- Backlit
- Dark
- Dinner
- Evening
- fog
- hazy
- holding each other
- Moody
- night
- Outdoor
- silhouette
- String Lights
- Warm
The story behind the image
Naturally, I am quite a shy person but I saw this shot in my mind and I just had to get my couple to come for the moment. I built up the courage to do so, and the couple was of course totally keen.
Directions
Describe how you spoke to your subject(s)
I asked the couple to stand in front of their table and to kiss as if they were in a romantic comedy.
What did you say?
Okay guys, just take a few steps in front of your chairs and kiss like you were in a movie
Tone of Directions
Calm
Composition
For this composition, I wanted to fill the frame with the dinner setup but still leave enough breathing room above and below it. This allowed me to also capture the full body of my couple as they were silhouetted against the backlight. By having the couple in the center of the image, I immediately gave the couple the most amount of attention.
framing
Center Framed
Focusing
Describe how you spoke to your subject(s)
Since there was a strong contrast between the couple and the background, focusing was relatively easy. Even if it was during the evening. I simply moved my focus point over the heads of the couple and let the camera find its focus.
Focus Mode
Single Shot Autofocus
Focus POints
Single Point
Focused on
the couples heads
Equipment &
Exif
Camera
Lens
Flash
Filter
1/320 @ f/2 ISO1600 WB-3950
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
The fog and the fairy lights created this natural atmosphere, I didn’t have to do much. I never use an external flash when there was enough lighting so it was taken without flash, just natural light. With the light coming from behind the couple, it creates this “backlit” feeling. Having the couple silhouetted against this light meant that I was able to keep details from blowing out and brought a lot more interest to the whole image.
Light Type
Natural Light
Editing Workflow
How did you edit this image?
I used my own preset which is based on G-Preset pack 1 that I’ve tweaked a lot over the years. I applied the preset and then adjusted the exposure sliders as well as the contrast sliders to get the tones I was after. I did have to tweak the white balance slightly as the colors needed that little bit of help to get to where I wanted them.
Editing Software
Preset Used
Challenges
I asked the couple many times to take a photo out in front of the party, but they were so busy and kept putting it off for later in the night.
Solutions
But I kept insisting while I was taking photos of the beautiful scenery. Eventually, I was finally able to gather them both after showing them how cool the shot would look. That’s when the magic happened.
Location
Location Name
Domaine des Courmettes
Location aDDRESS
Route de Courmettes, 06140 Tourrettes-sur-Loup
Loation Type
Garden / Field
Country
France
My advice as a photographer is if you see the opportunity for an epic photo, don’t hesitate to insist and try! This couple was truly so happy, overwhelmed, and grateful that I got this photo.
