Today we are going to show you guys how we do what we do and give you a little insight into a particular shot from a wedding this past season. Whenever we are shooting a couple – whether it is totally candid or a shot that we have set up and orchestrated – we are always looking at how we can take it from the best angle and shoot it in the most flattering way possible for that client.
We shot a wedding in Columbia, SC this past September 4th, with Paul & Laura Morris who are amazing and moved all the way to Nashville just to be friends with us (actually, for a job, but we like to say it was for us:)! After the wedding ceremony we were out taking some photos of them and when we were just about done, I noticed this little nook under a walkway and down through some big ol’ bushes. I saw the shot in my head and knew how cool it would be, but to look at that little area, one might have thought Jody and I were nuts to take some wedding photos there. The bride and groom went along with it (what troopers they were) and we did a quick set up and took a handful of shots just before the reception began.
Here was the set up.
As you can see, it looks more like we should be taking shots of the handyman from the church there, and not a cute bride and groom! While it is very important to know what lens you need to use, what setting to put your camera on and how much of that big flash power we need to use, it is also equally important to know what to include in an image, and what not to include. Looking at the set up shot, you can clearly see a whole bunch of things that are not that pretty and would be distracting if they were in the final image. So when I framed the shot in the camera, I really wanted to emphasize the couple lost in this vine foresty place of bliss! So this is how I shot it.
The reason this shot works is because:
1. The light we put on them makes the couple the brightest part of the photo so you naturally look to them. 2. They are not directly in the middle of the frame, but off to the side, and the vines on the left “lead” your eye into the shot and make it more interesting. 3. There is nothing competing in the shot; meaning that the only truly interesting element is the bride and groom. There is nothing else distracting in the shot like those giant air conditioners, or the big railing just above them that you saw in the first shot.
All of those elements combined make for a powerful portrait of two really great people!
For those super tech nerds (like me) who want to know the hard info on the gear and settings used, here you go!
Camera – Canon 5D Camera settings – f/5, ISO 100, 73mm Lens – 70-200L 2.8 IS Flash – Photogenic Powerlight 500 watts, 32 inch Westcot softbox, Triggered by Pocket Wizards Color corrected on location with Expo Disc
Post: Adjusted luminace of skin tones in Lightroom.
Shooting this way is how one can avoid spending tons of hours in Photoshop trying to make the image look like you want it! 5 seconds of post time and you’re done!
Feel free to leave comments on the shot and any questions are welcome!!
MarianneAnd this is what makes you two "professionals." You have the eye to get the creative shots, you know how to make a shot work, WHY it works... you know your art. Ya'll are fabulous! Maybe my guy will propose soon so I'll have a good reason to call. :)
Scott BarkerHey guys just wanted to know, what you all thought about the new 5d markII, and if you were going to stick with the original or upgrade?
Photography by Sarah Salyeryou two are truly inspirational. I don't think I have half the talent you two have but maybe one day.... thank you for sharing this wonderful information!
HeatherThanks for all of the information included in the technical breakdown. We love your techniques and it is great to see what you do to create each amazing shot you take. Oh, and kudos to Jody for the great behind the scenes shots. :) - Heather & Kevin Autry
WILLWow amazing! What a neat shot. You guys never seize to amaze me. - Laurie
MeaganThis is why yall are the professionals! You have such a good eye for scenes and lighting. I am happy that you use your talents so well!
AnonymousThanks for being willing to "give back" in this way for those of us who are earlier in our photographic journey.
It is both interesting and informative to better understand the process you go through and what's going on inside your head in the process for set-up of a great shot!
JaclynWhat a beautiful picture! This reminds me of when Zach was shooting our engagement picture on the and he curled up inside the railroad track to get the shot. The photo turned out amazing and we all had a good laugh at how flexible he is!
Ok, ok so many have you have asked where to find this mini-bowling and I will tell you, ONLY if you do not hog up the lanes when we want to go and bowl :) Besides, Amy and I are practicing to beat the guys for the next time!! Oops, did I forget to mention the guys won last time?
The other night Zach and I ventured out to the bowling alley with two other friends of ours to play some MIDGET BOWLING!! Yes, you read correctly – Midget Bowling. Ok, it’s not really called that. I think the official name is Min-bowling, but nevertheless, everything is smaller and the little bowling balls are so much more manageable. It’s kind of comparable to Canadian Bowling if anyone has ever done that in Canada!
The deadline is drawing near for Ashley’s Bride Guide Best of 2008 Awards! Don’t forget to vote for your favorite vendors including your favorite photographers, best blog, & best all around vendors! Bride & Groom and Parents can vote!
By voting you could win a $100 Visa Gift Card. Oooh ahhhh… :)
For more details and to vote, visit the blog she has set up for this!
Enjoy your weekend, folks and get excited for Monday’s post! Two clues – Midgets & Bowling Pins..
We had the privileged of having some of our images showcased in the Winter/Spring Issue of Enchanted Brides Magazinefor Middle Tennessee! If you have yet to read their magazine or visit their site, you most definitely need to check them out!
One of our images was also featured in an advertisement by our friends at Ambrose House! Our pic is the one of Joel & Michelle smooching away!
The people who run the Ambrose House are a great group of people who have renovated this 1890 venue in East Nashville, which is able to accommodate and group size up to 60 (seated) to 85 (standing) guests. This venue is available for corporate events, training seminars, weddings and receptions, as well as diners and social gatherings.
Colin from TriplecordHey Guys! awesome work! i love your shots! and thanks for stopping by and leaving some blog love!! god bless and have an awesome year!
KristineYou've been awarded the "Honest Scrap" - check out my post about it here: http://the-neeleys.blogspot.com/2009/01/honest-scrap.html
jeffandashcongrats once again! two pics in the mag - that's awesome. pretty soon you guys will be everywhere! you almost are already! - ash
Annette@TripleCordThanks for visiting TripleCord's blog!! I have now discovered you two and love what you offer! Three words came to mind when clicking through your site, inviting, fun and genuine. And that's just the icing on the cake!! Great work!!!
Happy Tuesday! Hope you all enjoyed your day off yesterday in honor of the great Martin Luther King, Jr and all he did for our country and the equality of people.
Today we want to share with you some more yummy looking cakes that we shot a little bit before Christmas! For those of you who attended the bridal show on Jan 3rd in Nashville, you might have seen these cakes unveiled in the flesh at Shara’s booth (Cakes By Shara).
It’s amazing how much cakes have evolved over the last few years. When we got married all we really saw were boring old cakes one after the other. We ended up having our cake dipped in chocolate and decorated with bright colored roses (see non-pro photo below) because we didn’t want any white, boring looking cakes. These days the options seem to be endless on what you can do! The cake wasn’t made yet when we did our shoot with Shara, but at the show, she had a groom’s cake of a Wii gaming system!We’ll start with my (Jody’s) favorite :)
This cake below is referred to by Shara and her daughter as “The Happy Cake.” So appropriate we think!
Or you can go for a little more upscale look.
We have quite a few phenomenal cake makers here in Nashville. TN brides are lucky!
For those who are looking to save $$ on their cake and maybe spend more on other areas of their wedding, Shara has created a rent-a-cake! To read more, visit her site, click on “About Cakes By Shara” and then “Rent-a-Cake”!
SharaThanks so much for blogging about these. they can be rented and I can do real cake as well. I hope 2009 is the best year ever for you both. Shara Cakes By Shara
Evan BainesBeautiful cakes and well executed photos!
Amanda B. YoungThanks so much for the comment! I have now checked out your blog and love it and your photography is just amazing! I've definitely added you to my blogroll!
Thanks for all of your comments and continuing comments that we have received on our new website!! We put a lot of work into it and it’s great to hear positive feedback! We just got word last night, that our site, built through ShowIt Sites made the top 20 of all the sites built with ShowIt Sites and now has been entered into a contest for the public to vote on the top 5 best sites out of those picked. If you are a member of David Jay‘s Open Source Photo photographer’s forum then you can vote !
Below are a few comments we have received on our site from friends, vendors, and fellow respected photographers:
IF I COULD REALLY YELL THIS OUTLOUD I REALLY WOULD! HOLY FREAKIN CRAP YALL!!!!!! THIS IS TOTALLY AWESOME! WAAAAAY BETTER THAN ANYTHING I HAVE SEEN IN A VERY LONG TIME. I’M SO GLAD TO HAVE MET AND WORKED WITH YOU! We look forward to working with you many more times in the future. Thank you so much for all of your support and I hope you have an AMAZING 2009! Keep up the great work. I’m a big fan!!!!
-Jay with Maples Wedding Cakes, One of the top cake makers in Nashville who we have worked with
- David Jay – One of the top 15 wedding photographers in the world (named by wedding photojournalist Association) the brains behind the program we built our site with, marketing & business genius, international lecturer, photographer, and savvy entrepreneur.
Okay… seriously. It’s AMAZING. I know I just sent you an email saying the same thing… but really… it must be said here. I think it perfectly captures your spirit – your love – your skill – your art. I was so excited to see one of the clips from when I filmed you guys, too :) oh, and the climbing pictures… too fun http://kristineneeleyphotography.blogspot.com/ :) It’s perfect!
-Kristine Neeley, Former Bride, Our Intern, aspiring photographer, and great blogger
The new site is cutting edge!!! it’s tight…
I so love it!!!! It really exudes your style!!! :)
-Rhonda Patton with Rhonda Patton Weddings- a great decor and florist who we have worked with!
OMIGOSH YOU GUYS IT LOOKS AWESOME!!!! Ahhhhh…I’m shouting because it’s AMAZING!! You two are so super cute and watching that just reminded me of why I ADORE you both so much (as if I needed reminding!).
- Justin & Mary Marantz,One of the fastest growing businesses on the east coast, amazing photographers, speakers, people, and the list goes on…
Ever since I stumbled across you guys I have been following your work it so inspiring and absolutely FANTASTIC! Your website is jaw dropping! I have never met you guys, but after viewing that website I felt like I have known you forever. It was so great that I want my hubby to re propose to me that you guys can shoot our wedding. WOW is all I could say.
KyleHey guys, really enjoy your blog and your new site is ballin'!
allie.mayand p.s. you got me and my friend HOOKED the "my idea of heaven" song, ha ha, love it...
allie.mayhow happy to get such great feedback!!! seriously, y'all are amaZING!!!!!! i can't wait to see the energy and momentum the site continues to bring in...how i love my amazingly talented friends!!! :)
Zach and I had a nice time with our little anniversary celebration get-a-way! It was nice not to think about work (well, we tried as hard as we could), and to not worry about our email or anything. We closed our celebration out by attending the birthday party of one of our soon-to-be brides! Yes, her birthday was last night, but today is her real birthday!!!!!Happy birthday Amy!!!!!
You may be wondering why she is snuggling so close to a giant, green gorilla… Well, readers, it was the combined effort of all her friends who enabled her to get this new and furry buddy at Dave & Busters!
It was partially in part to this crazy & addictive game… which really it’s not even a game, but with Eric’s mad skillz, and some help from a few others, quite a few tickets were contributed to Amy’s Green Gorilla Fund (he was over 6,000 tickets.. can’t remember exactly how much :).
The cutest part of the evening was Amy had quite a few extra tickets and offered some to a little kid who had like 5 tickets. He later came up to her and gave her a hug thanking her for what she did. Awwww… it was so cute!
Of course, I had to get my photo taken next to it.
…and then Jeff, desperately wanted to be friends with him as well…
Amy, we hope to see Gorilla at the wedding in April… :) HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!
So yes, November 26th WAS our 3 year anniversary mark, but for our avid blog followers, our plans got a bit postponed, and then with the holidays coming, we were unable to celebrate….. until now!! We are taking the next two days and are having a little get-a-way.
Here’s to three years of marriage! Look at us on our wedding day back in ’05… awww…
A few pics from honeymooning in the Dominican Republic!
Boy does time fly! Hope you all are enjoying your week!
JaclynEnjoy your two days!!! You look beautiful in your wedding dress, Jody!!! I love the pic of you both leaving the church with the bubbles and the one Zach shot with the reflection of you and the palm trees in the glasses!
- Heather & Kevin Autry
- Laurie
It is both interesting and informative to better understand the process you go through and what's going on inside your head in the process for set-up of a great shot!
Jaclyn & Daniel