Just over a year ago I set up the Documentary Wedding Photography community on Google+. The community has grown at a steady rate and now has over 1900 members and a healthy flow of stimulating observational wedding photography.
Every week an image is selected as ‘Photo of the Week’ from the submissions and the previous weekly winner is responsible for making the selection, the baton is then passed to the next winner, and so.
This post is a celebration of 1 year of the community and the outstanding wedding photography that has been posted by the members. If you would like to share your photography in the future, head over to community and join us.
I would like to thank all the members for making contribution to the community and congratulations to winners. I do hope you enjoy the work below, additionally it can be viewed on YouTube here: http://youtu.be/N-JcaXQp2vY
I would like to mention there were 3 additional winners of ‘Photo of the Week’ this year but I was unable to secure their consent to post their photography. They are as follows: Stephen Bunn, Matthias Richter, Matt Evans.
Tux & Tales Photography – Week 41: October 7 – October 13, 2013
Website: http://www.tuxandtalesphoto.co.uk
Adam Riley Photography – Week 42: October 14 – October 20, 2013
Story behind the image: Small storytelling moments are one of my favourite things to capture on the day. This image speaks of the support of the best man to the groom, and tells the story of what is about to unfold.
Website: http://www.adamrileyphotography.com
Emilie White Photography – Week 43: October 21 – October 27, 2013
Story behind the image: Avignon, France. I love this image because both the bride and groom are totally letting loose with the love of their friends and family: it’s full of life and craziness that’s what really makes it special to me.
Website: http://www.emiliewhite.com
GWS Photography – Week 44: October 28 – November 3, 2013
Story behind the image: It was taken at Lynsey & Graham’s wedding, October 2013, the flat is on Edinburgh’s High Street / Royal Mile. Down below the street was filled with tourists, street artists and the likes. The 3 young bridesmaids were watching them from the window, then sat down quietly and watched the bride being made up. I like the photo as it was a very quiet moment, while the street below was almost a carnival.
Website: http://www.gwsphotography.co.uk
Linus Moran Photography – Week 45: November 4 – November 10, 2013
Story behind the image: This image was taken at the Riviera Hotel in Weymouth. It was the first father / daughter dance I had the pleasure to capture. The couple and the day were a delight to capture all day, full of style and very photogenic. But this image stands out from the many others, not only because of the context but because to me it’s simply one of those images that is very simple, having a very clean composition. Minimal in detail to draw the eye, yet when the viewer looks over the fathers shoulder and connects with the closed eyes of the bride. A woman who is very much in the moment dancing with her very much loved father. A special moment, cleanly captured and encapsulating the emotion of the event.
Website: http://www.linusmoranphotography.co.uk
John Colson – Week 46: November 11 – November 17, 2013
Story behind the image: The colour image is from Kate and Alex’s wedding in October last year. I love this image simply because of its simplicity and beauty. I had wanted to get this exact shot from a long time, but because I don’t set things up, these things just have to happen. Kate was stood in the exact spot to help me create a silhouette, her veil fell perfectly and that was that 🙂 It was taken at Kate’s family home.
Website: http://www.johncolson.com
Nathan Eames/Libra Photographic – Week 47: November 18 – November 24, 2013
Story behind the image: This image was taken at the bride’s house during bridal prep. The grandfather and pageboy needed a little bit of ‘man time’ while the ladies were all getting made up. They escaped to the summer house at the end of the garden. I knew the light was going to be perfect where it was situated so I followed and hid in the tree so the pageboy didn’t play up to the camera. A genuine moment to be treasured between Grandparent and grandchild.
Website: http://libraphotographic.co.uk
York Place Studios – Week 48: November 25 – December 1, 2013
Story behind the image: One of our favourite frames from this Middleton Lodge wedding, the bride and groom are watching a spectacular fireworks display with all their friends and family at the end of the night. Taken without flash and manually focused to retain the mood of the image.
Website: http://www.yorkplacestudios.co.uk
Docuwedding – Week 49: December 2 – December 8, 2013
Website: http://www.docuwedding.co.uk
Adam Riley Photography – Week 50: December 9 – December 15, 2013
Story behind the image: I love to include humour in my shots, I sometimes get a light-hearted telling off for getting moments such as these. But it’s a storytelling image and that what wedding photography is all about!
Website: http://www.adamrileyphotography.com
Peacock Obscura – Week 51: December 16 – December 22, 2013
Story behind the image: Taken at the The Malmaison Hotel in Birmingham during Bridal prep for a winter wedding at Fasely Studios. Wedding prep is one of my favourite parts of the wedding day, I love trying to tell the story of this part of the day in a single image framing all the friends in the various stages of the ritual. What I love about this image is everyone is in their own little moment oblivious to the fact that I’m in the room.
Website: http://www.peacockobscura.co.uk
This Modern Love – Week 52: December 23 – December 29, 2013
‘Vanesha’s Ready’ – Location: Dunboyne Castle, Ireland.
Story behind the image: Vanesha, the bride, had just finished getting ready and her family burst through the door to see her. I love the layers in this image and how the line of family reactions lead your eye towards Vanesha.
Website: http://www.thismodernlove.co.uk
York Place Studios – Week 01: December – January 5, 2014
Story behind the image: Jumping dog! This cute little pooch did the ultimate photobomb at this Ox Pasture Hall wedding. I love how he bears his little teeth and completely steals the show from his owner.
Website: http://www.yorkplacestudios.co.uk
Adam Riley Photography – Week 02: January 6 – January 12, 2014
Story behind the image: This was taken at Catherine and Steven’s local church in Creslow, The small little wedding car was surrounded by lots and lots of guests and I wanted to show the packed crowd waving off the bride and groom, as well as include the story of the church, wedding car – and happy couple of course!
Website: http://www.adamrileyphotography.com
Ian Baker Photography – Week 03: January 13 – January 19, 2014
Story behind the image: This picture was taken late in the evening inside a walled garden at Northbrook Park in Surrey. I like it because it because it gives little away but at the same time creates a real sense of atmosphere. Smoke is sometimes a tricky thing to capture but on this occasion the guy really delivered the goods.
Website: http://www.ianbakerphotography.com
Agence Pearl – Week 04: January 20 – January 26, 2014
Story behind the image: The picture was taken in January 2014 at the city hall of Paris 11. I like this picture for the light.
Website: http://www.agencepearl.com
Linus Moran Photography – Week 05: January 27 – February 2, 2014
Story behind the image: This image was taken at a small restaurant reception by Weymouth harbour. What struck me about the image was that it was taken during an unscripted tribute from the brother of the groom. I recall being very restricted in the room, not having a choice of my preferred shooting angles, so not able to shoot over the speakers shoulder due to cramped seating arrangements.
The older brother was admitting to always having looked up to his younger brother, how talented he was and how lucky he was that day to be marrying such a beautiful bride. I could sense that the parents were starting to choke up and decided to keep things tight on them. The expressions captured say so much, not just about the moment but more about how mother / father /male /female often react (externally) so, so differently. The mother is very much letting go with the tears and emotions whereas the Dad, is distancing himself, looking away and almost taking himself away from the situation. You know he is feeling it and struggling to control his emotions, something that many men do, especially in public.
Website: http://www.linusmoranphotography.co.uk
Adam Riley Photography – Week 07 : February 10 – February 16, 2014
Story behind the image: It’s easy to forget about the groom as the bride walks down the aisle, but I often find they are more emotional than the bride! Stuart struggles to keep his emotions in check as his beautiful bride approaches 🙂
Website: http://www.adamrileyphotography.com
S Romel – Week 08: February 17 – February 23, 2014
Website: http://sromel.com
Paul Santos Photography – Week 09: February 24 – March 2, 2014
Story behind the image: On the whole, I generally don’t want to be noticed when I’m taking photos at weddings. However, this image of a bridesmaid, taken at The Marine Hotel in North Berwick Scotland, simply works only because of I have been seen. Shot during the speeches, whilst everyone else is oblivious to my actions, my shot caught the returning gaze of this young bridesmaid and gives a strong sense of focus to the image.
Website: http://www.paulsantosphotography.com
Paul Fletcher Photography – Week 10: March 3 – March 9, 2014
Story behind the image: Taken at a Buxted Park wedding in East Sussex, this image reflects my documentary wedding style and contains lots of elements that help create atmosphere and interest, which is why it’s become a favourite of mine.
Website: http://www.paulfletcherphotography.co.uk
Kristian Leven Photography – Week 11: March 10 – March 16, 2014
Story behind the image: This image was taken at Hedingham Castle, just before the ceremony. Whenever I’m at a wedding, I’m always on the look-out for shots of the Groom that show the way he was feeling before he got married. I’ve never seen a Groom quite so nervous as this though!
Website: http://kristianlevenphotography.co.uk
Linus Moran Photography – Week 12 March 17 – March 23, 2014
Story behind the image: This Bride and Groom confetti shot was captured at Kingston Maurward near Dorchester earlier this year. It was my first outdoor ceremony of the season on a beautiful spring day. What I love about the image is the sheer joy captured on the couple’s faces, a beaming bride who was very animated throughout the day. A close crop composition, yet still retaining all the important aspects for this couple. Their young daughter in the bottom left is holding onto her mother’s arm.
Website: http://www.linusmoranphotography.co.uk
Paul Santos Photography – Week 13: March 24 – March 30, 2014
Story behind the image: A proper little sulk, emphasised further by the legs belonging to belonging to disinterested adults. If I remember rightly, this little French flower girl wasn’t too happy as she ran out of confetti to throw, at The Sage Gateshead, North East England.
Website: http://www.paulsantosphotography.com
Al Reid Photography – Week 15: April 7 – April 13, 2014
Story behind the image: This image was taken at Rivervale Barn in Yateley, Hampshire.
As soon as the cake was set up in position I had my eye on the balcony above. When the time came I set the camera to burst mode, hoping I would pick up flash from the guests’ cameras, and rattled off about 12 shots. Luckily, this one came out rather well. I love this shot because it is different; I’m always striving to stay away from the norm. It was also immensely satisfying seeing this shot for the first time, I was over the moon with how it came out.
Website: http://www.alreidphotography.co.uk
This Modern Love – Week 17: April 21 – April 27, 2014
‘Land of Giants’ – Location: St Macartans Cathedral, Monaghan, Ireland
Story behind the image: One little flower-girl, all in white, tiptoes unnoticed through a crowd of tall dark figures. Just a quiet moment outside a church after the ceremony.
Website: http://www.thismodernlove.co.uk
Rik Pennington Photography – Week 18: April 28 – May 4, 2014
Story behind the image: This black and white image is from Carla and Ed’s first dance at the Bleeding Heart Restaurant in Clerkenwell, London. I’m all about finding interesting light, and sometimes what you don’t light is as important as what you do light. This image’s subtly lit areas create a romantic and intimate silhouette and still leaves a lot to the imagination.
Website: http://www.rikpenningtonphotography.com
Adam Riley Photography – Week 19: May 5 – May 11, 2014
Story behind the image: I don’t do “posed” bride portraits before the ceremony, but instead capture the bride naturally. Luckily Lauren was in the most perfect light as she adjusted her veil.
Website: http://www.adamrileyphotography.com
Alexis Jaworski – Week 20: May 12 – May 18, 2014
Story behind the image: This images was taken at the Master Builders Hotel in Beaulieu (New Forest) at the beginning of May. This was a moment before the ceremony when guests where having a drink prior to go into the main room. There was a glass wall between the bar and the dining area and I liked the lines created by the reflections when looking from the dining room into the bar. I waited to have people at the bar and something interesting before taking the shot. I like trying to get creative with any shot that I can!
Website: http://alexisjaworski.com
Richard Skins Photography – Week 21: May 19 – May 25, 2014
Story behind the image: This is a frame from just after the 1st dance at a wedding at Kingscote Barn earlier in the year. The light is purely from a videographers led light as they were filming other guests dancing. I think I kind of prefer it to how flash might of looked.
As a colour image it really didn’t work but as soon as it’s converted to black & white the image came to life; It’s one of my favourite image i’ve taken this year.
Love how happy the bride is!
Website: http://www.richardskinsphotography.co.uk
York Place Studios – Week 22: May 26 – June 1, 2014
Story behind the image: There were the most electrifying laser lights on the Spiced Pear dance floor; shooting into the light we were able to capture the colours whilst retaining the romance of the first dance between the beautiful bride and groom.
Website: http://www.yorkplacestudios.co.uk
John Hope Photography – Week 23: June 2 – June 8, 2014
Story behind the image: This photo was from the wedding of Carly and Andy at the stunning location of Arley Hall in Cheshire. I always enjoy dance floor photos – they’re such a good way to capture the fun and energy of the evening party at a wedding. This frame sums that right up. Good times and carefree silliness all the way!
Website: http://www.johnhopephotography.com
Martin Makowski Photography – Week 25: June 16 – June 22, 2014
Story behind the image: The image is from Paul and Michelle’s wedding I photographed back in June. It was taken at The Nottinghamshire Golf and Country Club in Cotgrave, Nottingham. I love this picture purely because it shows emotions and great connection between the bride and her dad. I love the way it spontaneously unfolded during the first dance. Father of the bride couldn’t resist and just grabbed his daughter from groom’s arms. He gave her a solid, honest hug. It only lasted a moment then bride and groom carried on their first dance.
Website: http://www.makowskiphotography.co.uk
John Colson – Week 26: June 23 – June 29, 2014
Story behind the image: From Rosie and George’s wedding earlier this year. For me, it’s a great image not only because it tells a story, but also because of the composition. I wanted to get a shot through the two doorways as the girls walked down to the Ceremony. I love how the picture on the wall to the left of the frame adds a bit more interest. I also really like how the light falls on Rosie’s face. It was taken at Dewsall Court, Herefordshire.
Website: http://www.johncolson.com
John McGarry Photography – Week 27: June 30 – July 6, 2014
Story behind the image: This was shot on a wedding in North Cork back in May.
I like this image because of its intimacy and the way in which it was photographed – through a car mirror.
Bride was amazing in that not only was she very photogenic but she was also great in front of camera. We drove from wedding in North Cork to Killarney Co. Kerry for the reception on a very hot evening where we stayed until first dance. We had some great images later in the evening when a Harley Davison bike club from Dublin appeared outside hotel – again Sarah and Tony were up for some real fun with the bikers ….
Website: http://www.jmcgphotos.com
Stylish Wedding Photography – Week 29: July 14 – July 20, 2014
Story behind the image: First Dance image from Andrea & Darren’s wedding at the Royal Berkshire Hotel. I’d already shot some romantic documentary style images of their first dance, but then for the next song they upped the tempo. This image perfectly captures the dress, the shoes and the joy of their dancing.
Website: http://www.stylishweddingphotography.com
This Modern Love – Week 31: July 28 – August 3, 2014
Story behind the image: ‘Proud Dad’ Location: Kilquade Church, County Wicklow.
This one kind of explains itself. Deirdre grips here Dad’s arm before walking up the aisle.
Website: http://www.thismodernlove.co.uk
John Hope Photography – Week 32: August 4 – August 10, 2014
Story behind the image: This photo is from Tamar and Nick’s wedding at the unique Danby Castle near Whitby. I don’t think this photo requires any explanation. It’s a classic cringe with the perpetrator nicely in frame in frame in the background and it leaves you wondering what dirt has just been dished. I know but I’m not telling! A lovely, pure documentary moment.
Website: http://www.johnhopephotography.com
Photography by Stephen Thorpe – Week 33: August 11 – August 17, 2014
Story behind the image: This image was taken just after the “I do’s” – What I love is the in focus reaction of the bride hugging the groom – with the guests reaction slightly blurred in the background. It was taken at the bull hotel in Gerrards Cross, Buckinghamshire.
Website: http://photographybystephenthorpe.com
York Place Studios – Week 34: August 18 – August 24, 2014
Story behind the image: This darling little boy was their son and he was determined to help mummy and daddy and be a part of the vows. As the rings were exchanged the little lad totally stole the show and made everyone laugh which only served to make the moment even more perfect.
Website: http://www.yorkplacestudios.co.uk
Paul Santos Photography – Week 35: August 25 – August 31, 2014
Story behind the image: Thankfully, kid will be kids, and offer plenty of wonderful photographic opportunities because of this. A simple cheeky shot, no explanation needed. I find it hard not to smile while looking at it. Taken in Wallsend Hall, North East England.
Website: http://www.paulsantosphotography.com
Duncan McCall Photography – Week 36: September – September 7, 2014
Story behind the image: I love the story telling of this image. The little girl who is framed really well in this image looks really excited after the groom announces he is about to pass the speech on to the best man. The total opposite can be said for the best man as he looks nervous just before he stands up to start his speech, probably after months of worrying about the dreaded best man’s speech. This image was shot at Horton Grange in Northumberland at the Wedding of Nicola and Chris.
Website: http://duncanmccallphotography.com
In True Colors Photography – Week 37: September 8 – September 14, 2014
Story behind the image: I had a pleasure of documenting this wedding for a couple from NY. The wedding and reception took place at Don Cesar Hotel on St. Pete beach Florida. While i was shooting bride getting ready at the hotel room, I noticed bride and her mom standing by the window and I just couldn’t help myself to capture the interaction between them. The window light was just perfect to capture this beautiful moment. 🙂
Website: http://www.intruecolors.com
Scott Wood Photography – Week 38: September 15 – September 21, 2014
Story behind the image: This image is one of my favourites from Marc and Jessica’s wedding at a great boutique hotel, The Old Bridge in Cambridgeshire. I think for me it captures such a range for expressions from joyful embarrassment, complete surprise and unbridled enjoyment at a very innovative best man’s speech.
Website: http://www.scott-wood.co.uk
Sansom Photography – Week 39: September 22 – September 28, 2014
Story behind the image: This shot was taken at the spectacular Carlton towers in Yorkshire. I particularly love this image because I feel that it is a different view on a part of the day we all capture. Viewing as an outsider looking in, the window framing the groom and allowing me to capture his moment of solitude before the ceremony. – Chris
Website: http://www.sansomphotography.co.uk
James Grist Photography – Week 40: September 29 – October 5, 2014
Story behind the image: At the start of the speeches, the grooms mum stood and had a short emotional speech regarding absent family (grooms dad). It was a very touching speech. A lot of people welled up, you could fill the emotion in the room. The groom gave a reassuring hold of the hand to his mum as a thank you.
Website: http://jamesgristphotography.co.uk
Sansom Photography – Week 41: October 6, 2014 – October 12, 2014
Story behind the image: I took this photograph at Charlotte and Josh’s wedding at Carlton Towers. I have always loved this venue for its gothic interior and amazing light. As I walked behind the bridesmaids I could see Josh eagerly awaiting his Bride at the top of the aisle, I waited for the moment when he was in shot with the procession in the foreground and crouched down to take it. It’s one of my favourite shots of the year purely because of the lighting and the way it draws attention to Josh. – Verity
Website: http://www.sansomphotography.co.uk
