Archive for the ‘For Photographers’ Category
Aperture Choice and Wedding Photography
Wide or Narrow?
Given the choice, (for example when there’s plenty of light) we can opt of a wide, or a narrow Aperture. A wide Aperture allows us to deliberately focus on only one subject, and obscure with blur the extraneous objects in a field of view. The classic situation where you want to do this is with a portrait.
Beach Studios, Kent
In this picture, we have focussed beautifully on the subject, and allowed the background to supply a dreamy, blurred backdrop. By opening the aperture very very wide, possible with advanced lenses, we can actually focus specifically on one part of the subject’s face, usually the eyes, and have the ears and nose just starting to enter a zone of non focus. See how the shabby chic table travels dramatically from sharp to total blur as it comes towards you. The blur adds a sense of movement, directing the eye to the subjects face.
Kensington Roof Gardens London
This example above demonstrates that the constraints of available light can actually afford a creative opportunity. In these Bridal Photographs, at the Kensington Roof Gardens, London, the bride was in her second round of preparations for the day – getting ready for her evening wave of celebrations. Although enjoying herself, she was also quite focussed on a tricky manoeuvre with her head-dress, and the last thing a sensitive london wedding photographer would ever do here is flash a bright light in her face. Using a very fast (F1.2) lens, I was able to come in quite close, choosing my angle carefully enough so she was completely unaware of me, and grab this beautiful moment. The shallow depth of field has erased all detail in the less than stunning ceiling arrangement above, and has focussed our attention on the the calm concentration in the Bride’s face. A steady hand was needed for this shot, as with the light so low, a shutter speed of around 80 was all that was possible.
Dulwich College
A wider aperture becomes important when we want more depth of field. The classic example of this is landscape. But also shots of groups of people will generally need a wider aperture. A typical wedding reception group shot, for example, is often spoilt when some of the group are just not quite in focus.
This is often the result of low light, forcing the camera (in auto mode) to open the lens and compromise on depth of field. This problem, to my mind, is really a show stopper for formal wedding group shots, where a record is being made for future generations, and you want everyone in focus.
Durham Castle
This shot (above) required a little thought. Not that there was much time to think as the wedding couple’s car was arriving earlier than expected. In order to keep the beautiful Rolls crisp from front to back, together with the Bridal Bouquet, a tight aperture (F5.6) was in order. But with quite a bit of movement in this shot, shutter speed could not be sacrificed. I quick boost on ISO was necessary, as the ambient light was lower than is apparent here – note the umbrella and afternoon clouds!
Often, the challenge with wedding photography, is to ride a “perfect storm” of opposing demands on the camera. Guests will start to really relax, and offer great reportage wedding photography opportunities, after they have had lunch and the pressure of the main events of the day are receding. In this shot (below) we really are in a very dark space. With a wide aperture, and an extreme ISO setting (6,400) this scene is on the limit of photography without flash.
Durham Castle
Click here to see more of our Wedding Photography London.