The wedding cake cutting shot

As a photographer I’ve never been much of a fan or particularly keen in posed cake cutting shots.   I wanted to show this example as an illustration of how such a shot is more interesting, more natural and the emotions more real, simply by observing the sequence happen naturally.

The cutting of the cake is one of those other moments in the day when the guests jostle to take a picture – so rather than get in their way or take priority,  I join them.   Then it’s really just a matter of observing and taking the shot in a live situation rather than directing it.   The expressions and fun seen on the couple are completely real – and the guests are doing all the work in terms of making them enjoy that moment.

I’ll easily  blend in with the crowd out of eye level contact with the couple, and I’m usually on the front row.  I’ll position myself where I have a good view of the knife and the cutting action.  I’ll also be sure to fire off a sequence of shots to avoid them being over exposed by other camera flashes.   This approach can be risky,  so I always compose and shoot with both eyes open,  staying alert for anyone about to jump in my way.

In terms of composition the subject matter is very central to the frame, yet I took care to balance the couple between the two pillars behind to ensure a clear space around their upper bodies – this immediately draws your eyes to their faces.  The use of depth-of-field via my camera aperture setting also defocused the surrounding elements which again emphasises the direction of your gaze. However, roam your eyes around the rest of the picture and you start to see more about the story of that moment – such as the guy filming and the lady with her camera who wasn’t ready to take the shot as the knife made that first important plunge into the cake.

Visualsnap | Kent Wedding Photographer