There are certain areas of the old ironworks factory in the Croatian town of Sisak that are off-limits for most residents and pedestrians, but not for this bride and groom. The groom, who works nearby and tied the knot in the vicinity, told photographer Benedetto Lee that he could get access to the area, giving Lee the opportunity to create unique portraits in a rarely-photographed location.

“I immediately said, ‘Let’s go there for the session!'” Lee recalls. “I was drawn to the exclusivity of the location, the fact that it was linked to the city’s industrial history and that it was so close.”

It was nearing 2 p.m. when the group arrived but the harsh midday sun almost made Lee doubt his ability to fully utilize the space. “I usually run away from the direct midday sunlight—except maybe for backlit conditions—but in my head, I felt the photos should be more industrial and grungy because of the location,” Lee says. But his doubt disappeared when he saw this diagonal shadow. “Suddenly I decided I wanted to challenge myself. I told the couple I had an idea and while I wasn’t sure if it would work or not, I still wanted to be a little crazy and try it anyway!”

Luckily, his experiment worked out and all of the elements fell into place within the frame, producing the grunge vibe he had hoped for. “This photo is a good reminder to keep challenging myself and to get out of my comfort zone, to play and to take risks,” Lee sums up.

(Captured using a Canon 6D with a Sigma 35mm f/1.4 Art lens.)

Photo © Benedetto Lee

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