Not all wedding photographers run from shadows, in fact the most creative use them to surprise the couples they work with and deliver artistic artwork. This week we’ve chosen the top-ten photographs from our galleries that use shadows brilliantly, and given each artist responsible one of our coveted Concepts Awards. All of these photos are featured in our Awards Gallery for 2022 and will be entered into our year-end contest for 2022. Come back to see what wins next, and don’t miss our final collection of the best 50 photos coming the first week of January!

The bigger-than-life shadows of this couple framed in front of a bank vault brings a cinematic look to this award winner by Los Angeles wedding photographers, Marlies Hartmann of M. Hart. 

Orlando Suarez from Viridian Images in Florida didn’t wait for the bride to arrive before creating this incredible shot using her awaiting groom and her beautiful shadow.

Using the shadows cast by this bridal party, Michigan wedding photographer Amber Henry gives us a whole new way to look at a group portrait.

The way the long shadows fall on the stairway as this bride and groom ascend the steps serves to make this photo by 37 Frames in Japan even more momentous. 

Here’s to a messy moment captured by Mauro Cantelmi of Dezine by Mauro in Australia! Using the shadows of guests toasting, he adds a wonderful flair to this couple’s approach to their cake cutting.

Using only shadows, San Diego wedding photographer Sara France of Sara France Photography gives us a glimpse of a classic couple shot with the bridal party looking on from a whole new perspective.

Dark and moody, this dramatic photo from Portland, Oregon, wedding photographers, Jos & Tree puts the spotlight on the bride as she descends the stairs in deep shadow. 

Using the dimly lit wall behind the priest and the couple like a movie screen, Spain photographer Victor Marti of El Marco Rojo makes this moment bigger than life.

Making the groom’s shadow the frame for this bridal portrait, Ruan Redelinghuys from South Africa creates a feeling of anticipation with his brilliant take on a getting-ready photo.

Using available light with mastery, Las Vegas wedding photographer Jerry Ghionis uses slow shutter speed and shadow to create this artistic look at a couple on the way to their reception.

To see our ongoing collection of award winning photos check out our Award Gallery now, then choose the best photographer for your wedding from our elite and trusted directory of leading photographers.