Sun-kissed wedding
A traditional Orthodox white-washed church, perched on the edge of a cliff, overlooking the Mediterranean sea and just down the road from the birthplace of the goddess of love herself…does it get any more romantic than this?! That was Gabi and Bani’s movie-esquelocation for a stunning wedding in Cyprus, full of customs and ancient traditions like the binding of the hands and the exchanging of the stefana (crowns).
It sounds like a dream, but imagine my surprise when I found out that…ahem…there was no electricity! Rather than be put off by the challenge, I knew the incredible opportunity working with natural light at a location like this offers.
So, having scouted the venue a few days before, and discovering the sun set behind the church, I was able to familiarise myself with how light and shadow would work throughout the day. Planning to use a “mono-pod” (no prizes for guessing this is a tripod with one leg) meant I could shoot with a much lower shutter speed than normal. This would mean less time setting up each shot and a greater chance of capturing those magical moments.
Imagine my surprise when I found out there was no electricity! I knew the incredible opportunity working with natural light at a location.
The end result was deliciously crisp, glossy shots that really brought out the blue of the sky and the ocean. Similarly, towards the evening the long exposure helped the light of the setting sun bathe both guests and the white stucco of the church in a warm, rich glow.
A few hours later we were all at a hotel further up along the cliff, where I went to bed, exhausted. Meanwhile, Gabi and Bani and all their family and friends danced and celebrated long into that unforgettable night.
