I wanted to create a photo that had a vintage flair, like one of those old wedding pictures from the 30s. So I asked the bride to sit on one of the benches and the groom to stand-sit in the back of the bench next to the door. I wanted to create a composition with them that was more dynamic than just both of them sitting at the same level for example.
I told them to look at me, and they did, but at one point the groom looked at her, and… Click! had my shot!
ok guys… let’s do the portrait photo for the grandmas. Look at me
Quiet, Calm
Honestly, I don’t think about composition when I’m working. I think I have those “rules” in my head already and they come out naturally I guess. So in this case, I just knew I wanted full bodies and the door light.
None / Simple
Center FramedFull Body
There’s no mystery here in terms of focusing, I just went with a “not so open” aperture so I had details of everything.
Single Shot
Single Focus Point
Brides 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.
I LOVE window light. And I think for the look I wanted to get, it is perfect! Window light always “paints” things and shows all the details of texture. LOVE it! As it was coming from the side, it lit the couple up creating dimensions as it made the shadows more prevalent and the highlights visible too.
Natural LightWindow Lighting
Soft
Afternoon
IndoorShadeClear
In this case, after applying my personal preset I had to do a few things: cool down the image by changing the white balance a bit, and tone down the oranges by desaturating them. I had to crop the picture to avoid some candles I hated in the picture and also clone the bench to erase one of them.
I would have loved to have a little more space and be able to step back. That chapel was very small and they had filled it with candles!
Shoot with the live view to gain a few inches.
Mas Palou
Can Cerdà de Palou, 08733 El Pla del Penedès, Spain
Chapel
Spain
Window light is one of the most amazing lights. It is dramatic yet soft. It has a lot of character. I love to say I’m trying to be more intentional when I shoot and this picture, especially the posing, was very intentional. I wanted a vintage photography style that would complete that vintage look that they had.
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