- Center Framed
- Closed Eyes
- Creative
- Directional Light
- floor
- Harsh Light
- Indoor
- Leading lines
- Mid range
- Mirror
- Reflection
- Room
- unique
- Window Light
The story behind the image
Directions
Describe how you spoke to your subject(s)
We worked together on this shot. I had to ask them to move a few times and also consider, getting them to sit in a way that feels comfortable for them. It helped to keep the conversation going. Knowing how your couple feels in that moment also reflects in their facial expressions and body language.
What did you say?
Let’s have you guys sit at the edge of the mirror and find a position that is somewhat comfortable. Close your eyes, and listen to the silence.
Tone of Directions
Calm
Composition
The use of a high angle was inspired by moving the mirror for another shot and realising it reflects the texture of the metal pressed ceiling. After that decision was made I wanted to use the directional lines of the mirror and ceiling to create a sense of direction of gaze and intimacy between the two subjects.
framing
Center Framed
Focusing
Describe how you spoke to your subject(s)
I focused on the subjects in the reflection of the mirror.
I used auto focus, because I tied to work out the composition and wanted to work fast with capturing each shot.
It was difficult to get both faces in focus. The solution was getting them in the same line of sight to ensure the focus was evenly distributed.
Focus Mode
Single Shot Autofocus
Focus POints
Single Point
Focused on
The couple's faces
Equipment &
Exif
Camera
Lens
Flash
Filter
1000 @ f/1.4 ISO250 WB-6800
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
This was really an experimental shot that turned out awesome. This photo was taken in my own living room that we were busy renovating I knew I wanted to get up early to get that warm morning winter sunrise.
There is a big bay window that faces East. The subjects were positioned a meter a way from the window on the floor and the trees outside softened the luminance a bit.
This shot was really fun but I think next time I would have had another mirror behind me to add more reflective light elements.
Light Type
Natural Light
Time of day
Sunrise
Weather
Indoor
Editing Workflow
How did you edit this image?
I used my personal preset that I developed for indoor sessions. I wanted to go for warmer tones that still respect natural skin tones. I created a slight curve in my tone to balance the highlights. In the HSL I adjusted the luminance of the orange to bring out the highlights and also desaturated the blue and orange curves.
I had to use to spot removal tool to clean up smudge marks on the mirror and dust on the floor. And also the brush tool to soften certain elements in the photo.
Editing Software
Lightroom
Preset Used
Own personal Presets
Challenges
There were two main challenges in executing this shot.
1. Posing the subjects so in a mirror reflection that does not distort their faces while getting that ceiling detail in and getting just the right amount of light on them.
2. Avoiding getting myself in the shot. My feet and my reflection.
Solutions
1. I played a bit with the angle of the mirror and we had them move multiple times to avoid the distortion on their faces.
What I liked was the directional lines creating the focus points.
2. I had to go lower and not take the photo directly from the top, also me standing next to the edge of the mirror also helped me to avoid getting myself in the reflection.
Location
Location Name
My Home
Location aDDRESS
Potchefstroom
Loation Type
Living Room
Country
South Africa
With this shot I learned to trust my gut and go for that crazy shots you sometimes avoid because it feels a bit odd.
During lock down we had time to reflect on not just our business but also the work we were producing. This specific session gave me the confidence to create again.
This shot was created in the comfort of my own home with people I trust and I knew I had the luxury of their patience with me figuring out the composition to the light. If you want to try something like this. This is maybe a good start.
I will not necessarily go for the exact shot again but I will love to play with mirrors and light reflections more.
