Most of our photographs are reportage – taken in the background to capture a moment in time, naturally, as is it happening, without any direction from us as photographers. More often than not we’re also asked to take a few formal groups and we know how important these can be. However, formal groups don’t have to be stiff and starchy, firing squad line-ups – with a little creative thought the possibilities are endless, and we love the opportunity to create something different. It’s not a big ego trip for us – they can be great fun for the subjects too! This photo is from Derek and Claire’s Manor House Castle Combe Wedding in 2009. Derek and Claire were working in Dubai and had asked us to come up with ideas for group shots -”we want to have fun” was the brief. It wasn’t long before we had several ideas and emails were going to and fro. This was our “cocktail bar cameo”. Claire is in splendidly decadent repose on the bar, with Derek attending to her, as indeed he should. The Harvey Wallbanger is being shaken, very enthusiatically by an usher. In the background a bridesmaid is on a table playing the trumpet, while a couple in front share a rather cheeky little cocktail. In the foreground Derek’s brother as best man, plays a game of poker, with a couple of good time girls! I say !
