Friday Photo: Fashion / Wedding / Documentary 

A fashion wedding documentary image is pretty much my favourite thing.  And this is one of my favourite images from last year.  It’s an image that the clients didn’t even take as part of their 300 images, so they clearly don’t agree.  If they came back for this photo now there would still be 300 photos they preferred over this one.  And that’s okay.  You’re not always shooting for the client.  In fact, between you and me, you should actually never shoot for the client.  Shoot for yourself and book the clients that respond to that.  That way there’s no disconnect between what you want to deliver and want the client wants you to deliver, and you don’t have to complicate your day and your frazzled brain trying to second guess what works for you and what works for the client.  I like this shot because in terms of commercial wedding photography it’s all wrong.  The usual rule seem to be don’t get any cars in shot unless they’re expensive vintage cars or taxi the bride arrived in.  And the bridesmaid is in full on, harsh, midday sun.  The nice flattering ‘open shade’ light is right next to her, round the corner.  In fact, right round the corner are the beautiful cloistered arches of a lovely church, that I barely used.  Also it’s really a shot of nothing.  It’s not ‘a moment’ and it’s barely a moment between moments.  But I like the shape and the light and the lines, as well as the mood.  For me these elements combine to make it a fashion image, but it’s still a wedding image, and it’s unposed, so it’s also documentary.  And my favourite thing is those three coming together in one wedding photo.

fashion wedding documentary

Technical details for the photography wonks:

Camera: Leica Q

Lens: 28mm

Aperture: f8

Shutter speed: 1/500

ISO: 100

Mode: Aperture Priority

The beautiful St Stephen’s Church that you don’t see in this photo