- Backlit
- Natural
- Warm
- symmetry
- Sunset
- silhouette
- seagulls
- sand
- Reflection
- Outdoor
- Moody
- Beach
- Low Light
- holding hands
- gold hour
- full body
- Dark
- Cloudy
- Center Framed
- Birds
- Wide
The story behind the image
We had to get there by boat for their ceremony before sunset, which they shared with family. Afterward, we had some time for portraits and as the sun was going down, the light and the tones just got dreamier and dreamier, we were supposed to leave but it was just impossible because it looked so beautiful!
They poped a champagne bottle, drank straight from the bottle, and had so much fun. This moment with the birds only lasted a couple of seconds and it was so precious! I’m glad I never put my camera away.
Directions
Describe how you spoke to your subject(s)
I was actually asking the couple to stand facing each other with the sunset behind them. As I was asking this, all the birds started flying right above them and I don’t think I even finish my direction, I just shot a few photos while probably shaking!
What did you say?
Guys, lets have you stand facing each other while holding your hands
Tone of Directions
Calm
Composition
In this photo, my priority was the sunset and their reflections in the shallow water. The birds were just a sudden gift from nature. So, I mainly wanted to keep them centered and the horizon line close to the middle of the frame as well.
framing
Center Framed
Focusing
Describe how you spoke to your subject(s)
I used autofocus on the couple. when there isn’t much detail to focus on because it’s the evening, I always focus on the edge of the silhouette to make it easier.
Focus Mode
Single Shot Autofocus
Focus POints
Single Point
Focused on
silhouette
Equipment &
Exif
Camera
Lens
Flash
Filter
200 @ f/7.1 ISO320 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
The sun had set behind them and these were the last moments of those pink colors in the sky. Since I wanted to keep the colors and details of the sunset, I underexposed the shot so that I wouldn’t blow out any details in the sky. I purposely kept the couple dark as I was going for a silhouette.
Light Type
Natural Light
Time of day
Sunset
Editing Workflow
How did you edit this image?
I used my own preset and tweaks. I mainly added brightness and warmed up the tones a lot as it was the last moments of sunset and the light was getting cold and darker, and the photo didn’t make justice to how it looked in person. I also added a linear gradient from below-up with more exposure to let the shadows show up a bit more. At last, I erased a strap from her dress which worked for her to hold it up and I didn’t like it on the silhouette so I wanted it to look like it was flying.
Editing Software
Preset Used
Own personal Presets
Challenges
The only challenge was the little time I had while the birds were flying and the last colors of the sunset were visible so I just had to get the photo done without focusing too much on the guiding part.
Solutions
This wasn’t something in my control, I just went with it and it was perfect.
Location
Location Name
Holbox Beach
Location aDDRESS
Playa Mosquito
Loation Type
Beach / Coastal
Country
Mexico
On this elopement I learned that I shouldn’t limit my time of coverage to what they paid for, sometimes beautiful things happen the minute after your coverage ended, while everyone is more relaxed.
