Glastonbury

Anything - INCLUDING weddings?

When asked what kind of photography I do, my stock answer was always "anything, except weddings'. Not because I was snobby about wedding photography - there are some fantastic snappers out there producing beautiful pictures, but more because it was a different, and scarier, kind of pressure. It may sound odd, but having three minutes to get a portrait of the Prime Minister inside No.10 is a lot less scary than being asked to capture a couple's big day. I guess it's a case of what you're used to.
But I'm slowly losing my fear.
My friend Tom was marrying his beau Mags, and paid me a huge compliment in asking me to shoot his wedding, knowing that it wasn't something I was usually comfortable with. His confidence in me and assurances that it was to be a very relaxed affair swayed my resistance, and in return I hope I captured everything he wanted.The wedding was held on the terrace of the National Theatre on the Southbank in London at midday. After the ceremony and a brief drinks reception, Tom announced "Ladies and Gentlemen, as you know I come from an events background, so if you could all join us on the terrace I've arranged a little surprise..."
... just as the Red Arrows performed a fly-past up the Thames as part of the Queen's birthday celebrations. The guest's baffled and excited expressions (before the penny dropped) were priceless - especially when the Chief Usher ran behind everyone on a walkie-talkie shouting "OK lads, job well done. You can return to base now."
A genius piece of opportunistic choreography.Congratulations Tom & Mags.
You may well have cured my fear.