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Harrisonburg wedding photography

Rachel Dodson Photography - Shenandoah Valley

Rachel Dodson Photography reviews

Virginia photography review

Rachel Dodson is a Virginia based wedding and portrait photographer with a classic, clean, and crisp style and approach.

540 - 222 - 7851
racheldodsonphotos@gmail.com
Harrisonburg, VA

Kim & her girls giving sunshine to a cloudy day ✨✨
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#shenandoahvalleyweddingphotographer #virginiaweddingphotographer #harrisonburgweddingphotographer #richmondweddingphotographer #novaweddingphotographer

Kim & her girls giving sunshine to a cloudy day ✨✨
•
#shenandoahvalleyweddingphotographer #virginiaweddingphotographer #harrisonburgweddingphotographer #richmondweddingphotographer #novaweddingphotographer

While Instagram is mainly a place for me to share pretty pictures, I also want it to be a place where couples can learn what to expect from their wedding photos!

So let’s talk timing & lighting 👀

These three photos were taken at different times throughout the day — the first at 3:00, the second at 5:00, and the last at 6:30, which was golden hour for this fall wedding. Let’s walk through the day and see how timing affects the image:

3:00 PM: The sun is pretty high in the sky, which means colors and shadows are more contrasted. Grass in direct sunlight can look almost neon and reflect back up onto your skin, sometimes making it appear extra yellow. Depending on where you’re standing, you may also notice shadows under your eyes and around your face and a little squinting from the brightness. During this time of day, we’re intentionally looking for spots with softer light, usually in the shade and facing away from the sun, to create a more natural, soft look that aligns with our style.

5:00 PM: The sun is starting to lower, which means instead of shining directly on top of you, it’s coming more from behind you and behind the trees. Depending on the location, we still keep an eye out for color reflections and shadows, but we have much more flexibility with photo spots. Images taken around this time tend to be more even-toned and start to have a little glow around you.

6:30 PM: Ahhh, golden hour has entered the chat ✨ The sun is low enough that the light becomes soft and warm all around us. Skin tones look incredible, colors feel richer and more romantic, and everything just has that dreamy, magical quality. Photos taken at this time of day are often the favorites for a reason.

Sometimes couples ask why I’m not using a certain spot for photos right away, or why I’ll say, “We’ll go there later.” This is why. Timing matters, and I’m always thinking about how it will affect the final image. You booked us because you love the look of our photos… and there’s a little science behind how they’re set up 😉
•
•
#shenandoahvalleyweddingphotographer #virginiaweddingphotographer #harrisonburgweddingphotographer #richmondweddingphotographer #novaweddingphotographer

While Instagram is mainly a place for me to share pretty pictures, I also want it to be a place where couples can learn what to expect from their wedding photos!

So let’s talk timing & lighting 👀

These three photos were taken at different times throughout the day — the first at 3:00, the second at 5:00, and the last at 6:30, which was golden hour for this fall wedding. Let’s walk through the day and see how timing affects the image:

3:00 PM: The sun is pretty high in the sky, which means colors and shadows are more contrasted. Grass in direct sunlight can look almost neon and reflect back up onto your skin, sometimes making it appear extra yellow. Depending on where you’re standing, you may also notice shadows under your eyes and around your face and a little squinting from the brightness. During this time of day, we’re intentionally looking for spots with softer light, usually in the shade and facing away from the sun, to create a more natural, soft look that aligns with our style.

5:00 PM: The sun is starting to lower, which means instead of shining directly on top of you, it’s coming more from behind you and behind the trees. Depending on the location, we still keep an eye out for color reflections and shadows, but we have much more flexibility with photo spots. Images taken around this time tend to be more even-toned and start to have a little glow around you.

6:30 PM: Ahhh, golden hour has entered the chat ✨ The sun is low enough that the light becomes soft and warm all around us. Skin tones look incredible, colors feel richer and more romantic, and everything just has that dreamy, magical quality. Photos taken at this time of day are often the favorites for a reason.

Sometimes couples ask why I’m not using a certain spot for photos right away, or why I’ll say, “We’ll go there later.” This is why. Timing matters, and I’m always thinking about how it will affect the final image. You booked us because you love the look of our photos… and there’s a little science behind how they’re set up 😉
•
•
#shenandoahvalleyweddingphotographer #virginiaweddingphotographer #harrisonburgweddingphotographer #richmondweddingphotographer #novaweddingphotographer

When you elope in Ireland but then have an epic cocktail hour and reception for all your friends and family at the @jmballrooms ✨✨

I love the vibe of these dance floor photos. I like to keep my photos through a wedding day on the brighter side to reflect the joy and light of the day, but once those lights go down and the kids are told to head out, I love to shift to those darker direct flash photos that make it feel like your dance floor is a night club! 🪩
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•
#harrisonburgweddingphotographer #virginiaweddingphotographer #shenandoahvalleyweddingphotographer #virginiaweddingphotographer #richmondweddingphotographer
harrisonburg weddings, jmu weddings, rva weddings, dmv weddings, husband and wife photographers, wedding inspo

When you elope in Ireland but then have an epic cocktail hour and reception for all your friends and family at the @jmballrooms ✨✨

I love the vibe of these dance floor photos. I like to keep my photos through a wedding day on the brighter side to reflect the joy and light of the day, but once those lights go down and the kids are told to head out, I love to shift to those darker direct flash photos that make it feel like your dance floor is a night club! 🪩
•
•
#harrisonburgweddingphotographer #virginiaweddingphotographer #shenandoahvalleyweddingphotographer #virginiaweddingphotographer #richmondweddingphotographer
harrisonburg weddings, jmu weddings, rva weddings, dmv weddings, husband and wife photographers, wedding inspo

What’s your mood going into this week? Drop your number in the comments! Don’t forget to claim your free boop on the last slide.🐶🐾

I think I’m a 7! 😂
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#dogphotographer #shenandoahvalleyphotographer #goldenretriever #virginiaphotographer #petphotoshoot

What’s your mood going into this week? Drop your number in the comments! Don’t forget to claim your free boop on the last slide.🐶🐾

I think I’m a 7! 😂
•
•
#dogphotographer #shenandoahvalleyphotographer #goldenretriever #virginiaphotographer #petphotoshoot

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