This exercise is designed to help you think about the practical process of composing an image. I made several attempts at getting a sequence together, including a Sunday market and a walk in the park. This posed several problems not least of which was being able to compile a cohesive sequence of images, which I came across in most outdoor settings. Many people don’t behave naturally when they know they are being photographed, as it wasn’t always easy to be discreet with my equipment. Perhaps a longer telephoto lens would’ve helped me to accomplish this, but then they do tend to be much larger! I am quite a shy person at first, so maybe if I was more able to break the ice with strangers I could get them to pose more naturally. However, I found it easier to get very good ‘storytelling’ images when there were willing volunteers. I was asked to shoot a wedding for a friend of a friend, and I felt this was a perfect opportunity.
The groom is leaving for the wedding hall. I’ve tried to capture the groom in various poses to show off his beautiful gown. Indian subcontinent weddings tend to be very colourful so this is something I’ve tried to capture in these images.
These images are of the groom and friends and family. The entrance to the groom’s house is traditionally decorated so I’ve tried to capture some of this. A traditional Indian dhol (drum) player has been hired for the occasion. He gets to perform at length in a later stage of the ceremonies.
The next sequence was of various images to capture the beautiful limo that would take the groom to the hall.
The lavish interior of the car along with some more shiny reflections. I think this emphasises the luxurious setting.
I’ve captured a reflection as this is very aesthetically pleasing.
The groom shares a joke with his brother, and this is a moment they can hopefully cherish for years to come.
These images were of the groom’s brother-in-law and brother just before they got into their cars.
The groom as he is gets out and walks towards the hall. This also helps to capture some more of the gown. There was plenty of sunlight at the time so it was important to take advantage as it could likely be night by the time the groom leaves the venue.
The groom and procession as they walk towards the wedding hall. I’ve tried to capture wide shots as well as telephoto. Wide shots are able to tell us a lot more about the surroundings.
This sequence of images captures the moment when the groom tries to get into the hall. Traditionally the entrance is ‘guarded’ by children who demand payment allow entry for the groom’s entourage. After some amount of haggling a price is agreed. However, if this isn’t favourable to the children they will spray the guests with glitter and party poppers.
This is the moment the groom and his procession got sprayed.
The bride’s side have children, usually cousin’s or siblings who wait armed with party poppers and spray!
This is just a small sequence of images from the whole of the day, but I think it serves as a way of demonstrating my intent and style of shooting. I try to obtain as much candid photos as possible, as I feel this ‘tells the story’ of the day. I generally don’t like giving directions to people as I prefer them to be as natural as possible. I like shooting weddings on occasion, but I always feel a bit nervous despite having shot about 25 weddings. I think this is a good way for me to keep focus and the pressure helps to keep me working. Perhaps some of the crops could have been better but I feel this sequence is a good general indicator of my style.
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