Nic + Nick — Red Hall, Manchester wedding photographer

From the diary of a Manchester wedding photographer

6:02 AM – I ran through my equipment checklist. Everything was there as expected, but no harm in checking for the fifth time. Funny, I’ve never been this pedantic about my gear. Can OCD be contracted?
6:50 AM – My second shooter is here and he just helped me with the gear. Two tall, formally-dressed men carrying a man-sized case into a van, only to carry it back some 20 hours later in the middle of the night – the usual stuff. I’m surprised none of the neighbours rang the police yet.
10:48 AM – Snapping away at the bride’s house. The weather is looking good and we may actually see some sun in Manchester today. The bride, Nic, just told her dad not to worry about anything and gave him a remeasuring smile. Mancunian brides are the best.
13:15 PM – The ceremony at the church has been good so far. Sprained my back while cartwheeling between the altar and the bridesmaids. The resulting photo came out nice enough though.
14:27 PM – The sun is still out and shining. People are abandoning their cars in the middle of the road and running in panic – and thank God for that. The park is empty and I got some good shots of Nic and Nick with zero photobombs.
16:08 PM – My camera has jammed during speeches. Oh well, I always carry a second one, along with 3 lenses, spare batteries, lens wipes, a pen knife and a roll of gaffer tape. I must look like a smartly-dressed Christmas tree. In August.
20:30 PM – Setting off with the bride and groom for the sunset session – yep, we got a sunset in Manchester. People everywhere are looking up in the sky mesmerized. I vaguely recall a scene from Independence Day.
21:47 PM – Finished shooting for the day. People didn’t recognized me without all the gear all over me. They thought I was the hotel manager.
23:49 PM – A neighbour saw me dragging my equipment case through the door of my house, with one of the black, metal tripod legs poking out. She went back home and reassured me she hadn’t seen anything before locking the door.
1:06 AM – All photos backed up. The wedding has been a blast and then some, and Nic and Nick have been the most laid-back couple I have ever met. Also, while I was shooting, a large, feral cat seems to have nested inside one of my gear cases. I’ll call RSPCA tomorrow.

Just another day from the life of a Manchester wedding photographer.