Many folk know that I love taking photos. I don't call myself a photographer really - just a "camera addict" which is written on my business card.
I do mainly landscapes - and sell some of my photos locally - local tourist spots etc, but if asked to "be the photographer" at events, I'd rather run a mile.
Some readers will know that last December (2015) I went to China for the wedding of a former student of Yuexiu University where I taught in 2008 and 2010. Amazing event - and as it happened, around 9 photographers. Very impressive. Of course I took my new Olympus camera, and have some great photos. For me, just memory joggers. Why would someone with 9 professional photographers be interested in my photos? None of them are extra ordinary.
In two weeks time I head to China again. For another wedding. The first wedding was amazing, well planned and a huge celebration over four days. With only a few weeks to go, the planning is still underway with for the next one, and clearly will not be the same. I have been able to find out little information about the details of the wedding from the bride - my only contact.
This morning I woke to see a message on WeChat from the bride. Will I be the wedding photographer? What? Me? I have not yet replied, but will do so shortly. Of course I will have my camera, and of course I would love to take photos! BUT! I will not be the photographer. OMG!!!
What a responsibility!
Also I am not taking my computer, though that should not be a major factor, but to have to download with someone else's computer and in Chinese, I do have concerns.
However, just as it is an honour to be invited to a wedding in China, it is an honour to be asked to be the photographer!
Postscript. Communication with the bride reveals that I am not the only photographer. She has quite a few, but just wanted me to take some photos. Phew. Happy to do so.
I do mainly landscapes - and sell some of my photos locally - local tourist spots etc, but if asked to "be the photographer" at events, I'd rather run a mile.
Some readers will know that last December (2015) I went to China for the wedding of a former student of Yuexiu University where I taught in 2008 and 2010. Amazing event - and as it happened, around 9 photographers. Very impressive. Of course I took my new Olympus camera, and have some great photos. For me, just memory joggers. Why would someone with 9 professional photographers be interested in my photos? None of them are extra ordinary.
In two weeks time I head to China again. For another wedding. The first wedding was amazing, well planned and a huge celebration over four days. With only a few weeks to go, the planning is still underway with for the next one, and clearly will not be the same. I have been able to find out little information about the details of the wedding from the bride - my only contact.
This morning I woke to see a message on WeChat from the bride. Will I be the wedding photographer? What? Me? I have not yet replied, but will do so shortly. Of course I will have my camera, and of course I would love to take photos! BUT! I will not be the photographer. OMG!!!
What a responsibility!
Also I am not taking my computer, though that should not be a major factor, but to have to download with someone else's computer and in Chinese, I do have concerns.
However, just as it is an honour to be invited to a wedding in China, it is an honour to be asked to be the photographer!
Postscript. Communication with the bride reveals that I am not the only photographer. She has quite a few, but just wanted me to take some photos. Phew. Happy to do so.
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