A Rare Speech

Dubai. April 2009

You hear a lot of Best Man's speeches as a Wedding Photographer. Most are bad, a few are absolutely dire and an even smaller amount are good. Then there is the one in a year speech which is great. Funny, emotional, intelligent and minus all the cliches you hear week in, week out.

This was one of those speeches. It was the final night of a 3 day wedding and no energy had been lost through the celebrations. The best man delivered such an amazing speech there was hardly a dry eye in the room, from either laughter or crying.

I love this photo because it shows him in full swing. The lighting was just right an I love the way you are drawn to the people behind and can take in their expressions.

Canon EOS 1Ds MK 3 @ ISO 1600. Canon 24-70 f2.8 Lens @ 70mm. 1/500 sec @ f2.8

After the Storm

Dubai. November 2008

While the bride was getting ready for her celebrations, a freak storm lashed the coast of Dubai. As she stood at the window tears welled up at the thought her outdoor wedding which had taken a long time to organise, would be ruined.

As it turned out, the storm passed really quickly, the outdoor setting was miraculously replaced and we had some of the most dramatic skied Dubai had ever seen for the beach photos. This photo, although it looks directed and posed, was completely candid. I love it not just because of the amazing skies but because the bride is absolutely beaming when she was so distraught only a short time before.

Canon EOS 1Ds MK 3 @ ISO 3200. Canon 24-70 f2.8 lens @ 57mm. 1/50 sec @ f2.8. Fill flash

The Joy of Anticipation

Sydney. April 2009

While waiting for the car to take her to her ceremony, this bride had a few moments to herself in her parents backyard. With a slight breeze blowing she did a little dance to celebrate what she was about to do.

Canon EOS 1Ds MK 3 @ ISO 200. Canon 85mm f1.2. 1/100 sec @ f1.2

First Wedding Snag

Crete, Greek Islands. May 2008

Wedding photography is not just about capturing the beautiful moments, but every aspect of the day including those fun, spontaneous moments that reflect the couple's personality and really help tell the story. We were at the Grecotel Hotel in Crete for this amazing 2 day wedding. After the beach ceremony on the 2nd day, the bride and groom found an rocky outcrop to go for a wander before the reception started.

The bride's dress had caught on a snag and the groom was doing his best to try and release it without tearing the dress. I love the look on the bride's face and combined with the light and sunset is a photo I will always remember.

Canon EOS 1D MK II @ ISO 400. Canon 70-200 f2.8 IS lens @ 200mm. 1/1000 sec @ f2.8

Veil Under 7 Stars

Dubai. March 2008

As the sun was setting the bride and groom wanted to let loose after the ceremony. We walked over to the Burj al Arab private beach and just had fun. They, although were aware I was present, were oblivious to me and just did their own thing. I love this shot because it reflects a lot about the region in which I have shot so many wedding.

Canon EOS 1D MK III. ISO 200. Canon 16-35mm f2.8 @ 16mm. 1/400 sec @ f5.6

The Ecstasy of Ceremony

Dubai. April 2009

After a moving traditional ceremony, the bride and groom took an abra ride to get to their reception. I was on another abra in front of them and just left them alone. They were on such an emotional high and just let themselves go. This is a shot nobody could have directed...

Canon EOS 1Ds MK 3. Canon 70-200 f2.8 IS @ 200mm. ISO 200, 1/3200 sec @ f2.8

Hands of a Bride

London. July 2004

A beautiful Mauritian bride was given her grandmother's bangles as a surprise to wear on her wedding day. Although you can't see her face, the way she was holding these bangles, with such care and respect really reflects the significance of such a wonderful gesture.

Canon EOS 1D Mk II, Canon 50mm f1.4 lens. 1/500 sec @ f1.4