Photo of the Day


Eye-Catching Portraits and Photos of the Week

August 1, 2022

By Jacqueline Tobin

This week, we take a look at five eye-catching portraits and photos that captured our attention with their unique camera angles and perspectives. Read the cool backstories on these compelling images by Nathan Walker, Kristen Wynn, Bart Gorin, Bobbi Phelps and Emily Li.

On arrival at this venue, Nathan Walker noticed two strong streaks of light that were surrounded by shadows on the wall. “I was immediately drawn to the contrast,” he explains. “However, interesting light without a moment doesn’t make for a great photo and for that I had to wait and be patient.”

camera angles of bride and bridesmaids.
© Nathan Walker

His waiting paid off. The capture was made moments before the bride headed down the aisle. “She had just finished doing all the legal checks with the registrar and she came down the stairs and her bridesmaids were waiting for her right where I hoped they would be (I did not give any direction; it goes against my document ethos),” says Walker. “I love how this photo brings together interesting light with a humorous moment. Then, to complete the ‘moment’, one of the bridesmaids noticed something stuck in the bride’s teeth and pointed it out to her!”

[Read: Destination Wedding Trends: Personalizing a Couple’s Day]

Kristen Wynn says that her general approach to weddings is to provide comprehensive coverage—details, candids, basics/must haves, and some mainstream artistic imagery as well—using different camera angles and perspectives.

camera angles of wedding toast
© Kristen Wynn

In this case, she was going for more of an artistic look. “When the couple is close to the background and it’s a flat/light colored wall and the video team also has lights placed, I know I’m likely to encounter shadows on the background OR I’ll be limited to certain angles,” she explains. “I was waiting to see if I could embrace those shadows if a speaker stood in just the right spot to toast them. And luckily, it happened!”

[Read: How to Strengthen Wedding Photography Client Relationships]

Bart Gorin, who photographs weddings, says he’s also done so many kinds of commercial work that requires him to set up the shot. But his favorite thing to do is to observe the people around him and take unposed images in the moment.

man holding purse give interesting perspective photo
© Bart Gorin

“This stately looking gentleman, probably holding his wife’s purse, had an expression and body language that, to me, made it clear that it did not belong to him,” says Gorin. “Photographers are presented with lots of gems so carry your camera, observe and press the shutter!”

Philadelphia-based wedding photographer Bobbi Phelps says this photo was taken minutes before the beginning of the ceremony. We like the quiet anticipation and cinematic feeling it evokes.

wedding guest and family standing at window.
© Bobbi Phelps

“The groom and his father were peering out the window watching all of the guests find their seats when the groom’s brother and mother found their way to the other window to people watch as well,” says Phelps. “I loved the parallels and framing the family created on their own, and the sense of anticipation it invoked.”

[Read: 10 Lessons Learned From Photographing 500 Weddings]

Toronto-based wedding photographer Emily Li photographed Isabell and Dan’s wedding back in June, and their wedding style, she describes, was upscale minimalistic. “They wanted to include just close family and friends. She did a first look with her dad and it was extremely emotional and beautiful.”

camera angle of wedding reception from above.
© Emily Li

“The ceremony was held at a church where most guests and family belong, so it was really lovely and emotional to see how important faith was to everyone,” says Li. “I love the movement and liveliness of this photo, and how it’s a moment frozen in time. And once you focus on each person you’re able to see the interactions and memories being created at this wedding, giving you a unique perspective into the guests of the wedding coming together to celebrate the bride and groom.”

Li adds that she loves black and white because, “it really lets you focus on the story of the photo instead of having colors that distract you. It also feels extremely nostalgic because it looks like a moment frozen in time.”

Dig into our Photo of the Day archives for even more eye-catching portraits and photos with unique camera angles and interesting perspectives. Submit your wedding portraits, editorial, documentary and commercial image submissions here:  jacqueline.tobin@emeraldx.com