Wedding Photography at the church

The obligatory shot of the church is often little more than a scene setting image for some.  In this shot I wanted to convey more emotion than bricks and stone, and while I was outside waiting for the bride to arrive the moment came together.

The bride was late, very late.  All the guests had arrived and taken their seats inside the church, the bells had rung and then everything went quiet.   I had finished taking shots of the groom understandably looking very nervous by this point, and decided to wait outside for the bride’s arrival at the top of the pathway by the road.  I was out of site at this time, and when I turned around shortly after, I noticed the vicar sitting on the bench.  Unaware of me for that brief moment, I took the shot ensuring I fully framed him and the church with my wide angle lens.   If I had instead chosen to take a close up shot of him to show his full expression this picture would have lost its scope.

For the couple this photo will tell the story of this moment despite neither being present. The vicar’s body language conveys a feeling of isolation and tension and the viewers’ eyes are drawn to him instantly by the leading pathway and the brightness of his outfit. The church, the path and vicar are also located on the thirds of the frame – which compositionally adds to the impact.   The rich colours of green and blue leave the image with a calmness that would not have been present had this been presented in black and white.

Oh, for those wondering at this point, yes the bride did eventually arrive

Visualsnap | Wedding Photographer Kent