We blinked, and suddenly, it was October. That means many of you–particularly those in the US–are deep into wedding season. In light of this, we want to remind you not to work too hard (easier said than done, we know). Take breaks to rest your eyes while editing, remember to eat dinner and drink water while shooting weddings, and always prioritize your mental health. When you take care of yourself, good things are sure to follow.
You’ve come to the right place if you’re here for a little dose of creative inspiration–or a mental break. At times, a subtle theme emerges in our Top Pics roundup; for October, that theme is undoubtedly “epic.” We have jaw-dropping photos in decadent wedding halls, on mountaintops at sunrise, and even one shot featuring one of the most active volcanoes in the world. We hope you enjoy this epic journey around the globe–and stay happy and healthy!
Top Pics of October 2023
Image by 2p.weddings
Image by Goczkowski Górecka Fotografia
Image by Groovy Banana
Early Morning Goodness
Image by Aleksandra Kubik Photography
Shot with a Sony A7iii and the Sigma Art 35mm lens
“It was very early morning–so early that all coffee shops were still closed–in the El Born district of Barcelona. We spent an hour roaming around the beautiful El Born, my favorite spot in Barcelona. I wanted to use a unique alternative to the classic bouquet, so I made this boho arrangement out of flowers and feathers by myself!” – Aleksandra Kubik Photography
Image by Vows and Peaks
Photo data: Sony 35mm GM; ISO 160, f1.4, 1/2000
Image by In Bianco e Nero
Image by Lissa Schwarz
Image by SIMPLY atelier fotografico
Battling Nature for the Perfect Shot
Image by Bettina Vass
Photo Data: Canon R6 + RF 16mm 2.8, ISO 12.800, 1/8000, f4.6
“This photo was captured at the final location of an all-day adventure elopement in Iceland. The setting is a semi-open cave with a waterfall cascading into it. Upon reaching the mouth of the cave, I noticed that a considerable stream was flowing out of it.
This required me to quickly decide which two lenses to use, as I couldn’t switch lenses once inside due to the waterfall’s spray. I decided on a 16mm lens for wide shots and a 35mm macro lens for a broader perspective and potential close-ups. I also stuffed cleaning cloths into every pocket I had.
You had to walk through the water or carefully balance on stones to approach the waterfall. The cave interior was incredibly wet, making photography quite challenging. My cameras were instantly drenched, but I noticed the glowing light juxtaposed against the water when the couple turned around. I positioned them in the center of the frame, facing the challenges of ongoing lens cleaning and loud waterfall noises that made communication nearly impossible.
Despite the hurdles—such as getting soaked and contending with the cold—the couple was wonderfully cooperative. After almost 12 hours together, they had come to understand my body language and knew exactly what I was looking for. The result was nothing short of magical, making all the difficulties well worth it.” – Bettina Vass
Image by Barbara Duchalska Photography
Image by Natanael Benino
Photo data: Sony A7IV with Sony 50mm; f1.2, 1/8000, ISO 100. Shot in Yogyakarta, Indonesia.
Image by Patrycja Mazur
Capturing Bliss
Image by Helena & Laurent
“This was a surprise proposal at Gray Whale Cove State Park. And as evident by the glee expressed in this photo, they said yes!” – Helena and Laurent
Image by Tracey Ellen Photography
Image by The MacLeans
Beauty in Unexpected Places
Image by Koncomoto
“I took this shot on Bintan Island, Indonesia. The location was an exploitation site for land. But our government stopped this act a few years ago. Now, it’s abandoned, and two large dunes are left ready for export. The location looks something like a beautiful desert.” – Koncomoto
Image by J. Olson Weddings
Image by Helena and Laurent
One-of-a-Kind Moment
Image by Groovy Banana
Photo data: 24mm, f1.4, 1/4 , ISO 12800
“This was an off-the-beaten-path maternity photoshoot on the island of Tanna in Vanuatu. Here, you can hike to Mount Yasur, one of the most accessible active volcanoes in the world. This is a long exposure shot. It was truly an impressive and unforgettable experience! The couple came from Australia, but both have ancestors from Vanuatu due to the Blackbirding (Melanesian slavery), so this was pretty special.” – Groovy Banana
Image by Francis Bien Photography
Photo data: Fujifilm XT3 with an 18-55mm kit lens, f/4.2, 1/200, ISO 500
Image by Iain Irwin
Image by Lissa Schwarz
Camping for the Shot
Image by Hakuna Matata Weddings
“This couple traveled from the US to elope in the Italian Dolomites. To get shots during the sunrise, we actually slept in the Mountain Rifugio without light and water the night before. It was quite an adventure!” – Hakuna Matata Weddings
Thanks for checking out our Top Pics of the Month for October 2023. We hope you soaked up plenty of inspiration for the rest of your year. Lastly, if you’re interested in being featured in our roundups, join us on our Photobug Community Facebook page. Here, you can share your latest thoughts and wedding photos, aparticipate in our fun monthly photo challenges!
