an early glimpse at photojournalism for weddings

Way before photojournalist-style wedding coverage became mainstream, I set my eyes on this photo from Lady Diana's wedding and yearned for my own wedding (I was a child myself at the time) and lovely candid photos like this one by Lichfield studios in London. The photographer is down low, at the child's perspective and the composition is pleasantly informal. It's so evocative of what it must have felt like to be there in the room. It must have planted a seed because I clearly remember telling my best friend that when I got married some day I would hire a photographer from the local paper instead of a traditional studio. I had no idea at the time I would actually become that photographer some day.

Behind the scenes is what I love to photograph more than anything. I recently spoke with another photographer who was surprised to learn that moments before a ceremony I usually choose to shoot in the back of the sanctuary instead of the traditional aisle shots, delegating those to an assistant.

This photo is represented by stock agency Getty. Taken at Buckingham Palace on July 29th, 1981 Diana comforts a young bridesmaid, Miss Clementine Hambro. The photo also includes designer and style icon India Hicks on the left.