There’s a saying in London… there’s no bad weather, just bad clothes. They also say if you don’t like the weather, wait 15 minutes. Truth be told, I’ve heard that one for nearly every place I’ve lived. With the exception of California where it was plain ole sunny every day. And yes, to answer your…
Monthly Archives: April 2011
Today was the Royal Wedding. Greatly anticipated and over-hyped. You either love it or you hate it. Londoners are split in how they feel about it, but there is no denying the celebration of those who embrace it. I’d be the first to admit that I’m no photojournalist. Capturing fleeting, meaningful moments and expressions are…
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thanks for sharing Randy…have fun!
so amazing you were able to experience the royal wedding and be a part of a day everyone will remember and talk about for years to come. It was refreshing to see a formal wedding, I in a way their love brought love to everyone today. I think it uplifted people around the world for a few hours taking their minds off of all the natural disasters happening. Cheers!
Great pictures of the big day, Randy!
Purely for the record, the RAF jets were two Tornados and two Typhoons, not Harriers. They retired the Harriers from service earlier this year…
Loved the shots of the Lancaster, Spitfire, and Hurricane aircraft from WW2.
Chris, as I always say, you are da Mann! I’ve corrected my post, thank you for providing the information. I knew about the Spitfires, but could not identify the larger WWII aircraft. At first I thought it might be a B-52, but realized it wasn’t when it flew closer. Amazing to see them flying again over England!
Alexis… thanks! It was very emotional standing in the streets during the ceremony. And this coming from a veteran wedding photographer! I was actually fighting back tears a couple of times feeling the emotion of the people around me and the pride. Lots of people were wiping tears away. It was quite lovely (as they say).
Thanks for following along!
Randy, even though I’m working this event, I’m thoroughly enjoying reading about your account of it! Awesome writing & fantastic pictures!!
I think you made a very smart choice to stay and record this once in a lifetime event. While watching the planes fly overhead on TV (The Tele) I was wondering if you down there in the crowd. I guess this answers my question.
Thanks so much for investing the time to share this with us all.
One of my favorites is the shot of the lady holding the paper.
Just getting to this part of your continuing saga, what a fantastic trip for me up to this point! The pic. with the hidden clip of the Prince and Kate was cool! For me it’s like being there and I mean that as my legs and feet would never allow me to do what you are doing and it is so much appreciated! March on young man, I know I’m behind in your current travel I just have too much computer travel on my plate! Therefore this insert to let you know I’m trying to keep up with you. Your descriptions are fantastic and I also just did your visit to Maui, I was in Hawaii years ago but not to Maui so this was so fun along with your description of the wedding, it all just get’s me out of this small house in Kingman,Az. one of the least interesting places in Arizona. So keep up the good work and tomorrow I’m gonna give a good shot at catching up with your current position!!
I have loved every image and every insight you’ve shared with us these last 4 days. I could almost feel being pushed through the crowd with you!
Randy, you can ask as many questions as you like as long as you keep producing those drinking vouchers.
Up is down and day is night. Today was the first day I felt normal. Well, until mid-afternoon, then jet lag kicked in. Morning started with a traditional English breakfast buffet. Everything I was warned of was there. Baked beans, runny eggs, strange fruit and bacon that is somehow different. The room was full of…
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Randy! I am so jealous of you – what a perfect time to be in London!! So awesome. Please, please do go out and take photos of the royal wedding madness, I’m a junkie and seeing your “behind the scenes” photos is too cool.
Sounds like the iStock has been pretty helpful? Sorry to hear about the rude guy – there seems to be at least one on every bunch, hey? Hope it didn’t get you down. You’re a fantastic photographer, go seize the day and enjoy England!
Go killer! You can take a punch. Remember, “rope a dope” was invented by an American. And anybody who’s more interested in disregarding the work of an entire nation of artists based on the use of strobe must be forgetting something about creativity and openmindedness. I admire your positive attitude and humble and perservering spirit. Thanks for sharing.
“I know everyone has an opinion (all valid) and different tastes, but this gentleman was downright rude.” If he was rude and his review “harsh and impolite”, then maybe he wasn’t really a gentleman! Thanks for sharing your adventures Randy. It sounds like you are rolling with punches but more importantly learning a great deal this week! Looking forward to more posts from London!
I’m sorry to hear that English photog was so rude. You would think he would have had a more open mind and taken the time to actually look at your work. The whole point is to gain constructive feedback to learn from.
It sounds like you are making the most of your trip with how much stuff you are packing into each day! wow! I am soo excited to see some pictures from the Royal Wedding! You couldn’t have gone at a more perfect time. I really hope you get to see the wedding party and such. It’s not often you get a chance to see an event like that. I hope you rest well tonight.
My man, eff that arse and his pre-concieved “review.” A portfolio review is supposed to be constructive not destructive (unless he’s a bitter fart). You’re too kind to refer to him as a gentleman.
You and Big Ben look good. Have fun tomorrow. Back to wedding photography already, hmm?
It really is amazing that you just happen to be there for the Royal Wedding. I’m sure you’ll get some great images.
How sad an unfortunate the guy doing your portfolio review was so biased. Good for you in keeping an open mind. Unfortunately I’ve witnessed similar reviews throughout the years. The reality is that if he doesn’t keep an open mind and contain his comments on the actual work presented he’s just not the person who should be doing portfolio reviews. Shrug it off (as best you can) and move on.
My suggestion to improve on the food it to cross The Channel into France. Great food to be had everywhere.
I think maybe your critic was attacking strobe lighting to cover up his inabilities or his laziness to learn how to use strobes…it’s not easy you know! But it is a lot of fun! Thanks for sharing your trip!
Hey Randy! Looks like you’re having fun already!
Hoping to be able to meet up with you tomorrow if your schedule permits – sounds like it’s been nonstop so far.
Give me a call – I think you have my mobile number – or email me…
cheers,
Chris
I’m so proud of you that you contained your “gentleman” ways with this “critic”! You are an amazing photographer and a pretty amazing person as well. PLEASE post today’s photos! I’m so anxious to see them…btw-did you get my return text?
Man, I love Jane Seymour.
Or so I overheard on the plane, just as we were landing in Heathrow. After nearly 12 hours of being cramped in airplanes with little reclining and no legroom. It was a contest of will to sit there for hours on end. The hardest part of traveling to London is traveling to London. My day…
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I’m so excited to see your daily posts!! How fun! Get some rest. Keep the stories coming!!!
So excited for you Randy. I remember when I went to London in college, it was one of the best experiences of my life. Love that city, love the brits, the pubs! Have a shanty while you are there, it’s half lemonade and half beer and really good!
I’m sure you are totally exhausted yet excited at the same time. Will you be there for the royal wedding? That will be a once in a lifetime experience. Have fun and remember to mind the gap:)
Your day 1 title line sounds like an Austin Powers quote… The photos look mashing Randy, have a great time. But I got to tell you, in Amsterdam you have Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands too. You are right about Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport, it’s all you said and probably the longest ride in a airliner taxiing after landing that I have ever had at any airport. It seemed like we rode as far as Portland is from PDX.
Mind the gap! So funny you say that… I wasn’t quite sure what that meant until I rode the Underground, and then it quickly became obvious. Can you imagine a system like that in Portland? Yes,I will be within walking distance of the Royal Wedding. I suppose I’ll venture out, not sure about the crowds of 1 million+ … breakfast was fascinating. From the closeness of everyone in the way they seat you to the myriad of languages and accents. I feel as though I’ve arrived. it’s marvelous! (and the tea is quite good!)
Randy,
Looks like you have a nice room. Everywhere I stayed in France the rooms seemed so tiny, especially the elevators. Hope you get your sleep cycle in sync; it took me about 3 days. Glad you are off to a good start.
It is every man’s obligation to put back into the world at least the equivalent of what he takes out of it. ~ Albert Einstein As I was preparing for my trip to London and my goal of blogging once a day while traveling, I decided my iPad would be the perfect way to do…
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Traveling light and fast, in computer and lenses, respectively. Hope it works well. Where’s the external HDD or jump drive for backup?
I don’t have a laptop, thus the iPad. A friend offered me the use of an Epson backup device, but I’m running out of time to go pick it up. I do have a 16GB Sandisk USB stick. I was thinking of throwing that into the kit, along with a card reader. Surely I could transfer images at the hotel, right?
Randy,
I’m so excited for you and this trip. Looks like a great choice of gear to take along, just enough without it being a burden. Can’t wait to see what you come away with. I’ll be following you daily.
Gary… I’m actually reconsidering bringing my 50mm f1.4. I wanted the 70-200 because it’s a great portrait lens. If you look at the schedule of events, there is a lot of studio time. For walking around London, the 35 and the 50 would be nice options, don’t you think?
Can’t wait for today’s blog. At least then I’ll know you’re there safely 
Miss you!!!
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I must say that I see much more of your style in these images than the ones of the models you took the previous day. I visited AJ’s iStockPhotos site, and now, more than ever can see you transitioning into this new arena of photography. Looks like you’ll be great company.
So I just had to find the minty peas recipe. Found Jamie Oliver’s version, that should be pretty accurate. Man those fish & chips look good! Hey is that a new iStockPhoto in the works?
Okay I’ve been holding off clicking on the “Post Comment” button . here goes.
I’m enjoying your daily commentary:) I love your writing and look forward to each blog! Have fun today with Chris!
Give Chris whatever is the UK equivalent of a girly hug in a manly fashion! Can’t wait to see the results of your walk around town.
Such a gorgeous girl and, I know you can’t find the food you mentioned here, not food on the menu I see at Pret a Manger site, makes me hungry for both! But at my age and love for my wife of 25 yrs it’s gonna have to be the food!! Probably won’t get the food until you open in Portland?