Wedding photography is all about encapsulating the magic, emotions, and moments of a couple’s special day. Recently, I had the pleasure of shooting a wedding at the Torbay Party Barn, located between Torquay and Paignton. This unique venue offered a rustic charm and a blank canvas for the couple to personalise their celebration.
Setting the Scene
The day began with bridal preparations at the bride’s parents’ house. The natural light streaming through the windows, combined with our lighting setup, created a perfect environment for capturing those early, tender moments. The first look for both the bridesmaids and the bride’s father was particularly emotional and made for some touching photographs.
The bride and her father, both serving firefighters, had a unique theme for the day. Her father’s vintage fire engine served as the bridal vehicle, adding a special touch to the wedding. A local fire crew greeted the bride as she arrived at the party barn in a modern fire engine, creating a memorable and poignant moment.
The Unique Venue: Torbay Party Barn
The Torbay Party Barn is not your typical wedding venue. Used to house cows during the winter, the barn requires a lot of imagination when viewed in its off-season state, ankle-deep in cow muck. However, on this day, it was transformed into a beautiful, personalised space for the couple’s celebration.
With plenty of sunlight streaming in, the AD600 Pro was essential in lifting the deep shadows cast during the group and formal shots. This powerful lighting equipment ensured that every detail was captured beautifully, despite the challenging lighting conditions.
The Gear That Made It Happen
For all my wedding photography, I rely on my trusted Sony A7IV cameras, paired with the versatile Sony 24-70mm f2.8 lens for wide shots, and the Sony 70-200mm f2.8 V2 and Sony 85mm f1.4 for more intimate, close-up moments. My son William assisted me, equipped with a Sony A9 and a Sony A7iii, using the same Sony 24-70mm f2.8 and Sony 70-200mm f2.8 lenses.
Lighting is crucial in wedding photography, and for this event, we used Godox V1 speedlights mounted on our cameras. These helped control two Godox AD200 lights and the powerful Godox AD600 Pro, which was particularly useful for the Bride and Groom shots.
Capturing the Emotions
The wedding was filled with laughter, tears, and a lot of love. The first look between the bride and her father was one of the day’s highlights, with raw emotions on display. The bridesmaids’ reactions were equally heartfelt, and these moments were perfectly captured with the Sony 85mm f1.4 lens, which excelled in rendering beautiful, intimate portraits.
The Ceremony and Reception
The ceremony was a blend of traditional vows and personal touches, set against the rustic backdrop of the barn. The Sony 70-200mm f2.8 V2 lens was instrumental in capturing these moments from a distance without being intrusive, ensuring that the couple’s exchange of vows and the reactions of their loved ones were documented in high detail.
As the day transitioned into evening, the reception came alive with music, dancing, and toasts. The Godox V1 speedlights and my two AD200 strobes provided consistent and reliable lighting, making it easier to capture the lively atmosphere and candid moments as guests celebrated with the couple. There are darker parts of the barn, so my lights bring light to those dark areas, balancing out the entire barn.
Handling the Challenges
Wedding photography always comes with its set of challenges, and this day was no different. With plenty of drinks being consumed, it was essential to remain vigilant and ready to capture spontaneous moments. The key is to blend into the background, allowing guests to be themselves while being prepared to snap those candid shots that truly tell the story of the day.
The sunny weather posed another challenge, creating harsh shadows that would have otherwise given everyone those dreaded panda eyes. Using my Godox AD600 Pro, I was able to balance the lighting, ensuring that the images were well-exposed and vibrant, even in tricky lighting conditions.
A Day to Remember
This wedding at the Torbay Party Barn was a perfect blend of personal touches, emotional moments, and a bit of the unexpected. From the vintage fire engine to the unique setting of the barn, every detail contributed to a memorable day.
My gear – from the Sony A7IV and A9 cameras to the Godox lighting equipment – played a crucial role in capturing these moments with clarity and beauty. The final images tell a story of love, family, and community, reflecting the special connection between the bride and her father, their shared profession, and the joy of their wedding day.
In conclusion, every wedding has its unique story, and as a photographer, it’s a privilege to be the one to capture it. This wedding at the Torbay Party Barn was a beautiful example of how love, creativity, and a bit of imagination can transform any space into a magical celebration.
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