Alone Together

Another from a difficult to set up session with last week's bride and

groom. Thanks for taking a look.

Tremedo y divertido.

Saludos.

Hi Jay,

 

I find this very pleasing to view. Excellent! Would be great to hear your story behind this shot.

 

Best Wishes,

 

Drew

Rueda and Drew thanks for the comments. This was a day after session, a chance to get photos you wouldn't normally be able to get on the day of the wedding due to lack of time and fear of getting the dress dirty, etc. Steffanie and Joe are both avid rock climbers and I used to be a rock climbing guide. I hired another guide to be responsible for lowering the couple into place and for getting them back up to the top of the cliff.

 

An anchor was pre-rigged at the ledge and the bride and groom were lowered with harnesses hidden under their outfits. Getting the bride into a harness with a dress on in such a way that it wouldn't show and that would allow her to still clip in safely to the anchor wasn't easy. Both were always either clipped into the anchor or tied into a rope for the lower or raise.

 

My wife was anchored into another part of the cliff for some of the shots and I moved around on the top. For the other image from this series that I've posted, I rappelled down to where I could hang over the overhanging wall they were anchored to take the shot. The exposure there was incredible as it was a freefall of hundreds of feet to the rocks below.

 

It was a very complex procedure that began in the dark well before sunrise. Unfortunately we got rain and fog instead of a sunrise but we got some great and different wedding photos which were all the more dramatic due to the weather conditions. The couple did a great job dealing with the obvious stress of the situation. And, most importantly, we didn't trash the dress!

This series is fantastic... wedding photos that are truly unique. 10/10's for effort and results.... Mike

 

Jay,

 

Thankyou for sharing the story of this shot. Absolutely fascinating stuff to me. Inspirational.

 

Drew

Excellent photo, very unique, and inspiration...

Very cool, great background story! Looks like a 19th century Romantick (sic) image. Might be a bit TOO much space on the left?

Thanks, all, for the additional comments. Good point, Les. I'll have to consider that.

What a fantastic idea and shot. I'd imagine this is blown up and hung on their wall. I know I'd want it on mine.

This looks to me a great picture. The idea is fantastic, but even without the explanation, it is a beautiful image. I love the tones and the composition. Regards.

Really a great image !!! Congratulations !!

Absolutely stunning image,Jay. Worth all the trouble. At the end everyone is rewarded .

Outstanding! 7/7a. Best regards.

Thank you, everyone, for the continued comments and kind words.

Holy smokes.

Well the only missing element is the priest...probably because of lack of space..;-))

 

Very cool high starting point Jay. interesting story of project as well.

Wow Jay, You weren't kidding. This is absolutely amazing. What a great idea, increadibly original, and perfectly executed. Who would guess your climbing skills would also come in handy as a wedding photograher;)

This should put you on the map! All the best, Dana

Wonderful metaphor...awesome image.

 

I just might add a word of caution, "don't try this at home".

 

Regards, Bill

Jay.. I'd like to make pics like this.. but before I need to learn rock climbing first which I admit not going to happen in my life. Only simplest way.... let me admire and remember this photograph through my life.

Great result - and the story behind it is very cool. What a unique trade you have. Not for the faint of heart I guess.