- Artificial Light
- calm
- Center Framed
- Dark
- full body
- holding each other
- Leading lines
- looking up
- lower thirds
- Natural
- night
- Stars
- Wide
The story behind the image
Directions
Describe how you spoke to your subject(s)
Directions and communications with couples during night photography is essential. I asked the bride and groom to snuggle up in their blanket, stay as still as possible, and gaze up at the night sky. Believe it or not, they held this still for 10 seconds.
What did you say?
Ok, I’m going to try an even longer exposure this time. Take a few deep breathes and then I’ll count you down. Once you hear the click of the shutter, hold nice and still and keep your eyes fixed on the beautiful night sky.
Tone of Directions
Calm
Composition
I framed the couple so that one bright star was perfectly centered between their gaze. I loved the near symmetry in the field and trees, and that those lines lead your eyes to the couple, before following their gaze up to the night sky.
framing
Lower Thirds
Focusing
Describe how you spoke to your subject(s)
My focus was on the couple’s faces. I shined my headlamp at them for some brightness to see, zoomed in on live-mode, and then turned my headlamp back off before exposing.
Focus Mode
Single Shot Autofocus
Focus POints
Single Point
Focused on
The Couple
Equipment &
Exif
Camera
Lens
Flash
Filter
10 sec @ f/1.4 ISO3200 WB-Auto
The way the EXIF is written out follows the common photographic method (with the inclusion of White Balance at the end). Here it is broken down:
Shutter Speed @ Aperture ISO White Balance.
Light & Weather
For this image, I used 100% ambient light. You’ll notice some orange glow coming in from the surrounding campgrounds, but there was no direct light from the sun, moon, or flashlight.
Light Type
Artificial Light
Time of day
Night
Editing Workflow
How did you edit this image?
The overall image was warmed up in post-production. A few minor adjustments were made like increasing shadows and blacks, decreasing highlights, and brought up the clarity a bit in Lightroom. Some sharpening and noise reduction was also added as this was photographed at a higher ISO.
Editing Software
Adobe Lightroom Classic
Preset Used
Challenges
The biggest challenge with this one was getting the subjects to remain still, especially on this chilly summer evening.
Solutions
Fortunately, this is a military couple. They are good at standing at attention and were able to hold nice and still. I also took as many photos as necessary until we nailed it, something that I often do when it comes to nighttime portraits.
Location
Location Name
Estes Park Campground at East Portal
Location aDDRESS
3420 Tunnel Rd, Estes Park, CO 80517
Loation Type
Garden / Field
Country
United States
Night photography can be extremely experimental. There are so many lighting and environmental factors, and nailing the correct exposure does take some patience. I always set expectations for my couples ahead of time and am extremely communicative with them. I love giving couples a countdown for when they need to remain still, and also giving them time to relax, breathe, and enjoy the experience between photos too.
