Mina and Atulya

I haven't been this wordy about an event shoot in a very long time. But, this was a new experience for me, and I decided I had to share it with you fine folks. To read all about it with a bunch of photos, follow the jump>>



I was recently contacted by a young woman, Mina, telling me she was getting engaged on such-and-such a date, and she needed a photographer.  I had to read the email a few times because I was a bit confused.  "How did she know she was getting engaged on that particular Sunday?", I thought, "Does HE know he's getting engaged?".  So, I emailed her back giving her my rates.  Not five minutes later I get a phone call from Mina.  It turns out her and her boyfriend (soon to be fiance), Atulya, were both from Nepal, and in Nepalese culture, there is an engagement ceremony with both families, two rings, and a Buddhist lama blessing the ceremony.  Well, of course I wanted to take this job, it sounded awesome! 

When I show up on Sunday, I'm greeted by the family, and directed to go inside to check in with Mina.  I walk through the front door and am met by an absolutely BEAUTIFUL Nepalese girl donning a sari, and henna on her hands, this is Mina.  Right off the bat, I suggest that she MUST have her portrait taken before the ceremony. She obliges gladly. 

It is now time for the ceremony, so we head outside to meet Atulya.  He is a tall, handsome guy with a smile that could only suggest excitement.  Mina and Atulya sit next to the Lama, who begins his prayers. Meanwhile, I seek the help of Mina's best friend, Sabee Nah, to give me the run down on who's who.  I start to shoot, capturing the ceremony interestedly.

 

Once the ceremony is over, we take some family shots then Mina, Atulya, and I head down the road for some portraits.  This is when I get really excited.  As I start directing the couple, their happiness is so apparent.  Exuding joy with every shot.  Their smiles were so infectious I didn't want to stop shooting!  I didn't have Jess with me to hold a reflector, and the light was less than perfect at 11:30am but it didn't matter.  What's important in the photos is their expressions.

Lastly, I want to tell you that Mina, Atulya, and their families were some of the most gracious, and hospitable people.  As an event photographer, I often try to blend in and not draw too much attention to myself.  That Sunday, no less than 10 people throughout the day, made sure to insist I was drinking water/soda, or eating food (I was only there for about two hours).  One person even offered to hold my camera while I got some food.  And, as I was just finishing up, one of the cousins came up to me and said "Hey man, I'm going to the cooler. Can I get you a beer?"

I politely declined saying "Oh, no thanks. I'm working."

To which he looked at me slightly confused and replied "...Wine?"

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Will Walker
William Walker Photography
www.williamwalkerphoto.com