A dusk, kiss - how I got the shot - photography technique

August/04/2022

A dusk, kiss - how I got the shot photography technique:

This creative, romantic image of Hein and Kirsten @zeitzmocca in Cape Town is one of my Favourites. The "moon" is actually a remote triggered flash and I put there to highlight the couple. The rest was a case of exposing to the natural light. Although it looks like a slow exposure, it isn't, so I didn't use a tripod. Nice!

The concept:

It was approaching dusk, and I'd noticed the amazing geometry of the Silo Hotel's windows. I wanted to use that as a background of with my wedding couple in the foreground. I also wanted to make sure they don't blend into the background. 

Challenge & Solution :

  • I wanted a violet sky, but it was still rather bright.
  • No problem, expose for the sky then underexpose even more.
  • Highlighting the couple. 
    If I'd simply placed Hein and Kirsten in position, they would not have separated properly from the background. The shot would work, but it'd also be mediocre.
  • Solution: Place a snooted flash behind the couple.
  • Why the snoot? I didn't want to highlight the entire area around the couple, just them.
  • What the F is a snoot? 
    It's basically a tube you put around the flash to force all the light to go in one direction.
  • Think of a hosepipe spraying water vs a bucket. With the bucket, the water goes everywhere; the hosepipe directs it. 

Photography Gear Used: 

  • Fuji Xt3
  • Godox Ving - Speedlight
  • Flash stand
  • Home made snoot
  • Tripod: Nope! 

Camera Settings:

  • Shutter: 1/250th
  • f 2.8
  • ISO: 250