Tuesday, October 18, 2011

The Italian Proposal, engaged in Rome!

Sometimes I have to say shooting proposals is my favorite assignment. Typically this one at the Villa Borghese in Rome sums up why.


It's because you are photographing a moment in peoples lives that means so much to them. And unlike a wedding its a very different experience for proposer and the proposee!
This short run of images tells such a story to those involved. In the image above you see 'the moment'. That moment that has taken so much planning, and secrecy! For the proposer, all those plans have come together, the moment is here and now is the time when he will find out if she will say 'yes'!
But apart from 'that photograph' which encapsulates the whole occasion, the other photographs say so much too for the couple. Below are a few pictures that to any passer by may have just been a romantic couple enjoying Rome but to Davey and Fiona they will be a reminder of a whirlwind five minutes!

Such as the picture below when Davey decided to go for it!

 Or when Davey passed the point of no return when he dropped to one knee!

 And once she said yes, the relieved and happy hug!

 And now a time to take it all in and admire the ring.

 And finally smiles all round for a job well done!

  Once I've made my appearance it's time for a well deserved drink and celebration!

 And in the space of just a few minutes its all done, and now it's time to plan the wedding (not before we go off to enjoy a photo shoot around Rome of course!)


Thursday, October 6, 2011

When In Rome!

 More and more my engagement and wedding assignments are taking me into the Eternal City, Rome. 
And it's not only a fantastic opportunity to photograph couples in the beautiful surroundings of Rome but also to have some time myself to explore new places.

However last week I had one of those days where I typically drifted around the back streets of Rome looking for a little inspiration but not quite finding it when I reached the Tiber and it struck me that it'd been a long time since I'd been to St. Peters.

For such a busy place it is still very easy to absorb yourself into the unique and tranquil atmosphere within. But from a photography aspect it can be surprisingly difficult to get some great shots.

Especially to get those shots that are unique to all the other millions of pictures taken in this incredible place. To avoid the shots being cluttered with tourists I set myself the little challenge of photographing just the ceiling and seeing what interesting angles and light I could find.

These little challenges are great at changing your perspective and really help you 'see' so much more when you visit a place like this. I saw so many little details that I'd never noticed before.

Try it yourself next time you are in a very recognisable place and see if you can find a unique angle and perspective.

Italy Wedding Photographer