- almost kiss
- Middle Thirds
- Wide
- Sunset
- Sun in picture
- Stormy
- Soft Light
- simple
- Rule of thirds
- off center
- Natural Light
- Lake
- Back lit
- Into the sun
- holding each other
- full body
- Evening
- Elegant
- Cloudy
- Canon
- calm
- broken rules
- Birds
- Wildlife
The story behind the image
It happens from time to time that a wedding day schedule is so tight, that the only time slot you have to do the couple shoot is not at the most ideal time of the day.
But being able to steal away your couple for a quick shoot when the sun sets can make all the difference. In this case, we had a very short couple shoot earlier on and we asked our couple in advance if they would be okay to grab some shots at sunset (which just so happened to be in between their dinner courses). They agreed and off we went.
We didn’t want to keep them away for too long but we are so glad that we made that effort to take them out at sunset.
Directions
Describe how you spoke to your subject(s)
We had our groom stand just behind his bride and put his arms around her. We then asked the bride to cross her arms and hold onto his, while turning her head towards him. From here, gentle kisses, whispers and sways all had a role in create slight movements and authentic feelings.
What did you say?
Stand just behind (bride) and put your arms around her and really cuddle her. (Bride) cross your arms and hold his, and turn your head so he can kiss your cheek
Tone of Directions
Calm
Composition
We found this spot on the rocks right at the lake where the sun was setting and wanted to frame the shot so we had our couple just off center, while the sun was taking up the other side.
The birds were completely by chance. Just as we started shooting, the seagulls went ballistic and wanted to get in on the action.
Focusing
Describe how you spoke to your subject(s)
We focused on our couple with our faithful single point AF mode by moving the point over their faces. We had enough light for our camera to easily lock on and we held it in place while we kept the shutter down in burst mode.
Focus Mode
Single Shot Autofocus
Focus POints
Single Point
Focused on
The Brides face
Equipment &
Exif
Camera
Lens
Flash
Filter
1/800 @ f/2.2 ISO1600 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 took our couple out just as the sun was about to set. In the distance we had a lot of cloud cover which helped soften the light and fill the sky with color. We wanted to include the sunset in the shot and so we positioned it on the left half of the frame, while our couple were on the right.
Light Type
Natural Light
Time of day
Sunset
Weather
Editing Workflow
How did you edit this image?
The edits are made to be warmer with a big focus on skin tones and light play with shadows and highlights. A few minor local adjustments were made (Gradient and Brush) as well as finishing off with a fine layer of grain. The whites are not blown out nor are the blacks 100% crunched.
Editing Software
Adobe Lightroom Classic
Preset Used
Challenges
There was no major challenge with this image. The birds were completely unplanned and just happened to fly by.
Solutions
No solutions needed :)
Location
Location Name
Hotel des Trois Couronnes
Location aDDRESS
Hotel des Trois Couronnes, Vevey, Switzerland
Loation Type
Hotel
Country
Switzerland
When your groom is behind your bride, ask him to stand slightly outside so that he isn’t completely 100% behind her. This way he can more easily reach her cheek for kisses, and we get to see more of him.
Ask your couple if you can take them out in between dinner courses at sunset. Sometimes all you need is a couple of minutes and you can create something really cool.
