Image of the Year

I've been fortunate to photograph a lot of weddings this year - with couples married at different styles of venues, with different approaches, themes - some even bordering on the maverick. Choosing my personal image of the year wasn't difficult this time. Sure, I had possibly forty or so images, some of which will be folio-bound next year, but this image kept coming back to mind. It was taken at Rebecca and David's wedding at Peckforton Castle in early November. The morning had been the usual - lots of nerves, lots of excitement and anticipation for both Rebecca and David, which both culminated and dissipated at the same time as they met for the ceremony in the Great Hall. And this shot stands out for me. Taken just after signing the register, the usual gathering of family and friends was forming behind me, ready to photograph the newlywed couple, when I spotted this. It was weird - almost like time had stood still for a few seconds. Amongst all the chatter and bustle of the guests behind me, was this image of a newly married couple, quietly reflecting on their signatures in the register, oblivious to the 'chaos' around them. Now man and wife, this was a defining moment in their day, and a defining image for me and my career. And just as quickly as I got the shot, it disappeared as the smiles and laughter broke out again...

If you've ever been to a winter wedding at Peckforton Castle, or even photographed there, you'll know just how dark and atmospheric the venue can be. For the photographers out there, this was taken on a Nikon D3 using a 24-70mm lens at f/2.8 and 1600 ISO. 

So...to Mr & Mrs Barber, thank you for this - my personal Image of the Year.