Just in Case!

     It's true in life that the unexpected can happen any time and as photographers we know we should always have a camera ready to capture 'that' shot. Now it depends on your outlook or your attitude as to what qualifies as news-worthy, also if it will reach the local or even national newspapers.
     Take yesterday for example, there I was sat working away on the computer and outside it was a howling gale and driving rain. Did I mention it was our 30th wedding anniversary? Thank you for all the cards and wonderful gifts... Anyway a car pulls up, sister jumps out and tells me a huge tree has fallen due to the gales, just up the road. I grabbed the camera and off I went. Sure enough there it was. This 30-40 foot tree laying across the road pavement to pavement with still another 15 foot or so in the 'grove' where it once stood.

     Fortunately no one was standing at the bus stop nor indeed any buses, cars, pedestrians or stray bunny rabbits passing to be hurt or even killed. But it made me think about the power of nature.

     Shots in the bag and back to the office. Images downloaded and sized in minutes followed by a call to the local rag and after a quick chat the files were on their way. Although too late to reach yesterday's deadline the news desk was on the blower this morning at 8am for the details.

     There are two moral's to the story. One was I had my camera ready. Batteries charged, fresh card in the slot and metering etc all set. All I had to do was grab my coat, car key's and I was off.

     The other is the 'free' publicity that may come from it. Picture's by 'John Devlin Photography'! Hey that chap lives in Billingham. He done our daughters wedding. Our son's getting married next year. I'll give him a ring...

A wedding in Venice Part-5

     There was a final short walk to the reception at The Westin Europa Regina. Draped in lavish and antique furniture, marble interiors and panoramic views of the Grand Canal, it begged for more images and the good news was we had the time. As we shot from pillar to post, off camera flash lit the couple in many of the shots, whilst the shutter controlled the ambient light. 

     But what is often the case, time pressed on and we moved on. The food, the company, the speeches and location were superb but it did’nt stop there. We hit the streets and headed for the 'Devils Forrest' Irish Pub (yip even Venice has an Irish Pub) to sing, party and dance the night away before being kicked out and moved on to Baccaro Jazz, another Venice hostelry. It was three in the morning when we hit the sack after saving and backing up the images. 

I learn’t a number of things in Venice. How family values and friendship are so important in life. I don’t think it would have mattered where Pete & Lauren got married. The bond between their families was there to see. My other point is how important photography is to our lives in recording events, occasions and capturing memories. It’s memories that make us laugh when we are happy and help us smile when we are sad.

Thank you for reading these very small clips of Pete & Lauren's wedding. They are of course only a drop in their ocean and without their permission this would not have been possible.

Ps. Don't forget to click on the images for a larger picture!

John

A wedding in Venice Part-4

     Pete's eyes filled and jaw dropped the moment he saw Lauren walk toward him. This was it. The moment they had both planned and waited for. Eyes glazed with love, they stared at the monsignor who through the interpreter, was going to bless them husband & wife. We were free to walk round the proceedings and photograph anywhere we wanted. But it was dark. Very dark! 3200 ISO 1/50 sec @ f2.8 was typical. We could have used flash but that would have killed the atmosphere. No leave the flash off and allow the natural ambience to come through.

      Walking backward down an aisle is a dodgy stunt at the best of times, especially in England's dark churches, but this was darker and adding to that the Basilica was full to the rafters with tourists! In true biblical style the crowd parted and we could walk un-hindered to the main doors. The square was full when we emerged into the bright sunshine. Three to four thousand tourists became wedding gatecrashers. It was amazing!

 

     For the few guests that were there, the formals were a breeze and we could pick a quite location and fire away. The crowds were watching. They wanted to congratulate the couple and have their picture taken with them.

     'Can you dance' I asked Pete. Dance? What here? Now? Everyone is watching and you can tell your friends back in the UK, you had your first dance in St Mark's square in front of hundreds of people! So they danced...well tripped, stumbled and held on to each other but the crowd were laughing and cheering.

  Time to move on, a walk through the square to the hired Gondola's with macho Italian's sporting stripped shirts and sunglasses. As the three gondola's picked there way through the myriad of canal's, you couldn't help but here "'O sole mio" resound from the picturesque architecture. I persuaded Pete & Lauren to forget I was there with the view of shooting a natural as possible till our emergence on the Grand Canal and the Rialto Bridge which was stunning.

     In the final part tomorrow it's the reception, the food, cake and the party.

Remember to click on the images for a larger version.

Thanks, John

A Wedding in Venice Part-3

     Now to be honest ladies I've never heard of Aruna Seth. And to be quite frank I've never had a reason too, but when I first saw Laurens shoes I was bowled over. I even 'googled' the name to see what all the fuss was about. My wife informed me they were wedges with a butterfly bow type thing on top and who was I to doubt. The studs that adorned the heels were truly amazing and sparkled when hit by the suns rays.

     Then came the dress. Designed by Justin Alexander, shipped from the states and bought in Yarm. So often the shoes are lost beneath typical bridal gowns but not this time.
     Hair done. Make-up done. Dress & Shoes on. Time to go. It may be a 20-25 minute walk to the Basilica for someone in shorts, walking shoes and didn't do much window shopping. However, we new this was going to be different and given the shoes Lauren was wearing, we thought it wise to allow more time. That as we soon found out was not the only issue in walking through the narrow streets. It was the crowds of people to negotiate. That in itself proved to be the most exciting bridal walk I have seen. Everyone bar none that Lauren passed en-route, cheered, clapped and made room. They wanted to take pictures and have their pictures taken with her.
     Stopping just short of St Marks square, a quick check on the 'lads' location signaled the coast was clear and after a few pictures it was out into the sun scorched square for more cheering and clapping.

    Laurens mother Denise and father Tony were so proud walking beside her, soaking up the atmosphere and excitement. Was Lauren nervous? She had to be but didn't show it. There was too much happening to even think about it and as we arrived at the entrance to the Basilica we were met by the wedding co-ordinator Tamara. An American lady living in Venice for over 12 year must surely have one of the best jobs in the world. Apart from us photographers of course! Pete was already inside who I believe finaly, after many months of planning and organizing, took on board what was happening.
     Tomorrow I'll tell you about the 'official' part and how the bride and groom danced in St Marks Square.

Remember to 'click' on the pics for a larger version.

A Weding in Venice-Part 2

     Everyone accepts that the big day is the brides day. Or is it? Granted some of the chaps have a more laid back approach in preparing for the occasion, where others are a wee bit more involved and Pete was certainly that. Staying overnight at his parents accommodation, he revealed one or two of the antics he got up to the previous night and laughing at his exploits, his early wedding nerves were what I would expect, although fueled more with excitement than dread! There was 'that' buzz in the terracotta coloured flat as the men got dressed whilst others arrived. Although the windows were small and it was generally dark within the lounge area, there was that Mediterranean glow allowing me the freedom to shoot reportage fashion and leave the flash in the camera bag.

     The planned destination for the men was Hardrock Cafe in a square just off St Mark's square. However to get there, a bit off walking was in order. Twisting and winding between the street's, people stopped and stared at the 'famous five' dressed in their best strutting a true swagger. The sun was out and the sky already a deep blue. Great, just what a wedding photographer needs! That said, it does make you feel good adding to the atmosphere. The pub overlooks a turning/parking area for the Gondola's with their ever Italian captain's sporting black and white striped shirts and dark sunglasses! Not unlike a movie scene or a certain hotel in Vegas, the spot was already packed with tourists and some local's. The decision was made to 'toast' the day in the pub.

     Once again, the light was good and the pub had a good atmosphere allowing freedom to shoot. If by this time Pete was still nervous then he didn't show it. This wasn't just the brides day, it was his too. This young man was going to enjoy every moment and after all, it's not every day you get married on the world's stage!
See you tomorrow.

Click the images for a larger version.

A wedding in Venice-Part 1

     Meeting the parents of the bride & groom is always an exciting time for me. However, in many years as a photographer, I never in my wildest dreams thought I'd be travelling 1200 miles to St Marks square in Venice to do just that. Before the trip I spent much time on the world wide web, researching this beautiful city. It's streets, canals, architecture and atmosphere were all going to play a part in the success of this trip. In our pre-wedding meetings we discussed the fact that there may be other people encroaching on their pictures. That too we agreed, would add to the occasion and the atmosphere.
     The day arrived and before we new it, we were walking through the streets en-route to our hotel. Whoever decided to put wheels on suitcases was a genius. Camera kit is not light at the best of times but when you need to transport storage and back-up devices, power cables, leads, batteries and more batteries, then you realise what's involved in organizing your travel load.

     Meeting Pete and Laurens families and friends was followed by an hours shoot that first evening. It was fun and relaxing for all, and it had to be. In the coming hours I had to be their best friend. Gain their trust and at the end of the day produce stunning images for them. As professionals, that is paramount!
     The following morning saw another shoot at 8am. Again in St Mark's square only this time a lot quieter. Following this, a meeting with the officials in the Basilica including the monsignor who was going to marry them and a visit down to the crypt where the whole event was going to take place.

      Our last appointment was at the Town Hall (yes even Venice has a town hall) where Pete & Lauren were to sign the legal documents. So you may ask 'were they now married'? Well yes and no. They signed documents so on paper they were, but the real marriage takes place tomorrow.
      We parted ways at lunchtime as much work was still to be done for both them and us. We had to find hotels. Trace routes between the canals and historic streets. Cover the route from where the bride was leaving to the Basilica where it was all going to happen. But before that we need to download cards and back them up. We also needed to eat and maybe try a cornetto. Well just one!
     Tomorrow I'll cover the groom's preparations and his route to the square then wednesday it will be the brides turn and ladies wait till you see 'those' shoes!

Click the images for a larger version.

So proud...

There are few things in life that genuinely tug at the old heart strings. I'm an emotional chap at the best of times but yesterday when my son and his beautiful bride Rachel got wed, well that took some beating.
       The majestic surroundings of Wynyard Hall down in sunny Teesside was the reception venue after a lovely service at St John's church in Billingham. Was the bride late? Nope! But the organist was and after frantic phone calls he duly arrived at 10 past 12. He thought the wedding was at 2pm! Now as a wedding photographer if I had done that...
       I am sure many of you are asking the question 'Did you take the pictures'? Of course not. I left that to my trusty trigger happy pal Brian and his lovely wife Kath. If you want to look him up he's here: www.brianjobson.co.uk and you can check for yourself his picture taking abilities. No, I was there to enjoy the occasion. Soak up the atmosphere. Dab eyes with a hankie and hold my wife's hand at the right time. Emotions were high during the speeches as you would expect and everyone looked fantastic.
       It was really strange being on the other side of the camera and even though as professionals we don't just shoot images on someones big day, we re-assure, guide, and make people feel at ease. Now I can appreciate what all these families are going through and that in itself will make me a better photographer!
The snap below shows my lovely wife Susan and my good self (after a few drinks but still coherent) and was taken by our niece Rebbecca.

 
       So if you do get the chance to attend a wedding as a guest, then leave your 'pro' kit at home. If you want to take the odd snap, then grab your handy compact and leave the the serious stuff to the pro. After all that's what he's getting paid for!

Finally good luck for the future you two, we love you both. Dad & Mam xxx

Wedding in Venice

So there I was sat in this Gondola...

with two of the most fantastic people I have ever met. The Bride & Groom Pete & Lauren.
Their wedding was a true fairytale in the romantic and stunning city of Venice.
In fact I would like to mention everyone that was there if I may. Their parents were Tony, Terry, Denise & Jenny. Pete had a sister Cheryl, and Lauren a brother Andrew. Pete's Nana was also there. Boy could that lady dance! Two of their closest friends, Lee & Dawn completed the party. Well almost, apart from the 3,000 gate crashers in St Mark's square when they emerged from the Basilica.
Next week I want to tell you a story. A story with pictures, Venetian Masks, good food and a photographers challenge.