Fall colors offer a beautiful backdrop for environmental portraits. This is an image at the @interlaken_inn on the road leading to the lake. I prefer using a 200mm lens to compress the distance and create an interesting 3D effect.
Tag: wedding photography
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Environmental portrait of the bride and her father
An environmental portrait of the bride and her father is one of my priorities at the beginning of the ceremony. When I have a beautiful backdrop that may be used as a canvas, then the image can be made in a few seconds without delaying the start of the ceremony.
This is an image during the procession of the wedding of Jacki and Matt at the Interlaken Inn.
Before the bride starts walking down the aisle, I ask her to stop for a few seconds, breathe and immerse herself in the moment. This is one of my favorite environmental portraits. I used the Canon 17mm TS-E lens which allows me to choose the composition without the typical ultra wide lens distortion. The father decided to embrace his daughter and kiss her. This particular gesture made this image more meaningful and powerful. Venue: @interlaken_inn https://www.interlakeninn.com/weddings/
The importance of an environmental portrait of the bride and her father cannot be overemphasized. All my brides value such an image and decide to include it in their wedding albums. You may view my wedding portfolio at http://www.ymvisuals.com.
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Portrait of a bride
On a wedding day, the portrait of a bride is one of the most important images to be made. There are many ways to photograph a person.
A photographer could use a fast wide lens like a 24mm 1.4 lens to capture an environmental portrait. Such an approach is preferable when we need to capture the architecture behind the subject. In the case of the bride, her parents’s house or the church building is an important part of the wedding story.
A necessary ingredient for a successful environmental portrait is an interesting sky. The wider the lens the more important the sky becomes. If there is a sky with no clouds, then it is more difficult to make an interesting environmental portrait. The texture of the clouds and the highlights and shadows create flow in the image and attracts the viewer’s attention.
This is one of my favorite examples of an environmental portrait of a bride. I used a Canon 24mm 1.4 lens. By lying down on the ground, I emphasized the impact of the bride’s presence in the image relative to the house in the background. This was an important image for her family as she grew up in that house.
The weather was cooperating as there were a number of clouds in the sky. In addition, a light wind was playful with her gown adding another element in the image.
The wedding reception took place at the Interlaken Inn.
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Wedding storyteller with a telephoto lens
As a wedding storyteller with a telephoto lens, I am able to isolate subjects and emphasize emotions.
This is one of my favorite images during the first dance of the bride and groom at the Interlaken Inn. The background is blurred, with soft lighting casting a glow on the couple’s hands. The image captures a moment of tenderness and romance, as the couple loses themselves in the music and the dance.
The hands of the couple seem to be perfectly in sync, moving gracefully together in time with the music. Their fingers are intertwined, conveying a sense of unity and connection between them.
Before the first dance
Photographing the first dance at a wedding is a crucial part of capturing the joy and romance of the day. I communicate with the couple ahead of time to understand their vision for the first dance. I ask about the song choice, the style of dance, and any specific moments they would like to be captured. In this way I am able to anticipate key moments and capture them as they happen.
I always try to find the best vantage point to capture the couple’s dance without obstructing the view of the guests. It’s also important to make sure the lighting is sufficient to capture the scene without the need for flash, which can be distracting. By using fast prime lenses with 1.2 or 1.4 aperture I can capture such important moments unobtrusively.
During the first dance
During the first dance I am focused and attentive, capturing the couple’s movements and emotions as they dance. I usually carry three cameras bodies with a 24mm 1.4, a 50mm 1.2 and a 200mm f2 lens. I am mindful of the couple’s expressions and of the guests’ reactions, capturing the joy and love on their faces.
Post production
In the digital darkroom I carefully select the best images and edit them to enhance the colors, contrast, and sharpness. Some images are better appreciated in black and white.
I hope that my images capture the beauty and romance of the moment, allowing the couple to relive their first dance for years to come. Being a wedding storyteller with a telephoto lens is a great passion.
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Wedding Photojournalist – Fall wedding in Lakeville, CT – Part I
Photographing the beauty of the landscape – wedding photojournalist
Photographing a wedding at the Interlaken Inn in Lakeville, CT is always a great experience (https://www.interlakeninn.com). As a wedding photojournalist I love capturing authentic moments. The location offers so many photographic opportunities.
I arrived at the lake one hour before starting the photography coverage and fell in love with the beautiful warm colors and the reflections on the water. I prefer the telephoto view of the landscape and my preferred lens choice is the Zeiss Otus 100mm 1.4. Even at f/1.4 I cannot believe the amount of micro contrast and detail that the image shows.
The view of the lake captured with the Zeiss Otus 100mm 1.4. As I drove away from the lake, I noticed the guests of the wedding playing games in the fields opposite the main building of the Interlaken Inn. It was cold but the sun rays were creating a warm feeling. I continued capturing authentic moments of joy using the Zeiss Otus 100mm 1.4 lens. It is the amount of subject separation that creates such a unique look.
The guests are playing games before the ceremony opposite the main building to the Interlaken Inn. Capturing details at the bride’s suite
It was time for the details shots at the bridal suite. The bride was getting ready and I devoted thirty minutes in the details, such as the shoes, the wedding rings, the invitations cards and the flowers. Most photographers choose either a 50mm or a 100mm macro lens for this section of the day. I own and have used the venerable Zeiss 100mm f2 macro lens in the past. However, it is not my ideal lens as there are significant chromatic aberrations wide open. Flower bouquets were prepared by Country Gardener’s Florist (https://countrygardenersflorist.com).
The flowers were prepared by the Country Gardeners Florist in Millerton, NY. 
The wedding rings photographed with the Zeiss 100mm 1.4 lens. 
The lovely design of the wedding shoes.
Then I visited the groom’s room and as a wedding photojournalist aiming to capture authentic moments. I noticed the interactions of the bridal party as they were getting ready. The best man was assisting the groom and the only thing I asked them to do was to move closer to the window. There was a soft light coming through the large window and illuminating the groom and his best man.
Details of bride’s gift 
Details of bride’s gift 
Happy moments during the groom’s preparation.
As wedding photojournalist I love capturing such authentic moments. If you love my photography style and you are looking for a wedding photojournalist, please complete the form /inquire/ and I will be back to you with further information.
The bride was getting ready with the assistance of her mother. I tend to keep a distance from the bride and use a long prime lens to capture the emotions without being obtrusive.
A beautiful moment as the mother assists her daughter. 
A candid moment between the bride and her mother as she checks the details of the bridal dress. 
A few final touches before the first look.