... Once upon a time ...

Michael,

 

I like everything about this photograph. Besides being well shot, it has a certain intrigue that draws me in. The only note I have is that the groom looks a bit awkward bending over to kiss the bride. If they had taken a small step closer to the camera, she could have stood on the stump and avoided any bending over. Then again, the height difference is part of who they are, so maybe it's better left alone. In any case, I think this is a winner of a shot.

 

Brian

Beautiful shot and a wonderfully gnomish wedding! Regards, ~Sky

Gorgeous setting, MH!! I agree, the groom's pose is a bit awkward...otherwise, I find it perfect.

Agree with above critiques.

The setting and the background are WOW, but the groom's pose is not very romantic.

You controlled the light very well.

Where was this shot taken? Did you drag these people up a mountain or was this a Photoshop masterpiece?

Thank you, all. :)

 

First of all, this was not a photoshop masterpiece. ;) In fact, PS was not used here at all. All post worked in Lightroom2.

 

The wedding venue was about 5 minutes drive from this lovely location. Perfect!

 

In regards to the posing of the groom... I hear what you are all saying. But, I just wanted to clarify that I try my best not to pose my clients. I ask them to position themselves where I want them to be in terms of composition and lighting and then I talk to them about just being in the moment and zoning out to all else around them - just husband and wife. Then I take the shot. Right or wrong, I find that this approach produces imagery that resonates much more strongly with the subjects when they see the final result - it is them as they are in reality (with a fantastically lit and composed photo around them). First and foremost, I take the shots for my clients, taking shots for my own portfolio comes a distant second. I think the groom's awkward pose is precisely because he was feeling awkward and possiby a little overwhelmed by this moment - he has just married the woman of his dreams and it is almost as though he is still uncertain if it is a dream or not. :) I hope I have made sense?

 

Plus, the magical setting does add to all of this. :)

 

In regards to lighting, there were two baterry powered studio flash units. One positioned to the left of viewer - you can see the 'sparkle' off the water from it. The other (key/main) light was to the right of viewer, mainly lighting the B&G. Softbox on the front. Time of day was late afternoon. Handheld.

 

Just to add to the 'story' of this shot... I fell into the water not once.... but twice.. ;) Slippery rocks was to blame! ;)

 

M :)

I just saw this again - super-freakin-awesome. The placement and the view make a nice balance. Lucky you didn't drown in those 3 inches of water :-)

Not down the road from o'riellys is it? If so well done getting them down there.

Glen, you would have had fun watching me splutter in the creek... it was not three inches... but 4. 5 and I would have needed a lifesaver. ;)

Linden, not there mate... it was very near Springbrook Mountain Manor. :)

Hi Michael.  I just read your description of the image shooting session, and I had to laugh when you mentioned slipping in the water.  The things that we photographers do to get the shot!  As far as the image goes this is a real beauty.  The bride and groom are placed well, and the opening to the background really provides for a magical setting.  Thanks for the description of the lighting set up as I was curious about that.  You really have a good eye for composition, Michael, and obviously go the extra mile for a fantastic image.  Nice to see.

Paul

Ha! Yup, we do go the extra mile to 'get the shot'... ;)

At a recent wedding, I hurt my back trying to get low down (really low down) for a good angle... worth it though. ;)

Thanks for stopping by, Paul. :)