CANNES, France (AP) — Daniel Cole, a freelance photographer who frequently contributes to The Associated Press, particularly in southern France, typically covers hard news. However, he takes particular pleasure in spending nearly two weeks each May in a tuxedo at the Cannes Film Festival, where he can push the boundaries of his photography. Here’s what he had to say about capturing this extraordinary image. The Inspiration Behind the Photo As a news photographer, dressing up and photographing the biggest stars as they stroll down the red carpet is not my typical gig. Yet the Cannes Film Festival has become one of my favorite assignments: a non-stop two weeks filled with no shortage of glamorous ensembles or Hollywood star power. It's an event that constantly encourages you to capture photographs of people, a rare opportunity for a news photographer. I’ve come to regard the Cannes Film Festival as a privilege that allows me to indulge in the aesthetics of my photographs in a world where everyone is constantly vying for your attention. During the red carpet events, hundreds of individuals strike poses in opulent attire and flashy accessories. It's a visual feast that invites you to photograph every detail. My goal, along with many of my colleagues, is to capture the most aesthetically pleasing images of the biggest stars. Many stars graced the carpet the evening I took this photo, and there were many shots I didn't capture. However, I instantly knew I had captured something intriguing when I noticed the stray flash — light from another photographer's flash — crossing the face of "Barbie" director Greta Gerwig, who was serving as the festival's jury president that year. When you manage to snap a few nice shots of major stars, you feel as though you've contributed something special to the AP's coverage of this bizarre world. The Process of Capturing the Photo At the festival, I have the creative freedom to search for flashier and more unique moments. I prefer to use wide-aperture prime lenses without flash to offer a contrast to the typical entertainment aesthetic. I took this picture from the bottom of the grand red-carpet stairs, which provides numerous vantage points for photography. As Gerwig strolled past me, I decided to ascend the stairs with my 135mm lens. I was committed to what I thought would happen and was determined to wait for a reaction from her as she reached the top step. She eventually turned around, and I was fortunate enough to capture her waving to fans as well as the additional stray flash as I pressed the shutter button. The blurring of lights at the Palais des Festivals added to the whimsical nature of the image, which beautifully combined her gesture with an intriguing light display. Why This Photo is Effective Many of my favorite images from Cannes are created in a similar manner: trusting your instincts that the moment you anticipate will arrive, and being fortunate enough to capture a serendipitous burst of light that elevates the scene. If you can manage to pair the perfect moment with the right celebrity and some chance visual magic, you end up with a photograph that can truly stand out. Copyright Source: Yueke