Photos like these are why I am a “moment junkie.” This is a cheerful hug between the bride, her father, and her grandfather, right after Viviana and her grandfather had a featured dance. Is it envelope-pushing art? No. Is it a picture that will have meaning for Viviana for the rest of her life? I’d imagine so. Let’s not forget that weddings are about moments like these more than centerpieces.
But here’s a bone for the photo-geeks as well: This photo was taken on the D3s at ISO 10,000, with no noise reduction. The mixture of such a high ISO with flash is why the picture is sharp but still lets in all that colorful background ambient light. What a crazy camera.
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Viviana - You are absolutely right. It will have meaning for the rest of my life. My grandfather struggled after my grandmother passed nearly 2 yrs go (they were married for over 60 yrs), and the thought of dancing at our wedding kept him going. He came from Ecuador for this day and since he’s returned he’s happier, doing well, and we all know why. Thank you, for capturing this moment. It seems like that’s not enough to convey what we feel, but it’ll have to do. :-)
almostinfamous - that’s such a heartwarming comment!
hooray for everyone involved :)
Ryan Gladstone - GREAT photo and equally excellent quote: “Let’s not forget that weddings are about moments like these more than centerpieces.”
Agreed!
Tim - This is a great moment and a wonderful response from the bride. Congratulations Viviana!
I am just curious about your settings here. Why shoot at 10000 ISO at 250th instead of a lower ISO and slower shutter speed? And where is the flash, on a stand, on the camera pointed up/back?
When a moment like this shows itself I know you don’t have time to sit down, consider all of the options and ask the group to hold for a moment while you put it together, you just need to get the shot.
Thanks for the inspiration, this kind of capture is the reason I am always checking your site for updates!
Ryan Brenizer - Thank you!
@Tim: Lower shutter speeds invite ambient ghosting. The flash was on camera, back and to the right.
Tim - Thanks Ryan!!! I’m hoping to get into one of your workshops sometime. Or maybe I’ll get invited to a wedding you are shooting and just follow you around all night!
fotograf Lublin - ISO 10.000 !!! But why flash ??
PJ - I choose flash with high iso because I love fill at times and there is an added “crispiness”(?) that makes the subject pop out. Really like the image Ryan, we all love these moments and following your lead.
Sawyer - Was the flash on camera? Settings please!! Thanks.
Sarah McGee - Ryan, this is why I got into weddings. Thanks for reminding me of that fact as I start this season.
Ryan Brenizer - Settings are here.
Paul - That is an awesome moment captured. I had you pegged as primarily a prime shooter–70-200 on this one though?
Dustin Finn - Thanks Ryan, its the sharing of information from end to end (the creative through to the technical) that will keep you in the forefront of being the person to look to for gaining education on event photography.
I am thankful.
Steve Koo - I totally get what you mean about being a ‘moment junkie.’ This one is great! And the high-ISO performance on the D3 is really impressive.
Kyle - I love moments too. I also love beautiful portraits and mind-blowing artsy fartsy crap. I don’t think it has to be one or the other.
Graciela Valle - Estoy absolutamente de acuerdo en que esta sea una foto “especial”, en un acontecimieno como una boda que esta llena de emotividad, tener la sensibilidad de poder captar un momento donde en un abrazo se transmiten muchos sentimientos de los unos para los otros como los de agradecimiento, orgullo,respeto, y el mayor de todos: AMOR. Ese que nos profesamos en esta familia que estan representando 3 generaciones de VALLEs.