Instant Favourites #7 “Why I like this image”
As documentary wedding photographers, we look to combine the moment, composition, and light all in one, and it all has to be natural and unscripted. It’s great when we get any combination of these. My objective is to deliver arresting and meaningful images which, in themselves, tell a story. When I photographed Jake and Rhian’s wedding last year I think I hit that objective a fair few times. Below is one of my favourite images from that day.
To me this image beautifully captures the energy and joy of their wedding celebration. An unscripted genuine snapshot of the joy and love that abounded on that occasion. It shows emotional connection at several levels – Jake and Rhian are at the centre, embracing each other with warmth and happiness. Their body language and facial expressions convey love and excitement. The dance floor is full of life, with guests of all ages enjoying the moment. The variety of expressions and interactions gives reality and energy to the scene. From couples embracing to friends laughing and people dancing, these interactions tell an authentic story of love, friendship, and celebration.
From a photographic point of view, this image ticks many boxes as well. The couple in the foreground provide layering, depth, reflection and juxtaposition leading to Jake and Rhian at the centre of the image. Then your eye explores the rest of the image - a tableau reminiscent of those expansive scenes in Renaissance art (have I gone too far here?) where the central couple is surrounded by several individual self-contained scenes of people interacting, talking, dancing and laughing.
