HOW i SHOT THiS

  • 5 person group
  • Back lit
  • Bridesmaids
  • Center Framed
  • Funny
  • Group
  • Jokes
  • Laughing
  • Mid range
  • Natural
  • Outdoor
  • Playful
  • Rim Light
  • Rule of thirds
  • Soft Light
  • Unposed

The story behind the image

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Group shots don’t always have to be serious, right? Especially when it comes to doing some photos with the bridal party or closest friends; I like to bring more fun and natural vibe to them. Exactly the same way they could have been if they were just all together enjoying some time. Two bridesmaids were the bride’s sister and the two other her best friends. They all have an easy and joyful relationship so it was important to catch it.
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Directions

Describe how you spoke to your subject(s)

I asked them to be next to each other very close, but not facing me totally. Then I told them to not look at me and look at each other, and to laugh exaggeratedly loud. They were laughing so loud, that they finally laugh for real. That was the goal.

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What did you say?

Can you stand next each other very close? Don’t look at me, look at each other, I’m going to count to 3, and you’re going to laugh super loud all together!

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Composition

I chose to shoot close enough to get the feeling of being part of the group. The landscape behind huge an “empty”, so I cut it the maximum to get a more intimate vibe. The goal was to see their expressions very well, with their faces at the same level as the camera.

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framing

Center Framed

Focusing

Describe how you spoke to your subject(s)

The focus was on the bride’s face. As they were all almost on the same line, I knew they would all be enough to focus with the right aperture. I locked the focus point on the bride and shot in burst mode. As they were laughing and moving their bodies and their faces to each other, it was a huge help to get the perfect shot.

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Focus Mode

Single Shot Autofocus

Focus POints

Single Point

Focused on

The Brides face

Equipment &
Exif

Camera
Sony A9 II
Lens
Sony Zeiss 35mm f/1.4
Flash
None
Filter
None
800 @ f/f/2.8 ISO1000 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

I shot at sunset, and I would have loved the get the sun right behind them, creating a nice glow. But there was the venue parking lot and it was impossible to hide. So I decided to move them until I still can get the sun glow, with a better background. With that sun I wanted to enhance even more the good energy of their expressions.

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Light Type

Natural Light

Editing Workflow

How did you edit this image?

After using my base preset, I warmed up the temperature, rised the white a bit, changed the curve to get creamier softer whites, desaturated the greens, and added a little bit of grain.

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Editing Software
Adobe Lightroom CC
Preset Used
Own personal Preset

Challenges

The were two challenges here. Get a shot that looked natural where they were all laughing. And still, have a cute face for every girl.

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Solutions

Feel free to ask your group to do weird things that will make them laugh naturally. If you feel they are fun enough to do it.
And used the burst mode of your camera. Better have multiple shots to choose the perfect one from.

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Location

Location Name

Domaine de l'Ecart

Location aDDRESS

Domaine de l'Ecart, 71420 Génelard, France

Loation Type

Wedding / Event Venue

Country

France

Most of the time the bridal party is composed of the closest friends. People that the couple feels comfortable with. Take advantage of being in a small group to make your couple feel comfortable in front of your camera too. After doing those fun shots, they will be more relaxed for the couple session.

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