It's been a while since I blogged a Tech Tips post, so what better day than this gorgeous Friday morning? Today it's slated to be 78-degrees in Southern California and I'm about thiiiiiiis close from closing my computer and finding an umbrella'd drink by a pool. Who's with me?

After posting a recent wedding at Bacara Resort, a reader–Julie Riddle Worthy–asked:
I have two questions. Photo #1 what were you standing on?
I grabbed an ottoman from the hotel room and photographed the bride as she sat in a low chair. Did I look silly? Why, yes, but the client will remember the moment, not what it took for me to capture it.

You captured bride and groom it looks like full sunlight but no harsh shadows, no lost details in shadows, no blown areas. I know most of it was nailing the shot but I was trying to imagine myself there and shooting the same shot. Excellent post processing as well? I'd love to know what settings were used to shoot it.
It was a very bright afternoon in Santa Barbara, but we were able to photograph the wedding well in part to the following:
1. Technical proficiency. Given a tough environment (like an extremely bright day), we immediately expose with care. The above photo was captured with the 70-200mm, 2.8 IS at f/4.0 1/2500 100 ISO. Before the bride was standing at the altar, I tested my exposure on JD before guests arrived at the ceremony location, so by the time the wedding started, I knew exactly how I'd shoot it.
2. Pacific Coast haze. Since the wedding was on waterfront property, the slight coastal haze diffused the light every so slightly…but it was enough to make my heart breathe a sigh of relief.
3. Shooting raw. Shooting raw provides lots of latitude during post-processing in Lightroom. This is a great way to save dress details and skin on particularly bright days.

I hope you have a beautiful weekend and if you manage to get by a pool, raise a glass to your homegirl in Cali.
j*