- Bridesmaids
- Energetic
- First Look
- Indoor
- Jokes
- Laughing
- Leading lines
- Natural Light
- off center
- Reaction
- Rule of thirds
- Soft Light
- Wide
The story behind the image
Directions
Describe how you spoke to your subject(s)
When the bride was ready, I had her bridesmaids gather close together at the bottom of the stairs, directing them to the best spot to stand + asked them to close their eyes. Asking the bridesmaids to close their eyes allowed me to take the time I needed to set myself up to get the best possible outcome. Once the bride had positioned herself at the top of the stairs I told the girls they could open their eyes.
What did you say?
“(Bridesmaids) when you are dressed and ready I’m going to have you gather together at the bottom of the stairs. The (bride) is ready + anxiously waiting to join you! I realize this might sound strange but I need you all to close your eyes + keep them closed until I say it’s time to open them. Hey (bride), are you ready for this?! I’m going to get you to walk to the stairs + stop at the top step. Ok, let’s do this! Open your eyes”
Composition
When it was time for the revel I positioned myself behind the bride, keeping her in the foreground, and framing the bridesmaids in the bottom left corner. As we were up on the second floor I was able to shoot down on the subjects bringing a different perspective to the image.
Focusing
Describe how you spoke to your subject(s)
As the bridesmaid’s reaction was the purpose of the photo, I focused on them using a single shot, auto focus. Having the bride in the frame but out of focus allows for the image to tell the full story. You know exactly what is happening without needing to be told.
Focus Mode
Single Shot Autofocus
Focus POints
Single Point
Focused on
The Bridesmaids
Equipment &
Exif
Camera
Lens
Flash
Filter
1/1000 @ f/2.0 ISO640 WB-6500K
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
Part of the reason I chose this spot is knowing that the light would not shift on me. Although the bridesmaids had their backs to the windows, the entire room was quite bright + their faces were still well lit.
Light Type
Natural Light
Weather
Indoor
Editing Workflow
How did you edit this image?
Our preset was applied + white balance was tweaked. A radial filter was used on the bridesmaids to brighten them without overexposing the entire image. Anything distracting was removed + grain was added.
Editing Software
Adobe Lightroom CC
Preset Used
Challenges
The biggest challenge was nailing both composition + the reaction. Sometimes it’s a risk being a bit more creative with the framing when the reaction is the most important aspect of the image to capture. But if you can achieve both, you create an image that tells a story + brings impact.
Solutions
Be ready. Test your exposure beforehand + don’t be afraid to re-adjust where you are standing to ensure that you get the shot.
Location
Location Name
AirBnB
Location aDDRESS
Shawnigan Lake, BC, Canada
Loation Type
Private Home / AirBnB / Apartment
Country
Canada
Whether it’s a first look with the couple, with a parent, or the wedding party, try telling the story in one frame by keeping all subjects in the image. We believe that candid images can be beautifully composed too.
