HOW i SHOT THiS

  • Backlit
  • Center Framed
  • Dark
  • holding hands
  • Indoors
  • Looking at each other
  • Moody
  • Neon
  • pink
  • Rim Light
  • silhouette

The story behind the image

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On this day we photographed a very sweet couple who had their ceremony in a restaurant with a very industrial footprint. Right after the ceremony, as the guests went to the reception I asked the couple to take some pictures in front of the restaurant, it was just a simple neon LED, but for us, each of these places is different and each tells a fascinating story if you just want to hear it. The couple was excited about what the result would look like and so I took some pictures and showed them to them. They were super happy with the result. Never underestimate a simple place, it is on these occasions that our photographic gaze is trained.
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Directions

Describe how you spoke to your subject(s)

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.

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What did you say?

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.

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Tone of Directions

Calm

Composition

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.

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framing

Center Framed

Focusing

Describe how you spoke to your subject(s)

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.

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Focus Mode

Continuous Autofocus

Focus POints

Single Point

Focused on

Grooms Face

Equipment &
Exif

Camera
Sony A7 iii
Lens
Rokinon 35mm F/ 1.4
Flash
None
Filter
None
1/200 @ f/1.4 ISO400 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

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.

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Light Type

Artificial Light

Editing Workflow

How did you edit this image?

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.

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Editing Software
Adobe Lightroom Classic

Challenges

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.

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Solutions

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.

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Location

Location Name

Casuale

Location aDDRESS

Rua Daniel Smith, nº 02, Quadra 1, Lote 2, Conj. Parque Smthlandia Olho D'Água, São Luís - MA, 65067-600

Loation Type

Restaurant

Country

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.

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