There are certain images that just stay with you as a wedding photographer—frames that go beyond being “nice photos” and instead tell a deeper story about the day. This is one of those images. Captured during Matt’s best man’s speech at St Mary’s Guildhall, it perfectly sums up why I do what I do.
At first glance, it’s a simple moment. Vikki and Matt are sat at the top table, both reacting to something that’s clearly landed well during the speech. Matt is laughing, hand to his head, while Vikki is completely lost in the moment—head in her hands, overwhelmed with laughter. But when you look closer, you realise this image is layered with meaning. It’s not posed, it’s not directed, and it’s not something you could ever recreate. It’s real.
The Importance of Positioning and Timing
Capturing a moment like this isn’t just luck—it’s about experience and awareness. During speeches, I’m constantly moving (quietly and unobtrusively), looking for angles that tell the story best. It’s about anticipating reactions before they happen.
With this image, positioning was key. I wanted a clear view of both Vikki and Matt, while also including enough of the surrounding details to give context. The table setup, the flowers, the drinks—all those little elements help place you in the moment.
Timing is everything too. Reactions during speeches can be fleeting—sometimes lasting less than a second. You have to be ready, dialled in, and confident in your settings so you’re not thinking about the technical side when the moment happens.
This is where experience really comes into play. After years of photographing weddings, you start to recognise patterns—when laughter is about to build, when a punchline is coming, when a reaction is about to peak. It becomes instinctive.
My Approach as a Solihull Wedding Photographer
As a Solihull wedding photographer, my approach has always been simple—focus on real moments. I don’t force things, I don’t over-direct, and I don’t try to turn weddings into staged photoshoots. Instead, I document the day as it unfolds.
That doesn’t mean being passive—it’s about being present, aware, and ready to capture what’s happening naturally. It’s about blending in when needed and stepping in when it adds value, without ever disrupting the flow of the day.
Images like this are exactly why that approach works. You can’t manufacture this kind of reaction. You can only be there, ready to capture it.
