When a Documentary Wedding Photographer Has to Go Editorial: Giacomo Vesprini

The Gear and Details

Digital: Canon R6ii, Canon rf 24-70 f2.8 | Canon rf 28-70 f2 | Leica Q2
Film: Leica M6 (Elmarit 28mm 2.8) Canon Eos 3 (sigma 35 f1.4)

Flash
Profoto a10
Profoto A2
Godox IT32

Number of Shooters: 2
Coverage: 12 hours

Photographer: Giacomo Vesprini

Setting the Scene

“In recent years, I’ve taken a path where I’ve chosen to speak what I feel, trying to stay true to myself as best as I can. That’s why I want to be honest about this:

Oyin and BJ’s was, without a doubt, the most challenging wedding of my life – A tight timeline, three outfit changes before the ceremony, and a strong editorial focus.
I asked myself: given those circumstances, how can my voice come through? The answer was as natural as immediate: when the moment arrives, I will keep listening, doing my best to honor it.”

Getting Ready

“When I enter the getting-ready space, my priority is to establish a relaxed, collaborative atmosphere. I introduce myself to the bride and everyone present, clarifying that I will never push them into anything unnatural. I start shooting gradually until an invisible threshold is crossed and I seem to vanish entirely. That is when I can step in close without contaminating the moment. There is an unexplainable magic to that shift, and I think it is very related to my Street Photography roots.

Once the prep transitions into portraits, I keep my approach fluid. Because Oyin had three distinct outfit changes before the ceremony, we had a structured timeline to manage. Rather than relying on static poses, I leaned into the transition moments, capturing her in motion.”

‘Behind the Image’
I always arrive at the venue at least an hour early to scout light patterns and identify unique pockets of space. For the First Look, I chose a breathtaking area nestled within the villa’s vast park- a secluded corner featuring classic statues and manicured gardens that wouldn’t be utilized later in the schedule, offering the couple an undisturbed, intimate moment.

‘Behind the Image’
Whenever I find myself capturing well-dressed crowds from a high vantage point, René Burri’s iconic high-angle photography in Brazil comes to mind. Think of this perspective as a subtle photographic tribute to Burri’s sense of geometry and urban elegance.

Ceremony

“The ceremony took place at 5:00 PM inside the villa’s grand stone amphitheater. The ambient light was intense and direct. In conditions like that, you embrace the contrast and work with the shadows. I subtly introduced fill-flash in selected shots to lift harsh shadows and create visual variety across the series.”

Portraits

“I take a very loose approach overall, because I believe in genuine connection and in chasing a flow state that gives the images a different quality. If I sense that is not happening naturally, I step in with a little more guidance, but I start from a place of openness, without too many preconceived ideas. If the couple asks for a particular spot, of course I make sure we get there.”

‘Behind the Moment’
Oyin was returning to the villa after a portrait session near the backdrop. As she walked past, I called out, “Hey Oyin!” She turned, caught off guard with a genuine smile, and I captured her motion effortlessly in the space.

‘Behind the Image’
This is one of my favorite frames from the day. While my natural approach leans heavily toward documentary, here I applied a concept I refined through Lensel workshops: invisible direction. I guided Oyin and BJ to approach the staircase from opposite directions, asking BJ to sit and Oyin to join him, without imposing rigid instructions that would disrupt their natural flow. They did the rest, creating an effortless, refined moment on film.

The Approach Here
I wasn’t aware of Bj’s passion for Ferrari, so when I was surprised when I saw the Ferrari mondial getting in the villa. In the wedding world, I find car pictures a little bit annoying and “standard” so
in this case, after taking some of these standard and Editorial pictures, I asked Bj “Ok, but now drive that Ferrari!” and that’s the shot. I paid attention to positioning the flash in a way that didn’t show the reflection of its own light, and, most important, to catch their energy

‘The Reference’
I took this shot immediately after that challenging group portrait in direct sunlight. BJ stood in a frame that instantly recalled the silhouette of Rio de Janeiro’s Christ the Redeemer. Between this and the Burri tribute, I think my subconscious was dropping subtle hints that I might be due for a visit to Brazil!

‘Pressure On + Harsh Light’
Oyin specifically wanted a portrait on this staircase, but the lighting conditions were tricky - harsh sunlight above and deep shadows below.I had to adapt quickly to find the right position for everyone while maintaining an organic feel. I generally work best in a calm atmosphere, but in the end, it’s pressure that makes diamonds.

Reception

“The videography crew utilized a mobile continuous light setup to record speeches, which I decided to leverage creatively as an external key light. Combining their continuous tungsten sources with off-camera flash allowed me to sculpt the night scene, balancing ambient warmth with sharp, crisp subjects on the dance floor.”

The cake cutting and the dancing that followed were the perfect continuation of the evening, blending seamlessly with the energy of the day. This was the moment where I relied heavily on off-camera flash.

“(Below) I often find myself capturing direct-flash frames of classical statues or sculptural details using unconventional compositions. In post-production, I love pairing these static visual elements with dynamic moments from earlier in the day to create diptychs that add narrative depth and rhythm.”

Closing Thoughts

“Although my core identity is rooted in documentary storytelling, this wedding required me to step fully into the shoes of an editorial fashion photographer for a large portion of the day.

Instead of simply replicating Oyin's initial moodboards, I used them as a conceptual compass, weaving my own signature focus on movement, rhythm, and different perspectives into her editorial vision. Stepping outside my comfort zone while staying true to my photographic identity was immensely rewarding- it proved that structure and spontaneity can coexist beautifully.

What I take away from this wedding is the quiet reassurance that I am on my own path.. one built on fewer preconceptions and a deep openness to whatever work, and life, brings my way. Above all, I truly believe that no matter how hard one tries to replicate certain moments, diversity and individuality are what truly deserve to be celebrated. And the only way to do that is to leave space for the unexpected.”

— Giacomo