In his excellent book, Hatchet Job, film critic, Mark Kermode argues that for any professional’s work to have real value there must be something at stake. When you’re under pressure to deliver a definitive view of something, it’s vital to commit wholeheartedly and produce something you’re happy to stand behind.
There was a pretty weighty list of things at stake with this shoot: future Christmas dinners, good relations with my wife, the approval of non-attending family and, most importantly, the possible disappointment of two very organised accountants.
Tom, you see, is my brother-in-law. Plus he’s also a keen and talented photographer, just to add some spice.
Tom and Kim’s wedding had a pretty spectacular plan: a cliff-top ceremony at George’s Head, high above the swish Sydney suburb of Mosman before the wedding party and guests were driven to a waiting ferry for the drinks reception.
Despite a couple of near-misses with grey skies and threatening clouds (just to make the attending Poms feel at home), the day was bright and warm. Tom and Kim had put a lot of effort into ensuring a lovely, varied programme for their nearest and dearest and our ferry docked within meters of the Opera House, ready for the short walk to Aria, one of the city’s best restaurants. Vegetarians, look away now: I can certainly recommend Kangaroo as a stunning starter to any meal...
For me, as not just the photographer, but also a family member, the day was the perfect blend of emotion, fun and stunning cityscapes. And although I am always concerned that couples are delighted with the coverage of their wedding day (what professional isn’t?), I don’t think I have ever worried quite so much about the initial reaction to a set of photographs. Right there, on that day, I was a surrogate pair of eyes for so many family members who couldn’t make the trip Down Under. Tom’s Grandmother, for one, is not to be trifled with!
So it’s fair dinkum to the very happy couple and their months of dedicated thought and preparation. It was a truly unique wedding and one I was extremely proud to capture.
Below are just a few from the wider set. Click any thumbnail to enlarge...
