Sometimes the most dramatic wedding portraits happen in the least likely moments. Let me show you how I created this backlit couple's portrait during golden hour with just two lights.
The Situation
It was Sarah and Tom's wedding day at a vineyard in Napa Valley. We had about 15 minutes during cocktail hour to capture some dramatic portraits before the reception. The sun was setting directly behind where I wanted to position the couple, which meant I'd be shooting straight into the light.
Most photographers would avoid this scenario, but I saw an opportunity for something special. The key was balancing the natural backlight with artificial fill light to illuminate the couple without losing the dramatic sunset glow.
The Gear
For this setup, I kept it simple:
- Camera: Canon 5D Mark IV with 70-200mm f/2.8L lens
- Main light: Profoto B10 with 2x3' softbox at camera left
- Fill light: Profoto B10 with beauty dish at camera right
- Triggers: Profoto Air Remote TTL
The Setup Process
With limited time, I had to work fast. Here's my step-by-step approach:
Step 1: Position the Couple
I placed Sarah and Tom about 20 feet in front of the setting sun. This distance was crucial—too close and they'd be complete silhouettes, too far and we'd lose that golden rim light effect.
Step 2: Expose for the Background
My first exposure test was for the sunset. I wanted those warm oranges and pinks in the sky, so I metered for the bright areas and set my camera to:
- ISO 400
- f/4.5
- 1/250s (sync speed)
At these settings, the couple was completely underexposed—just dark silhouettes. That's exactly what I wanted before adding my lights.
Step 3: Add the Main Light
The Profoto B10 with softbox became my main light source, positioned at 45 degrees camera left, about 8 feet from the couple, and slightly above eye level. I started at 1/4 power and adjusted until their faces were properly exposed while still allowing that sunset glow to show.
Step 4: Add Fill Light
The second B10 with beauty dish filled in shadows on the right side. I kept this at about 1/2 stop under the main light to maintain dimension and avoid flat lighting.
Key Takeaways
If you're looking to create more dramatic wedding portraits, here are my main lessons from this shoot:
- Scout ahead: I walked this location during the venue tour weeks before and knew exactly where the sun would set
- Have a plan: Know your lighting setup before you arrive—15 minutes goes fast!
- Work fast: Practice your setup until it's second nature. My assistant and I can set up two lights in under 3 minutes
- Communicate clearly: Tell your couple exactly what you're doing and why. It builds confidence
- Shoot raw + bracket: Always shoot raw for maximum editing flexibility, and bracket your exposures when time permits
The Final Result
The resulting image has that ethereal, romantic quality that comes from backlit portraits, but with the couple perfectly exposed and their expressions clearly visible. The rim light from the sunset creates a beautiful separation from the background, and the warm tones throughout the image feel cohesive and intentional.
Want to Learn More?
I'll be running a workshop on dramatic wedding lighting techniques in Spring 2025. If you're interested in joining, get in touch and I'll add you to the early notification list.
Have questions about this setup or lighting in general? Drop a comment below or reach out on Instagram @dannyvintphoto.