Poetry in Landscape

At the beginning of the year I started a new group on Facebook called "Best of Wedding Photography." It is a group where professional and amateur photogs can submit their work and be voted by any and all members of the group. Members are both photographers and people who love to look at photography.

Each month I give out an assignment for the following month's contest. March's assignment is called "Poetry in Landscape." I often look at other photographer's work and the ones that truly take my breath away are the ones where the couple are surrounded by the surreal landscape. It is the shot that looks like it could hang on the wall as a huge canvas art print. It is all about the location, the lighting, the sky, the colors, the framing, and the couple's emotion. I think of these images as cinematic. Think about any of the big epic films you have seen with the beautiful wide shot of some amazing vista and then appropriately place a bride and groom somewhere in the shot: voila! The Money Shot! Please don't get it twisted, though. I am not talking about taking a great landscape photo and then super imposing a bride and groom from another shot in. Sure, if you are a PhotoShop wizard and can do it so NO ONE would ever know, then go for it. I am talking about being at the right location, at the right time, with the right couple. It doesn't happen very often, but when it does, it can be magical. The above shot was taken after we were finished shooting in the orchards. When we turned around to get in the car, the landscape, and the sky were just increadible. I actually felt bad that I was making them pose some more because it was soooo cold out and the warm car was waiting. TOO BAD! As a photographer when you see a shot, take it!