- calm
- Mirror
- Staged
- Serious
- Rule of thirds
- Reflection
- Posed
- Natural Light
- Moody
- Leading lines
- Center Framed
- Indoor
- holding each other
- Harsh Light
- Directional Light
- Dark
- Creative
- Close up
- Window Light
The story behind the image
Directions
Describe how you spoke to your subject(s)
First I explained to the couple that my idea was to shoot them in the mirror. I then put them in position against the wall facing the window where the light was coming from and asked them to hold that position for a while so that I could try different shots with the mirror.
What did you say?
Ok guys… I’m going to try something here that may or may not work. I’m going to try to make a portrait of you shooting through that mirror so I will just ask you for a couple of minutes to stand still and not move until I’m finished. You are both going to stand here facing the window with your eyes closed and don’t move or talk for a couple of minutes. You can take this time to relax for a while :)
Tone of Directions
Calm
Composition
The composition was quite simple. I wanted the main subjects in the center of the frame and then used the baskets with flowers to complete the composition placing them strategically where I could take advantage of the rule of thirds.
framing
Center Framed
Focusing
Describe how you spoke to your subject(s)
On my first shot, I was focusing on the bride and groom and although I was quite happy with the shot it seemed that something was missing and already thinking about how I would edit it I thought it wouldn’t be “moody” enough. So I gave it a second try and this time I focused on the mirror… and there it was. I knew I had to make a couple of adjustments, but I would definitely focus on the mirror and not the bride and groom.
Focus Mode
Live View Single Shot
Focus POints
Single Point
Focused on
Mirror frame
Equipment &
Exif
Camera
Lens
Flash
Filter
320 @ f/5.0 ISO2500 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 only used the natural light that was coming from a window directly to the couple. I had to move their bodies a bit more towards the window in order to catch the light on them. I wanted them to turn and face where the light was coming from because it would mean that their faces were lit. But because this was also at a slight angle, I managed to capture the shadows as well – which is great since it brings dimensions to the subject.
Light Type
Natural Light
Weather
Indoor
Editing Workflow
How did you edit this image?
First I applied the Nomad preset in Lightroom with a few teaks and then used the brush to bring the exposure up on the baskets and flowers and on the wood frame. I also added a little more grain to the image although it wasn’t much because I already had some natural grain from the high ISO used. And then I took the image to photoshop to clone out some table legs that were showing on top of the image. I could have moved them before shooting but I already knew that there would be no problem because I would edit them out later.
Editing Software
Adobe Lightroom Classic
Preset Used
Challenges
The only challenge we had was to come up with a different idea for that same spot where we go often. We don’t like to repeat photos/ideas with different couples so that was the main challenge.
Solutions
Once we saw all those props there I knew exactly what I wanted and everything was very easy to do. Sometimes it’s just a matter of looking around the environment for inspiration.
Location
Location Name
basement / Garage of the wedding venue
Location aDDRESS
Quinta da Concha - Portugal
Loation Type
basement / garage
Country
Portugal
I don’t think I would have done anything different… maybe if I had more time I could look at the scene a little longer and maybe improve it but time is not on our side. We usually have around 15 to 20 minutes to do the couple’s photoshoot so we can’t spend too much time thinking and testing. But I was very happy with the result this time.
If you go to the same spot often always try to do something different every time. Look around, take a walk around to explore new angles, search for things to include in your picture. Don’t just go there and to the same or similar picture with every couple. If you go find yourself going to the same spot and doing the same exact thing, then just move on and find a different spot and don’t go back to that one. This photo I made I will never make another one again with a different couple. This is this couple’s photo. Next time I go there if nothing new comes up I’ll just go somewhere else. Always create something new.
