168 Better Available Light Digital Photography
Wedding photography has evolved in stages, in step with
the prevailing camera technology of the day. As more photo-
graphers equipped with 35 mm cameras captured weddings,
parts of the day were recorded as candid moments, eliminating
the need for the interruptions and formal posing of the
“traditionalists.” On-camera fl ash was still employed, but
photographs were being used to showcase the wedding in a
more documentary style. The trend has continued into the main-
stream, because many couples prefer the unobtrusive style of
coverage. In addition to guests causing interruptions, stories
abound of the overly aggressive photographer interrupting
the service. One priest recounted a story to Barry about a
photographer leaping over the communion rail, in the middle
of the ceremony, to get a better angle, taking a photograph
from behind the altar.All too often, the cake table is placed against a wall, forcing the couple to cut the cake with either their backs
to the guests or allowing a partially blocked side view. The Boettcher Mansion, located in the foothills above
Denver, places the cake table away from the walls. Barry wanted to show the crowd of guests gathered around
the ritual of cake cutting and positioned himself behind the cake. The guests got their photographs, too
(although Barry is no doubt in the background of all their images). He shot multiple images as the fl ashes
fi red from the guests’ cameras. © 2004 Barry Staver.