If you thought the wedding of Prince William to Kate Middleton was a media circus; the photographer asked to cover it for the “royals” contributed to that image.
On the morning of April 29, 2011, London-based photographer Hugo Burnand and his well-trained team of seven assistants (all on bicycles) rode through Hyde Park to Buckingham Palace. They zigzagged through thousands of people who had gathered to witness Prince William marry Kate Middleton. “Cycling over was exhilarating,” Burnand recalled.
Days earlier, Burnand and his team created the couple’s official wedding portraits in the Throne Room in Buckingham Palace. “We had backup equipment for our backups,” he said. Even though he had experience photographing the 2005 wedding of Prince Charles and Camilla Parker Bowles, the pressure was intense.
On the day of the wedding, Burnand had exactly 28 minutes to photograph the bridal couple before they made their balcony appearance. He claims he wasn’t stressed. “I was very well prepared,” he said, thanks to following the military adage of the seven P's – “Proper planning and preparation prevents piss-poor performance.”
It took 32 hours to prepare for the 28 minute shoot. “We rehearsed everything, including what to do if things didn’t go according to plan. I said my prayers before hand and every single prayer was answered.”
One of Burnand's favorite photos is of Prince William and Kate surrounded by the children. “Every individual in that picture shows their real character. I knew what I wanted so there was photographic direction, but you can’t direct that kind of spontaneity and naturalness,” stated Burnard.
For couples wishing to get the best professional photos that they'll truly cherish – consider hiring a professional who has received extensive training in wedding photography. Look at their portfolio and ask for references (and check those references.) A great resource of professional photographers is the Professional Photographers of America. Find a photographer in your area here.
So what unusual photography moment do you remember about your wedding? Please share it here with a comment.
Wow! I was always under the impression that the best photographer for a wedding is the guy or gal who buys an entry level DSLR with a kit lens at Best Buy, then places an ad the next day on Craig’s List selling their wedding photo skills for $200.00. Who would have thought experienced professionals are available to do this?:)
That’s right Max. And then people wonder why they got what they paid for – HORRIBLE photos. Too bad they pay thousands of dollars for dresses, flowers and DJs and then skimp on the photos – the only real tangible thing they’ll have to remember their once-in-a-lifetime day.