Creative Blur + Not Perfect = Moody and Timeless

Sunday, June 8, 2008



This weekend I shot a wedding at The Biltmore in Atlanta. I was rockin' and rollin' because I had the chance to try out some new lighting techniques that I've been practicing for a while. One of my favorite shots is above. I fired 6 shots as the new couple entered the reception. My assistant was inside the room in front of the couple and I used his flash to back light the subjects. If you look closely, you may be able to pick out his camera and flash. Several of the shots were in focus but I picked this one because I feel that the creative blur and rotation definitely add mood and a timeless touch. I could have used some fill flash in the foreground but without narrowing the beam of light (no time either), I would have lit the curtains and brought more detail to the subjects. And that wasn't the vision I had for the shot. There is no post production to this image except for the conversion to sepia.

Sorry if you're not a photo junkie. I've been getting all of these emails that I don't talk about the technical details of my shots anymore. Truthfully, since starting the workshops this year I have poured much of that detail, story telling, and energy into those presentations.

I will tell you this. In 30 years, this couple will look back on this photo and remember the curtains pulling back, the excitement of the crowd cheering, their first step into the room, the flashes of light, seeing the cake for the first time, raising their arms in celebration, and then they will still appreciate the time and thought that went into producing an image that creates a story they will share with their grandchildren. And that's my goal.

"My passion is to capture images of people that tell stories and will be enjoyed for generations to come!"

More images from this wedding to come.

Blog you later.

- KNIGHT
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5 comments:

Unknown said...

Yes, this is definitely a timeless and classic photo! Love the sepia tone...Beautiful... Elegant...Priceless!

Teka-Ann Haynes said...

U have the right picture - literally and figuratively.

Anonymous said...

Nice job. It's true that a well placed blur can really make a great mood.

~InfiniteWorth~ said...

I love it, love it, love it!!!! This picture took me to a special place. Thanks...~J~

play4kps said...

I must say that I really love the body of work that you have displayed. Most of all I love the Engagement at the Ritz. It was truely a firsl class engagement. May God bless the couple and families.