Happy Anniversary [Rf Photo of the Day]

February 10, 2017

By Jacqueline Tobin

Photo © Ben Yew Photography

Photo © Ben Yew Photography

An adorable anniversary shoot for two long-time companions? Why not?

Ben Yew, a photographer based in Perth, Australia, met this couple through a friend (who also served as the stylist and florist for the shoot). “They were a little nervous to be in front of camera,” Yew recalls, so to warm them up he began this session at their home in Western Australia. “Once they were ready, we headed out to the Fremantle docks for the outdoor location. I picked that location because I love the open space and a quiet location to give them a bit more privacy.”

At some point during this part of the shoot, Yew envisioned doing a standing/sitting shot between the two, something “partially posed yet natural,” he says. “I found this white horn cleat at the docks and felt that would be good for Andy to take a seat while Margaret could be just right next to him holding the balloon.” The scene had a modern vs. retro feel, with the white balloons matching Margaret’s clean white outfit and Andy’s old-school wardrobe paired with the classic-looking bicycle. “When everything was ready, I had a relaxed conversation with the couple to help them forget that I was there.”

It was a bit blustery out, so Yew had to wait for a moment when the bicycle wasn’t toppling over (flowers and all) and the balloons weren’t bobbing all over the place. But he got it.

“As a natural-light shooter,” he says, “I always love to expose the image a bit more—I love the clean and light-filled images for the couple. It goes very well with their happy and fun moments.”

(Shot with a Nikon D750 and 58mm f/1.4 lens. “I love my 50-58mm range lens because I think it helps me minimize distractions,” Yew says, “and, of course, the f/1.4 definitely helps make it look dreamy.​”)

Hair + Make-up: Fitzadi
Flowers + Styling: Flowertalk​

Check out more Photos of the Day, and email rangefinder@emeraldexpo.com for submissions.