- african
- Natural Light
- Styled Shoot
- Soft Light
- Rule of thirds
- Posed
- outdoors
- off center
- Morning
- Bright
- models
- Mid range
- holding each other
- Field
- Energetic
- Directional Light
- dark skin
- sunny
The story behind the image
Directions
Describe how you spoke to your subject(s)
I had the couple connect back-to-chest facing toward the light source but glancing down creating a soft gaze. I wanted them to keep the same pose as each other, look natural while coming off almost statuesque. I had them look down to appear more powerful/superior. I had the model gently hold their arm to add some softness to their posture.
What did you say?
Please get close together and position yourself back-to-chest. Face your bodies towards the sun and glance your eyes gently down to your left. Bring your arm up to your shoulder and gently hold onto your arm.
Composition
I framed the shot to have the light source coming from the left side of the image and have the models just after the middle to the right. I used the rule of thirds and positioned their heads where they would meet intersecting lines. I did this to create visual interest onto the models. The background is blurred as I wanted the main focus to be on the models. My secret trick was using clear cellophane on the left part of the lens! This softened the light and added haze to the background.
Focusing
Describe how you spoke to your subject(s)
I focused on their eyes. I use the touch option on my camera for this shot to adjust my focus instead of using auto focus. I was able to have my camera capture both models with the right amount of sharpness. When lowering your aperture, it is important to pay attention to where you are focusing. If you have multiple subjects and depending on where you focus, some subjects in your image will be out of focus thus compromising the sharpness of your photo. Most newer cameras have great autofocus but it is important pay attention to where it lands. I recommend keeping focus on the eyes/face area for the best results and if there are multiple subjects, focus on the middle.
Focus Mode
Manual Focus
Focus POints
Single Point
Focused on
The models' eyes.
Equipment &
Exif
Camera
Lens
Flash
Filter
1/500 @ f/6.3 ISO150 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
Natural sunlight was used in this photo. It was late morning, so the sun was getting brighter and brighter. This type of direct and bright light can be trickier to shoot in as it can create harsh shadows and contrast if not worked with carefully. I typically shoot with the sun behind my subjects, but because the sun was still low enough, I was able to have my subjects facing toward the sun. The trick for me was adding that clear cellophane over the left part of my lens which almost created a filter for the sun, softening the photo while adding a creative touch.
Light Type
Natural Light
Time of day
Morning
Weather
Sunny
Editing Workflow
How did you edit this image?
I edit in Adobe Lightroom and I use Archipelago Presets – specifically ExFilm 06 for this photo. I wanted a soft and warm edit while having the models contrasted from the background. When I shot this photo, I shot it a touch underexposed due to the bright sunlight at that time. During editing, I lowered the contrast a little bit and brought down the shadows to create depth. I used the brush tool to smooth out skin texture and used the heal tool to remove any makeup imperfections and other distractions. I also used the brush tool to brighten and lift shadows from their eyes. Lastly, I added some vignette to the photo to draw attention more to the models.
Editing Software
Preset Used
Challenges
The biggest challenge was the light. We had to work fast at this point as the sun got brighter and brighter. It was still safe to have the models facing the sun without squinting or having harsh shadows. Another challenge was working with the clear cellophane on my lens, but that was a lot of fun to play around with! Not pictured but another challenge were all the bugs flying around!! I may have edited a few out of the photo!
Solutions
I had the models quickly form this pose before the sun got too bright. I also underexposed the image to prevent anything from becoming “blown out”. It is better to underexpose and bring up the exposure and shadows while editing than overexposing which is very difficult to recover your photo from.
Location
Location Name
Salt Lake City
Location aDDRESS
Tunnel Springs Park, North Salt Lake, Utah
Loation Type
Garden / Field
Country
United States
Photography is about having fun! All of my best images have come from me experimenting and playing around with new compositions and tools. And shoot with intention. When I first started, I would click my shutter endlessly hoping for the best. So think about your shot and the feeling you want to evoke, experiment and have fun with it and you will produce art every time! And remember there is beauty in imperfections.
