Photographer Christopher Wells explains why this photograph works so well

This was shot by me at The West Side Tennis Club. As you can see in image #2 I placed the models in a way so the lines in the location drive the eye line to the subject. The weight of the picture all points to them which makes for a better photograph. It feels right and a lot of times as a photographer or filmmaker you have to trust your gut and go with it.

Also the colors of the net, fence, house, lines on the court all play nice with their outfit. I had nothing to do with their wardrobe but I think it’s worth mentioning because there is a team of people, "wardrobe department" who help make a great final result and everyone has to play off each other and compliment everyones efforts. The pop of color in the male models belt is really nice and makes your eye linger there which is on purpose. It’s all an orchestrated effort to make a great picture.

Luckily the wind was blowing to the left and not to the right. Of course it helps to have a fan on set and then you can stroke the models and the fan and take a empty picture so you can photoshop the fan out. A little trick of the trade.

I want to point out the positions of the models heads, she’s looking at us the audience and he’s looking in the direction of the lines in the background. If they were both looking in the same direction it wouldn’t work as nicely, it wouldn’t feel as good, they give a nice balance which is really important.

It helps when you work with great talent who know how to pose. As a photographer I benefit greatly when my models know where the camera is, where to look, understand what movements (poses) to make. This goes for actors when I’m directing. Also, the way they place their legs is important and they know that exactly what they are doing. Little things like that help a lot and if I’m working with people who have experience that means I can concentrate on other things like their overall position and lighting. It takes a village.