Photography News Issue 44

Photography News | Issue 44 | absolutephoto.com

28 Interview

Pro focus Crowning glory

Photographers talk a lot about weddings, and their reportage, documentary, fly-on-the-wall approaches. Yet we’re often told that’s not what couples want. They want group shots, the traditional signing of the register and the posed formal couple images. The recent winners in the Wedding Industry Awards, however, may beg to differ. In this year’s judging, the happy couples were firmly behind the reportage approach of Lyndsey Goddard. Thanks in part to their support, Lyndsey won the hotly contested London & South East region Photographer of the Year award and then from the regional winners, she was judged this year’s National winner. Among her award-winning work is this shot of a flower girl transfixed by the bride’s bouquet, captured as part of her “unscripted and honest” approach to a wedding day. “I never go into a wedding with preconceived ideas, or shots I know I will take,” she explains. “I approach the day as a blank canvas. I try to tell the unscripted and honest story of events, and often this means that the traditional moments, which Flower girl upstages happy couple and lands photographer a grand prize Words by Lisa Clatworthy Pictures by Lyndsey Goddard

Images Photographers often hear that wedding clients want the traditional, formal treatment, but the Wedding Industry Award winners suggests a trend to towards more reportage-style shots.

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it’s assumed will be captured, are photographed fromadifferent angle. The expected scene to photograph herewouldhave been behindme, the couple signing the register. Instead I focused on what was in front of me. I always try to look for humour and the imperfect moment.”

Lyndseyoffers a lovelydescription of her reportage approach: “It’s my job to be the couple’s eyes and ears and create the most comprehensive record of their day, creating meaningful images that are honest and beautifully composed. “I don’t think that staged photos bear any

resemblance to what happened on the day. It’s the small moments which have the most significance and bring the day to life.” And that’s certainly what her award-winningphotographydelivers.

This article first appeared in issue 132 of Professional Photo , on sale now. It’s packed with inspiring images and tips for aspiring pros and those already making a living. absolutephoto.com

lyndseygoddard.com

You’ll findmore insight in the latest Professional Photo – the UK’s best magazine for full-time and aspiring pro photographers

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