One of the best parts of being a photographer, is working as a second shooter and assistant to fellow photographers. I spent a year and a half working as a second shooter and assistant for a fellow Atlanta based wedding photographer and it was pretty nice to experience Atlanta through weddings and engagement sessions. I remember when I started shooting weddings in New York, I was extremely excited to visit new venues, cool boutique hotels, and fun parks. It's almost as if you become a tourist in your own home town! I've lived in there for more than 90% of my life but I didn't begin to discover NY until I had too for my clients.
This specific engagement session was taken last May at the W hotel in Atlanta. I was assisting Milanes Photography with her gorgeous couple and I was able to capture a few shots myself. This shoot was special. Why, you ask? Because I was really excited about the helipad that I've seen only in pictures and couldn't wait to get up there and assist in making the magic unfold for her couple as we approached the golden hour. The couple had an amazing time as they smiled and posed naturally in front of the camera.
When we finally made our way to the helipad, it dawned on me. It's windy and I am afraid of heights! I am going to trip, fall and possibly fall over the top of the W Hotel. I saw my life flash before my eyes. I laugh now as I write this, because I wasn't sure if I wanted to cowardly express my concern of my tragic demise to anyone else, I mean they were completely calm and cool, why spoil the mood?
I finally managed to peek my head over the top long enough to capture a sunset shot and realized that it wasn't so bad. At that point I had no choice because my assistance was needed. I said a small prayer and hoped for the best!
I've been on several helipads since, so I can comfortably look back and laugh at that moment. But these are truly the moments that make you realize that being a wedding photographer is pretty dangerous and cool all in one!!
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