Wedding photographer Dorset
Highcliffe Castle wedding photography – Alex and Arielle
Tuesday, July 20th, 2010
Labels seem somewhat important in my industry at the moment. When asked what style of wedding photography I practice, the phrase ‘editorial’ springs to mind. It’s not widely used in my industry and usually the terms ‘photojournalist’ and ‘documentary’ are adopted by those who have thrown off the shackles of ’smile for the camera!’ It would be true that much of my work embraces a documentary path where observation has replaced scenario set ups. A thousand pictures of ‘man drinking beer’ does not maketh a photojournalist however. Much of my day is spent waiting and watching for something a mite more magical. Within a typical wedding presentation post the date itself, I would imagine two thirds of a returned portfolio would identify as naturally captured documentary moments. The other third? A mixture of softly posed instants; I’m not afraid to ask someone to turn into the light again, or just repeat what they had been doing a second earlier. If it works, fine, if it doesn’t, it meets a delete keystroke briskly. Family portraits; an essential record for most weddings. I do ask that couples consider the necessity of tenuous family groupings, but otherwise, they’ll be in there. Food photography (if Chef is willing;) it’s become part of my repertoire. And bridal portraiture. For most brides and grooms we’re back to soft posing. I’m not a great fan of the dipped bride, but if I see a scenario, a prop or as below, an interestingly lit service corridor used to link kitchen with conveniences, it interests me. So yes, I am documentary, but more-so, if a label is required, editorial. I get a great deal of editorial freedom to deliver a story of someone’s day, naturally and otherwise. Some images from the weekend just gone and the fabulous coastal wedding venue; Highcliffe Castle.
