Often, my images begin to take shape a long time before the moment of capture. I find visualizing shots and imagining images that I want to take in the future, helps me see opportunities when they present themselves. I have a small library of photos in my mind, ready for the right time and place for me to take them.

This might sound difficult, but it’s actually as simple as finding inspiration from other images and photographers and wondering how you can take ideas, tweak them, and make them your own. Look around. Ignore trends. Seek out the creative and different and daydream.

Also: scout locations. Before a wedding, walk around with a coffee to places you’re likely to go on the wedding day and imagine photos. You don’t even need your camera. Try to do this at the same time of day, so you can observe the light.

In this case, I had pre-visualized a tilt-shift image similar to this. For me, tilt-shift lenses offer opportunities, but they can also be over-used and used in the wrong scenarios. What can make a tilt-shift image interesting is elevation, because when you shoot slightly downwards at a lower subject it creates a “miniature” effect that can look surreal. This spot gave me that. It also offered a powerful symmetry. A vale of land with a single lonely tree. I love minimalism and composition and this location drew me in.

Initially, I was just going to shoot the couple, but the bridal party was present so I decided to utilize them all. It was a good decision I think. The photo took about 5 minutes. I chose the 50 1.2 because of its bokeh. Its rendering of OOF is one of the most beautiful of all lenses. Would I use any other lenses? Yes, of course. I use a bunch of different lenses, depending on what focal length I’m seeking. I find 35mm is the most versatile for tilt-shift photos.