There is a reason filmmakers and artists have flocked to Malta for centuries. It’s not just the history or the architecture; it’s the light. There is a specific quality to the Maltese sun—bright and piercing at midday, yet incredibly soft and golden as evening approaches.
As a Malta videographer, my goal isn’t just to document what happens; it is to capture the feeling of the day. And the secret ingredient to those dreamy, cinematic shots you see in my portfolio? It’s almost always timing.
If you are planning your wedding on our beautiful island, here is how to structure your day to ensure your wedding videographer can capture the magic.
The Challenge of the Midday Sun
Malta enjoys over 300 days of sunshine a year. While this is great for your holiday tan, it can be tricky for cameras. Between 12:00 PM and 3:00 PM, especially in summer, the sun is directly overhead. This creates harsh shadows (think dark circles under the eyes) and causes people to squint.
The Fix: If you are having an outdoor ceremony, aim for a later start time—typically 5:00 PM or later in the peak summer months. If an early ceremony is a must, look for venues with ample shade, like the tree-lined gardens of Palazzo Parisio or the covered cloisters of a historic convent.
The Magic of ‘Golden Hour’
Ask any wedding videographer for their favorite time of day, and the answer is always the same: Golden Hour. This is the hour just before sunset when the light turns soft, warm, and flattering. The harsh contrasts disappear, and the limestone walls of Valletta or Mdina seem to glow from within.
Pro Tip: When drafting your timeline, check the sunset time for your specific wedding date. Schedule a 20-minute window about 45 minutes before sunset for a couple’s session. This is when we capture those breathtaking romantic shots on the cliffs or by the sea—just you, your partner, and the perfect light.
Don’t Forget ‘Blue Hour’
Just after the sun dips below the horizon, we enter ‘Blue Hour’. The sky turns a deep, twilight indigo, and the city lights start to twinkle. This is the perfect time for:
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Atmospheric wide shots of your venue.
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Creative silhouette shots.
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The transition into your evening party.
Trust Your Local Expert
Planning a timeline from abroad can be difficult. You might not realize how quickly the sun drops in September versus June, or how long it takes to travel from a church in Mosta to a reception in St. Julian’s during rush hour.
This is why hiring a local Malta videographer is essential. I know exactly where the sun hits the Upper Barrakka Gardens in the afternoon and which beaches are shadowed too early in the day. I work with you to craft a schedule that flows naturally, ensuring you spend less time posing and more time enjoying your party—all while I capture the best possible footage.
Let’s Plan Your Perfect Day
Light is the paintbrush of wedding videography. By planning your day around the sun, we can turn a beautiful wedding into a cinematic masterpiece.
Confused about your timeline? Contact me today and let’s design a schedule that makes your wedding film shine.