the talented Glasgow-based duo, Jo Plus Liam, and it’s an exceptional example of a nighttime wedding photo done right. Known for their creative ‘One for the Road’ shots, they’ve taken inspiration from a Photography Farm workshop with Neil Thomas Douglas and made this signature closing moment entirely their own. This stunning photo invites you to pause, explore its layers, and appreciate how it perfectly captures both the energy of the evening and a private, intimate pause for the couple.
A Nighttime Wedding Photo Full of Layers
What makes this nighttime wedding photo so special is its depth – both in meaning and composition. At first glance, it’s a visually striking image: the dark silhouette of the venue contrasts with the warm glow spilling out from within. The couple stands at the centre, perfectly still, while the world around them blurs in movement. This two-second exposure captures not just what the party looked like, but also what it felt like. It’s a beautiful balance of intimacy and celebration.
The composition is another standout feature. The windowpanes frame the couple perfectly, dividing the scene into three sections. On either side, you can see guests moving, their energy contrasting with the calmness of the couple. The starburst lights add a magical touch, further enhancing the sense of celebration.
The Concept Behind the Shot
Jo and Liam have embraced the idea of a ‘One for the Road’ image as a way to wrap up their wedding coverage. It’s a moment to pull the couple aside, at the end of the evening, and create something unique that encapsulates the day’s energy. While many photographers might stick to the dancefloor for this final shot, Jo and Liam have gone a step further, incorporating their surroundings in a way that tells a richer story.
In this instance, the couple is given a chance to pause and connect amidst the buzz of their wedding celebration. That pause is more than just practical – it’s symbolic. The photo becomes a reflection of their place at the heart of the party, a stillness within the chaos. By using a long exposure, Jo and Liam have added a sense of movement and life without losing the emotional focus on the couple.
Why Nighttime Wedding Photos Are Worth Exploring
This image is also a fantastic reminder of the creative opportunities that come with shooting after dark. While daytime portraits are often carefully planned, nighttime wedding photos allow for spontaneity and experimentation. The lower light levels open up possibilities for playing with artificial light sources, long exposures, and reflections.
For photographers, this is a chance to think outside the box. What about incorporating the venue’s unique architecture, as Jo and Liam have done here? Or using sparklers, fairy lights, or even candles to create atmosphere? Nighttime photos don’t have to feel like an afterthought -they can be some of the most dynamic and memorable shots of the day maybe because the pressure is off for everyone.
Lessons From This Nighttime Wedding Photo
- Incorporate the Venue – Jo and Liam have made the venue a key part of this image, framing the couple beautifully within the window. Think about how you can use your surroundings to add context and depth to your photos.
- Balance Stillness and Movement – The long exposure in this image works so well because the couple remains still while their guests move around them. This contrast creates a dynamic, layered shot.
- Be Flexible With Portrait Times – Portraits don’t always need to happen during golden hour or in the middle of the day. This shot shows how powerful a nighttime portrait can be, especially when it’s reactive to the atmosphere and events of the day.
- Take a Moment for the Couple – The ‘One for the Road’ concept gives couples a chance to pause, breathe, and soak in the day. That pause can lead to some truly memorable images.
Wrapping Up With a Nighttime Wedding Photo
This nighttime wedding photo by Jo Plus Liam is not just a beautifully crafted image; it’s a testament to their thoughtful approach to storytelling. It shows how wedding portraits can go beyond the expected, capturing something that feels both spontaneous and meaningful. By giving the couple space to connect and using the environment creatively, Jo and Liam have delivered a standout image that is a total showstopper!
THE DETAILS
CAMERA: Sony A73 | Sony 35mm 1.4
SETTINGS: ISO 400 | F8
PRESET: Own Preset
“We noticed that due to the large window at one end we were getting a fantastic view into the party from outside“
We love to do a ‘one for the road’ photograph for our couples. Something to close their final gallery on, that brings it back to why everyone was there – the two folk that tied the knot. Tulach Ard House is an incredible venue near Skye, and in the evening once the sun had set Maddie (she/her), Summit (zie/her) + their guests danced the night away in an old building on the grounds.
We noticed that due to the large window at one end we were getting a fantastic view into the party from outside, we knew it would be cool for a final photograph. We took a test shot, and bonus points; it reminded us of the album cover for ‘Sleep Well Beast’ by The National, one of our faves.
Maddie + Summit had to stand very still while we rattled off a few photographs to make sure we were happy. We got eaten alive by midges, but it was so worth it!
THE TECH TALK
Nighttime Wedding Photo: Farmers Image Of The Week

We weren’t looking for a shallow depth of field for this photograph, and wanted the lights to have more of a starburst quality along the top, so opted for f8. We also wanted everyone on the dance floor to be blurry, so chose a shutter speed of 2 seconds. This meant that we had to ask Maddie + Summit to stand really still until we said otherwise, and we used a tripod to steady the camera as well as a timer to minimise us moving the camera when we pressed the shutter.
Must have felt pretty strange for them, thankfully they were happy to trust the process. We’re so glad they did, we love the final image we took for them.

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