How to Add More Emotion in Your Photography

“Some wedding photographs document what happened. Others reveal what was felt. “Under My Veil” belongs to the second category.”

Rafael Sotomayor

Created during a wedding in Puerto Rico, this image was never intended to become an award-winning photograph. It began as a simple portrait opportunity and evolved into one of the most meaningful images of my career. Time later, it would be selected for Professional Photographers of America’s International Exhibition and featured in Professional Photographer Magazine.

After nearly four decades behind the camera, I have learned that the most memorable wedding images are rarely about the dress, the flowers, or even the location. They are about connection. They are about creating a photograph that allows the viewer to feel something long after the wedding day has passed.

As I watched this couple interact beneath the bride’s veil, I became fascinated by the layers of fabric separating them from the world around them. The veil acted as a physical barrier, yet at the same time it revealed their intimacy. It created privacy while still allowing us to witness the moment.

At that instant, I realized the veil was no longer an accessory. It had become part of the story. The bride’s hand gently rests against her groom. Her wedding ring becomes a subtle focal point. Their expressions are partially concealed, yet emotionally exposed. The veil softens the scene while simultaneously creating depth and dimension throughout the frame. Rather than photographing the couple through a clear window into the moment, I chose to embrace the layers and allow the veil itself to become a visual metaphor for love, trust, and intimacy.

The Technical Side

The image was created with a Canon EOS 5D Mark III paired with a Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III USM lens. Exposure settings were 1/160 second at f/4.5 and ISO 400.

The lighting was remarkably simple. Natural light coming from a nearby balcony served as the primary light source, while a silver Photoflex reflector was used to provide subtle fill and maintain detail in the shadows. The soft directional light enhanced the translucency of the veil and helped create the luminous quality that became so important to the final image.

In post-production, the raw file was processed in Adobe Lightroom and then converted to black and white in Photoshop. A subtle vignette was added to help guide the viewer’s eye toward the couple, while careful clarity adjustments enhanced the texture and detail within the veil. The monochromatic treatment removed distractions and emphasized the emotional relationship between the subjects.

While photographers often enjoy discussing cameras, lenses, and settings, I believe the technical choices succeeded only because they supported the emotional intent of the image. The technique served the story. Not the other way around.

Recognition

“Under My Veil” was selected for inclusion in Professional Photographers of America’s International Exhibition and was later featured in Professional Photographer Magazine in December 2024 issue. Having an image recognized by fellow photographers is always an honor, but what has meant even more to me is the emotional response it continues to receive years after it was created.

When photographers tell me they remember the image, they rarely talk about the exposure settings or the lens. They talk about how it made them feel. For me, that is the highest compliment any photograph can receive.

Tips for Creating Images Like This

Over the years, I have learned several lessons that may help photographers create more emotionally compelling wedding portraits.

1. Look Beyond the Obvious

A veil is more than a piece of fabric. A doorway is more than a doorway. A window is more than glass. Train yourself to see everyday elements as storytelling tools.

2. Photograph Emotion Before Perfection

Perfect posing is not always necessary. Genuine interaction often creates stronger images than rigid direction. Watch for authentic moments and be prepared when they happen.

3. Use Layers to Create Depth

Foreground elements can transform an ordinary photograph into something immersive and dimensional. The veil in this image creates multiple layers that invite the viewer into the scene.

4. Get Close

Emotional photographs often require physical proximity. Do not be afraid to move in close and eliminate distractions that compete with the story.

5. Simplify the Light

Complex lighting setups are not always necessary. Sometimes a beautiful source of natural light and a simple reflector are all you need to create something timeless.

Final Thoughts

After 39 years as a professional photographer, I continue to believe that our greatest images are not necessarily the most technically complex. They are the images that communicate something universally human.

Years after creating “Under My Veil,” I am grateful that photographers continue to respond to it emotionally. While I appreciate the recognition it received through professional competition, the true value of the photograph lies elsewhere.

It reminds us that photography is not simply about recording appearances. It is about preserving relationships. Technology changes. Camera systems evolve. Styles come and go. But genuine human connection remains timeless. And that is what “Under My Veil” is about.