I love shooting in November, at least when it’s unseasonably warm as it has been. It could be noon and the sun still comes as a flattering oblique angle. But it also means that it gets dark early. Really early. So if your ceremony runs a little long, you might show up at the gorgeous pier you selected for your wedding photos and find that it’s pitch black, so dark you need a flashlight just to see where you can walk.
No problem.
This was much darker in real life than in the photo. A quick tip: Live View is awesome for nailing manual focus in conditions too dark for your eye to see. It’s a good time to be a photographer when our mechanical eyes can give us a hand from time to time.
Of course, being paranoid is a big part of this game. I knew darkness was a strong possibility, so I brought every continuous light source I own. If nothing else, they made great flashlights.
(The reflection is off a particularly nasty puddle in a pile of gravel.)
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Lens: 35mm f/1.4
Camera: Nikon D3s
Light: Backlit with Lowel id-light
Joseph - Ryan, that framing is brilliant (along with the rest of the ingredients in this image)
Well done you.
Dennis Pike - Seriously? You are hands down the most frustrating photographer I know of. Whenever I’m feeling good about my work, all I have to do is open up your blog and I get a nice firm reality check.
Sara - I had a VERY similar experience a few weeks ago.. big difference though.. I forgot my flashlight. walking the focus onto the couple using test shots with the strobes was not fun.
Andy Gaines - That is one attractive looking filthy puddle in the dirty gravel. Great shot (as usual) and some inspiring tips too – Cheers!
Paul A Hart - Always scratch my head…..how do u get that georgous sky blue?
Great composition, great as always….
Reese - Turning a tough situation into a beautiful one…you never cease to amaze me Ryan!
Becca Dilley - I have to agree with Dennis. Can’t you post something awful, just once? This is stunning, and I can only imagine it is even more amazing at a large size. What a spectacular gift for the bride and groom to remember their wedding with – a quiet moment, beautifully captured.
Eliza - A puddle? I agree with Dennis, you’re kind of infuriating with your awesome talent.
Shari DeAngelo - You, my friend, are a magician. A brilliant, beautiful image!
Chelsea Patricia - Oh my goodness, this is insanely gorgeous.
Anton Chia - This frame is a photo candy for me. You are a magician, a wizard of light.