- black & white
- Italy
- Water
- soft
- romantic
- Moody
- lying down
- Kissing Forehead
- Kiss
- Intimate Framing
- Center Framed
- intimate
- Hands
- Gentle Touch
- gentle
- Directional Light
- Dark
- Close up
- Wet
A summary of how this image was shot
Taking the photos in the water allowed my couple to feel protected in expressing their connection. When people are immersed in water, in a dreamlike scenario, they feel “embraced” and immersed in something that can make them feel safe.
My approach to people is always very gentle, sensitive and exploratory. After entering the water, I let them free to express themselves, guiding them to achieve the intensity I was looking for.The strength of this type of shooting lies in the relationship we create with the people we photograph.
The adult in us must strip away insecurities and embrace the human being he or she guards.
Trust is the key element. Myriam and Francesco approached me to create something together that was authentic, timeless and spoke of their strong bond.
Directions
Describe how you spoke to your subject(s)
I always leave the people I photograph very free, but I am constantly checking how the light moves on them and how they move in the light. I asked Francesco to position himself behind Myriam and look for connection in the area with better lighting. I always use music in the background as well. Very very gently, I asked Francesco to seek a tactile connection with Myriam by positioning himself behind her.
What did you say?
Francesco, move gently behind Myriam and make gentle contact with her. Use the tips of your fingers, and the lightest of kisses.
Tone of Directions
Quiet, Calm
Composition
I always use the rule of thirds: Francesco’s eye and Myriam’s mouth fall on the thirds, the most connecting element is in the middle.
Compositional Rules
Rule of Thirds
framing
Center FramedClose UpIntimate Framing
Focusing
Describe how you spoke to your subject(s)
I used autofocus for this image as it was the most accurate. I simply moved my focus points over the faces of the couple and let the camera lock on.
Focus Mode
Single Shot
Focus POints
Single Focus Point
Focused on
The faces
Equipment &
Exif
Camera
Lens
Flash
Filter
1/250 @ f/2.2 ISO200 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 realize my intimate and emotional photos always with natural light. The light was coming just to the side of the couple, though still very nice and soft. This direction of light also allowed shadows to form which creates dimensions to the subject instead of making them look flat. It also adds to the dark, and emotional mood I was going for.
Light Type
Natural Light
Light Quality
Soft
Time of day
Sunrise
Weather
Cloudy
Editing Workflow
How did you edit this image?
I converted this image to black and white to accentuate the mood and vibe. I felt that the colors would take too much dominance away from the actual emotion I was trying to capture. I used my own Black & White preset and adjusted the exposure to be on the darker side without going too muddy.
Editing Software
Adobe Lightroom CC
Preset Used
My own preset
Challenges
Solutions
Location
Location Name
Terni, Umbria
Location aDDRESS
In a forest in Umbria
Loation Type
Natural thermal baths
Country
Italy
Intensity and intimacy is not a photographic virtuosity, it is a way of living life, relationships and oneself. Be consistent with who you are!
