Think Like a Ray of Light

Understanding light is vital to being a good photographer. Understanding shadows is vital to being a great photographer. Light and shadow are equal partners in a photograph and learning to manipulate them and get both parties to cooperate is essential to making photographs with story, and mood.

Heritage Garden Reception Center has this wonderful staircase, the lighting is nice for guests and feels comfortable, but cameras often want more.  Our eyes see a much wider dynamic range of light at the same time than our cameras can. Without any help, the balcony in the background would end up mostly dark and the brides gown may be a little blown out. I threw a little light on Katie, but most of the light went up to the ceiling to bounce back down and to the upper balcony.

 

You may or may not like my particular processing on this photo, but knowing the bride, I selected this processing as an option for her along with a more traditional rendering of the image. Brides love their dresses and this version shows much of the detail that she loved in the dress.