Farmers Image Of The Week: Using Zoom Lenses for Weddings

Farmers Image Of The Week: Using Zoom Lenses for Weddings

FARMERS IMAGE OF THE WEEK

Sophie Alexandria

Farmers Image Of The Week: Using Zoom Lenses for Weddings

Our next Farmers Image of the Week is by Sophie Alexandria, who attended our Thrive conference back in March. While there, she took advantage of the kit loans from our wonderful sponsor Canon. Sophie switched to Canon afterward and has been getting used to her new system this year. It’s a different approach to shooting with zooms when you’re used to primes, but I always believe that switching gear is a great way to push yourself out of your creative comfort zone, which is always beneficial. This wedding took place in Edinburgh, but the Indonesian bride connected with Sophie as she has traveled there herself. The traditional bridalwear and headpiece that the bride wears is incredibly richly detailed and both their outfits work with the location to create a tonally muted palette that lets the viewer focus on the pose and expression.

Composition:
Sophie has expertly composed this image, using the architectural lines of the corridor to lead the viewer’s eye directly to the bride. The arches create a natural frame around her, adding depth and perspective to the shot. The positioning of the couple, with the bride glancing back while the groom looks forward, adds a narrative element that makes the viewer curious about their story.

Use of Light:
The soft, natural light in this image is beautifully handled. It highlights the intricate details of the bride’s traditional attire without washing out the rich textures. The light also enhances the warm tones of the stonework, complementing the gold tones in the bride’s dress and accessories.

Emotional Impact:
There’s an emotional depth to this photograph that goes beyond the visual. The bride’s expression, the way she holds her bouquet, and the gentle movement of her cape all suggest a moment of reflection and anticipation. It’s a quiet yet powerful image that invites the viewer to share in the couple’s forward movement.

Sophie Alexandria has shown that switching up your gear can indeed push you creatively, and this image is a testament to that. It’s a beautifully composed, culturally rich photograph that captures the essence of both the couple and the setting. Congratulations to Sophie for creating such a stunning image and for being our Farmers Image of the Week!

THE DETAILS

CAMERA: Canon R6 | MKII RF 24-70 2.8

SETTINGS: ISO 500 | F2.8 | 1/640

PRESET: RC Presets (tweaked)

WHAT Sophie SAID

The way the light was hitting Arneta’s head piece showed each piece off beautifully along with the beading on her kebaya. I love this image because it stops you in your tracks with the beauty of her kebaya outfit and her head piece.

This was my first time photographing a Akad Ceremony, I was really excited to see Arneta’s outfit as I knew it would be like nothing I had ever photographed or seen before. Arneta is Indonesian so I was quite set on using this building in Parliament Square, Edinburgh for some portraits due to its amazing architecture.

The arches and brick work reminded me of buildings I had seen in Indonesia myself so I thought it would be fitting for Arneta’s heritage and to bring a piece of home to Edinburgh. Although, I was originally worried that the colour of her Kebaya dress might blend too much into the brick work rather than standout, I think it works perfectly due to the detailing and sparkle the bespoke stitching and beading gives off when the natural light hits the kebaya.

Originally, this wasn’t actually a posed photo, I had just about finished photographing both Ross & Arneta in this area, I had asked them to walk away away from me so I could get a back shot of both Ross & Arneta’s outfits. Then as they walked away, Arneta looked out into the light and I immediately shouted stop (it was a dramatic stop because I was so excited!!).

The way the light was hitting Arneta’s head piece showed each piece off beautifully along with the beading on her kebaya. I love this image because it stops you in your tracks with the beauty of her kebaya outfit and her head piece. Arneta only wore for her kebaya for the Akad Ceremony. Arneta later changed into a Mila Nova wedding dress, it was super fun having the two totally different outfits to photograph!

THE TECH TALK

Farmers Image Of The Week: Using the Canon 28-70mm F2 for Weddings

I would say never switching off and always being on the ball is a massive pointer. I have recently upgraded my equipment and gone back to Canon and using zoom lenses.

I didn’t need to move when I noticed this moment because of now having the zoom option which I love!

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