The First Look ~ Why I love this picture

When people talk about The First Look at a wedding, they often think about the American moment which is often staged, and occurs before the wedding.  I know some great photographers who shoot this part of the day beautifully, especially my friends from the U.S.A and Australia.

However, for me, The First Look, particularly in British Weddings is when the groom looks up the aisle to see his bride coming down the aisle for the first time.

Often, the bride will be on the arm of her father.  I’ve selected this image of Gemma and Andrew from a recent wedding I shot for this “Why I Love” moment.

I was looking at this image for quite some time when running through the processing.  Those who attend my workshops will know that eye-contact is a huge pull in the composition of an image for me.

This photograph snaps me right back to the moment when Gemma and Andrew locked eyes on each other back in January for the first time.

I think what really brings it together for me though is the sheer look of pride, love and elation in Gemma’s face.  Of course, we can’t see Andrew’s face but I’m sure his love and pride is reflected in the face of Gemma’s father who also looks so proud.

The image comes together, for me, as the three sets of eyes are all locking together – there is a bond forming there that simply can’t be broken.  Father, daughter and groom.

I love this picture!