Category Archive: Harte and Garter

I was waiting to shoot the first dance when this photographic opportunity presented itself. It’s a lesson to keep an eye out for what’s happening over your shoulder, because I firmly remember these kissing couples sitting on the staging area that looked on to where the first dance was about to take place. The public display of affection photograph is a perfect record shot and isn’t a domain reserved exclusively for bride and groom as you can see. I’ve showcased a handful of documentary wedding grab shots of late, and I’m particularly pleased to have captured this. I shot minus flash as I took two or three frames of the same scene. With flash I may have disturbed the moment, been spotted and short circuited any further opportunity. Photographic awareness has increased sharply since digital cameras have found a quality and price to put them in the hands of practically every wedding guest and I often hear the comment; “I’m doing what you’re doing mate, I’m just taking pictures of everyone on the day.” Per sae of course that’s fine, but my responsibility, my professional role as a wedding photographer, is to seek out the ‘beyond bloke drinking beer’ shot. Not many guests would feel comfortable, or indeed be technically brisk enough to capture a a shot in near dark minus flash that builds a coherent story of the day. It’s these kinds of emotionally charged photographs that glue my wedding documentary books together. I’m sure I will have muttered; “Yes,” under my breath.

BERKSHIRE WEDDING VENUE: Harte and Garter in Windsor.

SHOOTING DATA: Canon 5D Mk2, 35mm lens, F1.4, 1/80, ISO 1600.