We’re kicking off a new series called Behind the Shot. These aren’t the shots about the pretty, or the inspiration for your Pinterest board. They’re the in between, the moments that memories and stories are made of, our favourite part, the ones that actually mattered on the day.

So each edition, we ask a photographer for one favourite candid, in-the-moment image, and the story behind it, why they chose it, what was happening, what made it worth keeping.

First up, Leo Farrell , with a shot from Holly & John’s wedding at Rupert on Rupert in Melbourne.

In Leo’s words:

“I always recommend to couples that they take five minutes out towards the end of the night, after the formalities have concluded, to step outside and soak in the day together.

It also gives me the opportunity to capture a few pics of the couple in some moodier light when they are really relaxed. On this occasion, I was capturing a backlit and moody image of Holly & John, when John said, ‘let’s do some against this wall too.’ It was a very different background, but I swung my light around just as John pulled Holly in for an unexpected dip. I probably wouldn’t have chosen this background for a shot, but sometimes you have to be ready for anything.

I love the spontaneity of the moment and their joyful reaction to it.”

That’s exactly what makes these moments worth keeping. They’re unplanned, imperfect and completely theirs. Thank you so much for sharing these insights with us Leo! 

About the Author: Leo Farrell is a skilled wedding photojournalist located in Melbourne. He became well-known early on for his distinctive approach to photography. Instead of relying on posed shots, Leo’s photography has a more candid, documentary-style that showcases natural interactions between couples and their guests. He continues to have a passion for capturing these authentic moments today.