As a photographer, I’ve always enjoyed a big sky shot. There’s something special about the simplicity of wide-open spaces and the way they make a scene feel expansive and full of life. What’s even more exciting is that you don’t always need dramatic fluffy clouds or a stunning sunset to make a big sky photo work. In fact, sometimes the beauty lies in the subtleties.
One of my favourite shots from this year comes from a wedding at Glewstone Court, where I captured a bride and groom on the edge of a field. The photograph showcases the open sky and the natural beauty of the land, sweeping gently down and then rising again toward the tree line. This composition adds a sense of depth and draws the viewer’s eye across the frame.
Finding Unseen Spaces for Unique Shots
As a wedding photographer, I’m always looking for those moments and locations that you might not typically see in others' work. It’s these hidden gems that allow me to create something truly unique for my couples. The spot where I took this photograph wasn’t the traditional “go-to” location for a wedding photo, but it was exactly what I was looking for. It’s a little off the beaten path, and the open space, combined with the way the land rises towards the trees, gives the image a sense of movement and flow.
What you wouldn’t notice at first glance is the handy little metal plate placed on the ground, which helped to keep the bride's shoes clean and dry. It’s small details like this that make the day easier for my couples - and those details always seem to add an extra layer of depth to a photo when you look back at it later.
The Power of Earthy Tones and a Neutral Palette
There’s something incredibly powerful about the earthy tones and neutral palette that make this image stand out. The muted greens, browns, and sky blues give the photo a grounded and natural feel, allowing the couple to stand out as the focal point without competing with the background. It’s a simple yet striking composition that, for me, embodies the beauty of nature and the elegance of the moment.
The subtlety of this shot is what makes it one of my personal favorites. There’s no need for dramatic colors or lighting here - the beauty lies in the simplicity and the way everything just works together so naturally.
The Technical Details: Capturing the Moment
As a photographer, getting the technical details right is essential in creating the perfect shot. For this image, I used my Nikon D780 with a Nikkor 24-70mm 2.8G lens at 35mm to give me the perfect focal length to capture the couple and the vast sky around them. I shot at ISO 125, with an aperture of f/6.3, and a shutter speed of 1/200 sec to ensure the right balance of light and detail.
To add a bit more light to the scene, I used a single Yongnuo YN560 IV off-camera flash on a stand, positioned to the left of the shot. The flash was set to a low power to gently fill in the shadows and give the couple a bit more pop against the natural surroundings.
Why This Big Sky Shot at Glewstone Court Works for Me
What really makes this photo stand out for me, beyond the technical details, is the overall atmosphere it captures. It’s a moment of calm and quiet elegance, where the couple is framed by the beauty of nature, and the simplicity of the composition lets their connection shine through. It’s a testament to how you don’t always need elaborate settings or dramatic lighting to create something memorable. Sometimes, less is more.
This shot at Glewstone Court, with its big sky, earthy tones, and subtle details, remains one of my favorite images of the year. It’s a perfect example of how a unique location and thoughtful composition can turn an ordinary moment into something extraordinary.
Final Thoughts: Embracing the Beauty of the Ordinary
Photography is all about finding beauty in unexpected places. While dramatic skies and sunsets can be stunning, some of the most meaningful moments are found in the simplicity of the everyday. This shot, with its quiet elegance, is proof that sometimes, the most striking images are the ones that allow the natural world to speak for itself.
If you’re looking for a wedding photographer who loves to capture moments like this—unposed, natural, and full of meaning—let’s talk. I’d love to help tell your story through beautiful, unique images that reflect who you are and the world around you.
The Beauty of Simplicity: A Big Sky Shot at Glewstone Court
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