- calm
- natural frames
- Water
- Warm Tones
- Sunset
- Sitting
- shot from a distance
- Shade
- Quiet
- Playful
- Natural Light
- Moody
- Center Framed
- lower thirds
- Lake
- holding each other
- Him behind her
- Golden hour
- gentle
- embrace
- Directional Light
- clear sky
- Wide
The story behind the image
Directions
Describe how you spoke to your subject(s)
Working with the couple was very enjoyable. They were both sensitive and they posed willingly. While walking in the forest, we came across a small pier and beautiful trees growing by the shore. Nobody had a problem with getting into the water and taking some photos in it. We decided to put our models on one of the thick branches, facing the sun, and take a slightly nostalgic portrait.
What did you say?
We want you to sit on this branch, facing the sun. Teofil (Groom), sit behind Marianna (Bride) and embrace her. Marianna, take Teofil’s hands and look at the sun.
Tone of Directions
Calm
Composition
The setting was beautiful and the light was orange. We really wanted to have it all in the frame, so we used a 35mm lens and moved away from our couple. We placed them centrally, in about 2/3 of the frame, to leave room for trees and plants that were next to them. The couple was wearing bright clothes, so they stood out well from the background. We knew that even if they did not take up much space in the photo, they would be immediately visible.
framing
Lower Thirds
Focusing
Describe how you spoke to your subject(s)
We used the single-shot mode. We had a lot of time, nobody was in a rush, so we had no problems with landing the focus. We were far away, so we aimed at their silhouettes, knowing that they would be sharp.
Focus Mode
Single Shot Autofocus
Focus POints
Single Point
Focused on
Bride's chest.
Equipment &
Exif
Camera
Lens
Flash
Filter
1/800 @ f/1.4 ISO160 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
We photographed during the golden hour. The light was already very warm and the sun was getting closer to the horizon. We positioned our couple in a very contrasting place, facing the sun. This allowed us to bring them out from the background of dark water and reeds. When shooting ‘cross-lit’ photos you start to see dimensions in your subject as the highlights & shadows add to the whole “sculpture” of them.
Light Type
Natural Light
Editing Workflow
How did you edit this image?
We used our own preset and we tweaked it a bit. Originally, all of the plants were very green, but we wanted to emphasize the sunset and warm the whole scene, so we shifted the yellows and greens quite harshly towards orange. We also lightened the shadows to bring out more details from the dark parts and to reduce the contrast. We have moved “dehaze” and “clarity” to the left (reducing them), which is clearly visible in the leaves and reeds. The plants became softer and more luminous. Especially those behind which you can see the sky.
Editing Software
Adobe Lightroom Classic
Preset Used
Custom Preset
Challenges
We had very good conditions, so apart from choosing the place and positioning our couple in relation to the light, we didn’t have many photographic problems. The hardest part was finding a good place from which we can take a photo. The bridge was too far and it was too high, so we had to enter the water ourselves, and the water was at least up to our thighs.
Solutions
After years of photographing weddings under various conditions, we try to be prepared for everything. We always have spare clothes and quick-drying towels in the car. Thanks to this, we do not have to wonder if we should jump into the water when we have a few more hours of shooting. If it gives us the opportunity to take a good photo, we take the opportunity.
Location
Location Name
Lake Woświn
Location aDDRESS
Woswin, Poland
Loation Type
Lake
Country
Poland
Always be prepared for different conditions and occasions. You never know when a set of threads, umbrellas, extra clothes, or even a small multi-tool will be useful. Even if you don’t use them for the entire season, knowing that if you run into problems you can deal with them quickly helps you loosen up.
There were many times when we were able to help our couples with broken jewelry, torn pants, or offer them an umbrella when the rain caught us unexpectedly. This makes us reliable and no one doubts that we are prepared for anything. We pack all the most necessary things into a small backpack that takes up almost no space in the car.
