07/12/2024
Photo fundamentals. With the advent of these amazing electronic viewfinders, it’s allowed a literal deluge of photographers to begin photographing weddings without first obtaining basic lighting skills. This is a really simple photograph to create. It cannot be created without supplemental lighting. Looking through an EFV, attempting to obtain a proper exposure on the subject’s faces will only provide you with crappy light on the faces, and a white background. It’s not “light and airy”. If it were my wedding, I’d be pretty upset that the photographer wasn’t able to light this scene, which the client requested.
One off-camera light with a grid was all I needed to properly expose the couple, and also expose the background properly with a really fast shutter speed. It’s really, really basic. EVF’s have absolutely made things easier, and have made me a better photographer. Yes, we can “see” exposure in real time. However, it doesn’t mean that lighting basics are thrown out the window. It doesn't mean that the photo is "good" when the exposure on faces is "ok". Learn the basics. A wedding is no place for all “natural light” photography. Rant over. Carry on. Flame me if you’d like. It’s a rainy afternoon in the Philly region, and I was perusing my Facebook and Instagram feeds. I was triggered….. 😎
Nikon Z 8, NIKKOR 85mm F1.2S
1/4000th, f/1.8 @ ISO 160
Westcott FJ 200 with Grid
