Image of the week #25 | The story behind the image

Devon Documentary Wedding Photography

This partucular image has remained my most memorable wedding moment to have captured this season within my Devon Documentary Wedding Photography.

Its certainly not the best composition, but at times, you have to appreciate the importance of the ‘moment’ and see it for all its glory.

Environmental constraints and context often have a direct bearing on the composition and have to be put to one side every now and then.

Taken at the end of the wedding speeches, just after the Groom’s father had finished his tribute to his son and new daughter in law.

The speech was wonderful in its delivery and stirred up a strong emotional reaction in the Groom. Firstly with him trying to contain them by looking away, then slowly coming back to eye contact with his Dad, to embrace the moment and then having to wipe the tears from his eyes.

This split second capture just says so much to me about the people and their relationships.

The way the three people each capture the viewers eye in turn. Strong images take you on a journey around the composition with this ‘triangular’effect keeping your attention within the stand alone image.

First you are drawn to the Groom, and then your eye travels to his Bride on the left, her expression and glance over to her new Mother-in-Law. You can see that they have eye contact with one another and you can immediately empathise with the people and the ‘moment’.

Earlier I mentioned the environmental conditions and context within which this moment was captured. This wedding breakfast room had another two photographers, one being the Groom’s brother who was a keen photographer that day and the other was my second shooter. Both having different view points in the room. There was also a videographer capturing footage for the couple.

So four view points in all taken, with mine being the primary one. Those taken and the guests view always something that I like to protect through my unobtrusive documentary shooting style.

Wine bottles, glasses and table decorations all being obstacles that we can all see past when we have to or choose to look closely at our subjects.

A photofilm capturing the speeches, musical soundtrack by Ryan Keen and the real emotions running throughout this wonderful wedding can been seen here – Huntsham Court Wedding.