Below is an image from a cool at home wedding that I shot last year. This type of documentary photograph is often referred to as an “establishing shot”. It sets the scene and gives context to the rest of the images in the story you are trying to tell with your pictures.

I really like this image because it so neatly documents all of the different things that are going on at this wedding reception. First, there is the setting – white tent, lights, lanterns, etc. Next you have the groom in the white tuxedo shirt interacting with the guests. There is a woman off to the right taking pictures. Throughout the picture, you have people talking and laughing. In the foreground (out of focus) you have a young boy who is looking pretty tired. Over in the corner, you can see the DJ’s iMac set up and pumping out the tunes. But wait, it’s a photograph, how do we know there is music playing? Look dead center, there is a woman dancing with her arms raised. With the visual space around her, it is almost as if she is in her own little world – alone in a crowd. I find this last detail especially fascinating. Do you agree?

Click on the image if you would like to see it larger. Enjoy…

For more info of the elements of a photo story, check out this cool blog post…

Tech Info:
Nikon D70s
Nikon 50mm f1.8 AF
ISO 1600