Victorian House in Kaufman

Had a rehearsal this evening for a wedding tomorrow night at the Victorian House in Kaufman, which was a lot of fun. Like any venue, this space offers its own unique challenges. Nice wooden ceilings eat up light and a large set of windows can be problematic with both reflections and light from outside.

The inside lighting is almost entirely from wall fixtures and isn't very bright, but as a whole it is useable, even light.

Just after sunset, with incandescent white balance for the indoor lights, it is a really nice effect because the windows are a cool blue.

As you can see, the reflections are just there. Careful shooting should take care of some of that but there is not very much room to move around, especially when you add people. Seating capacity is supposed to be 250, but it feels smaller (cozy if you prefer) with only a center aisle.

After the sunlight goes away entirely, the picture changes quite a bit, with some sort of street light just behind the center window.

Here is the view from the front looking back. Note that the entry lighting is compact fluorescent bulbs so it will take correction or custom white balance for that area.

In case you are wondering, from the right angle those windows make big, beautiful softbox light during the daytime.

Of course from where you would have to be during a wedding, they make a big wall of light directly behind your subjects.

I did wander around a little bit outside before the light went away entirely, and I think this place would be great for a dusk outdoor wedding if the weather was nice.

And looking up makes a fun artsy shot... (still on incandescent white balance gives the crazy blue sky).

The people who run the place were very helpful and accommodating. The reception hall also has a very nice look. I look forward to seeing what images come out of the ceremony tomorrow night.

Don J.