Photo Tips

Twilight Photography: Catching “Sweet Light”!

Me Ra Koh

Brian and I were in Idaho for a few days shooting an amazing wedding and taking advantage of some twilight photography! This couple went ALL out on every detail, one of my favorite details being the amazing 18 piece band for the reception!! We can’t wait to show you the slideshow!

At one point during the night, I looked at Brian and said “We need to figure out a way to get up high, like on a rooftop, so we can shoot down on this tent!” And then I pretty much turned around and Brian was gone. 🙂 The next time I saw him was on a rooftop–capturing what photographers sometimes refer to as “sweet light”.

Sweet Light only lasts for about 30 minutes. It happens at sunrise and just after twilight. The sky will hit its bluest point, and if you’re fast (and have good balance on roofs) you can catch it with the help of a tripod.

Found a great photo-recipe for twilight photography from Me Ra Koh!

I love this image out of the series Brian shot because you can see the moon just beginning to rise over the mountains and the blue lake alongside the tent. Yeah Brian! The guests loved his dedication and told me that they were trying to convince him not to jump. 🙂

So here’s the twilight photography recipe for all of you who like to know the exact settings:

1. Brian used the wide angle lens (thanks again Carey! :)) which is the Canon L 16-35m.

2. Aperture was set to a F10 (f means f-stop). We wanted more detail then blur so the higher the f stop/aperture the more detail.

**3. Shutter Speed: Brian left it open for 30 seconds. (I made a mistake and said 1/30th of a second earlier! Sorry you guys! Hilarious!)

4. And the ISO was at 100 (Canon’s “native speed” for best color saturation.)

5. I also up’d the saturation a touch to enhance the blue.

As I wrote this we had the paper coming over for a three hour interview on our photography and DVD series! Brian said, “It’s as if Tuesdays are publicity day!” since Northwest Afternoon had played the previous Tuesday. We are blessed.

To learn more about me visit About Me Ra.

For information on Me Ra’s popular photography workshops visit HERE.

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  1. Me Ra what a GORGEOUS photo! I absolutely LOVE it! Thank you for leaving the recipe for the shot, you’re the best!

  2. Sue Christianson says:

    Me Ra,

    What a beautiful picture. You and Brian never stop amazing us. Have fun with Tuesdy publicity day! How exciting! I can’t wait to see Brittany’s pictures! hint hint! 🙂
    Have fun today.
    Love,
    Sue

  3. Me Ra says:

    Sue, you are so funny! 🙂 I love your “hint-hint”. Ginger and I were just emailing last night about how excited WE are for you guys to see her wedding photos! You’re going to be overwhelmed with how many good ones there are to choose from! 🙂

  4. Me Ra says:

    Jennifer! I could just scream! I just checked out your new blog, and I showed it to Brian! We are both so excited for you two!! How fun that you’re going for it! I’m so proud of you! And give that golfing hubby a hug for me! 🙂 But I seriously have to meet your little Avery! What a doll!

  5. Amanda says:

    Hey Me Ra,
    Brian did a wonderful job. That image rocks! I keep going to the vh1.com to see when the wedding will be on. I cant wait.
    Amanda

  6. Jessica says:

    MeRa,
    That shot captured the whole night. It was such a special day, and I am so glad that Katie picked you to share it with her. I can’t wait to see the rest of the pictures. I know they are great. Good job guys.

    Jessica

  7. Insane! That’s gorgeous!!!

  8. J Sandifer says:

    Congrats Guys…looks like you are having so much fun these days!

  9. Kate says:

    What a wonderful photograph! You are guys are so great to be willing to share your “recipes” with us!

  10. Jen Sulak says:

    that is very gorgeous…and something i need to learn about lighting *doh*! hahahaah

    thanks for posting these. 😉

  11. Katie McNab!! says:

    gorgeous you guys!! I can’t wait to see the rest of the photos! We had SO MUCH fun with you two, you guys are true gems!! We are in Fiji and it is pouring rain (and our bags are lost!!) But we are still having a grand time! Thanks again for making our day so special!! Cheers

  12. Me Ra says:

    KATIE!!!!! You are so fabulous! You were so beautiful and stunning with your vintage hat! I’m dying to get your wedding up and online! And wait till Luly Yang sees!

    I’m so sorry you lost your luggage, but I’m glad you two are still having a blast! Give Mike a hug for me! And BTW, I love that your name on the post says Katie “McNab”!! Yeah!!

  13. Brittany says:

    Mera,
    I just wanted to thank you and Brian so much for coming and surprising Mike and I on our wedding day! We had so much fun having you guys there to capture all our moments! And for capturing Mike’s goofiness! I can’t wait to see all the amazing pictures!! hint hint!
    hehe!

    Thanks again!

    Brittany