I asked the couple to face each other and with their hands glued together, as I wanted to evoke a feeling of complicity, I asked them to hold that position for a few seconds while I captured the best frame. I tested several positions, but this was the one that got the best result.
Okay, guys, I want you to stand for a few seconds facing each other with your hands glued at shoulder level and looking at each other.
Calm
First of all, I chose to use a 35mm lens because I felt it was a good focal length considering the distance I was at. The image contains a neon LED behind the bride and groom, which helps to make it an interesting photo as it created this beautiful rim light. By keeping the couple in the center of the frame, I allowed enough breathing room around them to bring out even more interest in the couple & the light.
Center Framed
Focusing is very simple, I used autofocus to track the groom’s face, in which case I could move around and make sure I was in focus.
Continuous Autofocus
Single Point
Grooms Face
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.
Since this area was completely dark beside the light coming from the LED sign, I made sure to have my couple stand in front of it so that they would be silhouetted. As they stood in front of the light, I really loved how a bit of it leaked onto their faces lighting it up just enough so we could make out their features.
Artificial Light
I used our Alev Cold Green’ color preset as a base. I wanted the image to have a dark appearance, but highlighting the neon LED light. I kept the edit simple as there was already so much going on with the color and power of the light that I didn’t feel I had to do too much else to the image.
The biggest challenge was the lighting. I had a flash, but it would lose all the essence of the place. As it was too dark I thought it would not have worked in the end.
I tested several ways until I got the best result; which was to simply shoot without the flash and go for a darker, moodier feeling.
Casuale
Rua Daniel Smith, nº 02, Quadra 1, Lote 2, Conj. Parque Smthlandia Olho D'Água, São Luís - MA, 65067-600
Restaurant
Brazil
Use the lighting to your advantage, no matter what the lighting is. It’s too easy sometimes to just run to the shade, or ignore a spot because at first glance it looks challenging. But if you really take a moment to observe, you may be inspired enough to just go give it a try. Make sure to manage your client’s expectations when you’re experimenting though – as you want them to know that this ‘idea’ may or may not work out. That way, they don’t expect it in the final gallery and if it’s there – it’s a nice little surprise.
Where are we going?
Account
need help
This content has been marked as Premium and requires an active subscription in order to access it. We’re so sorry about that. But hey, here’s what you can do:
Get access to everything on the site as well as a ton of perks & benefits.
Well then, let’s get you logged in and hide this annoying thingy-ma-jig.