The Art of Colour-Blocking in Wedding Groups
FARMERS IMAGE OF THE WEEK
Megan McEachern
Farmers Image of the Week: The Art of Color-Blocking in Wedding Groups
This week’s Farmers Image of the Week is a breathtaking group portrait by Megan McEachern, showcasing her exceptional skill in composition and direction. What makes this image truly striking is the wonderful use of colour-blocked bridesmaids’ outfits which is further explored in their florals. Each dress contributes to a vibrant and cohesive visual narrative. An incredible display of colour blocking in weddings.
The brilliance of this photograph lies in its meticulous composition. Megan has expertly arranged the bride and her bridesmaids to create a harmonious balance within the frame. The bride, dressed in classic white, stands at the centre, her elegance emphasised by the surrounding bursts of colour. Each bridesmaid wears a distinct hue, from bold oranges and pinks to soft greens and blues, adding a dynamic yet balanced quality to the image. This colour-blocking highlights each individual and creates a lively, engaging tableau that draws the viewer’s eye across the entire scene.
What’s truly remarkable about this image is that even if the bridesmaids were dressed in more muted tones or in dresses of the same color, the composition itself would still stand out. Megan’s thoughtful framing ensures that each element within the photograph contributes to the overall aesthetic. The grand architectural setting, with its ornate mirror and elegant chandeliers, serves as a perfect backdrop, adding depth and a touch of timeless elegance. The reflection in the mirror subtly enhances the complexity of the scene without distracting from the subjects.
Using soft, natural light is another aspect through which Megan’s expertise shines. The gentle illumination highlights the textures of the fabrics and the intricate details of the setting while keeping the colours vibrant. This careful handling of light ensures that the image remains balanced and pleasing to the eye.
Megan’s attention to detail is evident in the relaxed yet poised poses of the group. The bridesmaids’ bouquets complement their dresses, adding a layer of coherence and thoughtfulness to the composition. The bride’s serene expression and graceful posture, mirrored by her bridesmaids, create a sense of calm and composure that permeates the image.
This group photo by Megan McEachern is more than just a beautiful picture; it’s a masterclass in composition and colour harmony. Her ability to blend classical elegance with modern vibrancy, while maintaining a cohesive and aesthetically pleasing frame, makes this photograph a deserving winner of our Farmers Image of the Week.
THE DETAILS
CAMERA: Canon R6 | Canon EF 35mm
SETTINGS: ISO 5000 | f4.5 | 1/500
PRESET: Own Preset
“The more streamlined, the better, as we all know group shots can be a bit of a nightmare at times! “
The couple and I had discussed group shots previously on our pre-wedding call and had come up with using an indoor backdrop due to the amount of bridesmaids and groomsmen they were having. Getting married in central Edinburgh meant it would be harder to go outside for pictures like this with this many people. But to be honest, if it’s possible, I often think doing bridal party pictures inside using chairs and depth can make for nicer images than the standard line up.
The light in the Edinburgh Cheval Grand Hotel is amazing and when people are getting married here I always make sure to utilise the interiors because of this, as well as the really beautiful backdrops and internal architecture. It’s an old bank building so it still really retains that grand beauty and enabled me to capture this high-end magazine-y, Annie Leibowitz group portrait essence.
I just think the style and high energy of this wedding really lent itself to this kind of set up as well – the couple were very style-led and so I wanted to give the bridesmaid dresses and the beautiful flowers the chance to really sing and the colours pop. I arranged the bridesmaids in an order that was visually pleasing, asked them to keep their faces relaxed and then just snapped away. I kept them in this position and then added the groomsmen in after as well just for ease for those images. The more streamlined, the better, as we all know group shots can be a bit of a nightmare at times!
THE TECH TALK
Farmers Image of the Week: The Art of Color-Blocking in Wedding Groups by Megan McEachern
I don’t know if this is maybe a super obvious one but I always stick my f-stop up as high as I can within the light constraints for group shots like this so that everyone’s faces are in focus. I also wanted the background in focus here because it added to the scene and gave it a more sharp, editorial look.

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