Copy Me Lighting Thread #22 - Fumbling in the Dark

[Michael Sewell]

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This was a very simple, but effective setup. The image was taken quite late in the evening and in darkness. All light is provided by off-camera flash, and the downside was having to setup by touch in the dark. We had a solitary LED torch, which helped, but it took a great deal longer to setup than I would have preferred.

Most of the greenery is lit from a single source the far side of the bride and groom, which was placed to provide their rim light. I used a Lencarta Atom 360Ws, firing through the dedicated beauty dish without the grid. This ensured the light was widespread so as to light the foliage, path and trellis. It was around chest height to ensure it was hidden by the bride and groom, and output was set to 1/8th

A second Atom 360 was placed in the garden area, frame right, about waist height, and set to fire through the trellis using a standard reflector, and again at about 1/8th output. The foliage on the garden side of the trellis gave the light a green tint, which can be seen on the bridal gown.

The main light was alongside me, and to my right (frame right). Another Atom 360 mated to an 80x80cm folding softbox raised to just about head height, or at least until it fouled on the overhead trellis. It was angled downward towards the couple and set to 1/16th output.

My biggest problem was focusing, as to be absolutely blunt, you cannot focus on what you cannot see. That's why I pack an LED torch. Something as simple as a basic torch can work wonders in a situation like this. Bear in mind, most mobile phones have the ability to use their LED light as a torch, and even this can be bright enough to get you out of a hole!

Most “dark” places I have shot, have had some illumination, even if it's still very dim. However, this particular setting had no lighting at all, was surrounded by high hedges which shielded the area from the road, and any street lighting. Apparently, according to the hotel, the front garden area isn't used by clients throughout winter, so they haven't invested in any lighting. Gee!, I wonder why it isn't used?

Tip of the day? Pack a torch!

Nikon D4 1/125th sec ISO400 24-70mm @f5.6

 

[MidnightUK]

I have heard one of those mini laser pointers can be handy as something to focus on, but no idea if it works as have never tried, I am really surprised the hotel does not light some of its areas - sounds like an accident waiting to happen. I would have thought low level led safety lights would have been prudent as well as making the place more inviting.

Anyway on to the nice picture, which is a lovely image of the couple. Were you already aware of the arbour from previous events or did you scout it out on the day? I am thinking you were lucky to know it was there at all.

ps. You realise of course that you will now be inundated with torches for the next couple of birthdays and Christmases, if your friends and family read this thread....

 

[Michael Sewell]

I have heard one of those mini laser pointers can be handy as something to focus on, but no idea if it works as have never tried, I am really surprised the hotel does not light some of its areas - sounds like an accident waiting to happen. I would have thought low level led safety lights would have been prudent as well as making the place more inviting.

Anyway on to the nice picture, which is a lovely image of the couple. Were you already aware of the arbour from previous events or did you scout it out on the day? I am thinking you were lucky to know it was there at all.

ps. You realise of course that you will now be inundated with torches for the next couple of birthdays and Christmases, if your friends and family read this thread....

I was aware of the garden, but not made use of it until this particular wedding. It's actually at the front of the hotel, with a large car park between the hotel and the garden, which is another factor why the hotel feels it wouldn't be used.
I very much doubt any of my family members will read this, TBH