Alright, so the dress didn’t really get trashed – that wasn’t really the intention. The idea was just to make some fun images, in a really grungy dark location.
What can I say about the Grand Canyon? It’s pretty big – and like everyone else says, it’s impossible to capture how it really feels to be there in a still picture.
I’m always up for doing some portfolio work, and what better location than the Grand Canyon in Arizona?
We started the morning early in Las Vegas at 6:00am…well, kinda. When you’re still brain is still on Eastern Time, 6am PST (9 EST) isn’t so hard to do. Even after a late night in Vegas.
From there we did the rent-a-car scramble. We didn’t reserve one, because we had not really planned on going to the Grand Canyon until about 2pm the day before. Between the hours of 8 – 9am I walked to rent a car agencies in: Treasure Island, Mirage, Venetian and the Palazzo. At this point I decided to check online. Apparently the entire Las Vegas area (including the airport) was fresh out of cars. Eventually we headed off the strip, and found a car 10 miles away. It was a pickup truck, but came with unlimited miles. It’ll do.
We left at 10:30am and got there some time 5 or 6 hours later – we decided to head for the larger south rim instead of the (smaller) slice on the west end that’s only a few hours out of Vegas. We got to drive across the Hoover Dam, and experience all kinds of different exciting climates. Well, as exciting as it is to see trees after spending 3 hours driving through dirt and little plant..bush things.
Anyways, this has been by far the coolest location I’ve had a chance to shoot at – here are a few photos from the day:
The view out of our 33rd story room overlooking the strip at Treasure Island – Vegas Tip: If you’d like a better room, pull out a $20 as you ask about any possible free upgrades. They’ll usually find you something.
I’m off to Washington DC/Virginia and Philadelphia this week for some corporate work. Hopefully I have a few spare minutes to check out the White House and other sights!
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I liked that 7th pic most.
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Absolutely stunning Taylor. The photographs look like they’ve been taken from a fairytale.
As far as crazy (beautiful/awesome) weddings go – this one takes the cake. I started the 3 hour drive to Oliphant (West of Wiarton / North of Sauble) with my good buddy Tyler Bertrand, who I had invited to come along for the day. I’m glad he came along, as now I have a fellow industry professional to vouch for some of the things that happened that day.
Before the ceremony we headed out to a beautiful water location along Lake Huron. It felt like a Caribbean location – nothing close to Ontario. After a few minutes with them, we headed to the girls place. The salon / makeup was all done on a full size RV that has been converted into a salon.
From there..we headed back to the lake with the girls….
They said they wanted to go to a place called Lonely Man Island…little did we know that they had to walk there through 2.5 feet of water to get there. The dresses came up, and without warning, they headed into the water. I’ve never seen anything like it, and I’m so happy they chose me to photograph their wedding.
After that, it was off to the ceremony in some classic cars. The rain clouds rolled in for an afternoon sun shower, and it poured until Justine started to walk down the aisle. Such perfect timing.
At some point during our walk, we came across a trampoline, and Justine did a few backflips in her wedding dress.
We had free reign of the city for photos, and eventually headed to The Oliphant Pavilion for the reception. It’s an old dance hall, that had been restored to its original look after years and years.
Here are some photos from the amazing day:
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Seriously beautiful work here Taylor. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a bride upside down in the air before!!!! Truly remarkable photography.
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Thanks so much Andrew! I can honestly say, I probably won’t ever see another bride go upside down on her wedding day! Haha
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Taylor Jackson,
I know this place well, my family has been summering here for just about 100 years. We have a place on Smokehouse Island. I tried for years to get my daughter to consider a wedding in Oliphant but she opted for central Pennsylvania this past September.
Knowing the local well I want to compliment you on your work. You captured the essence of the place and did a wonderful job with the wedding/wedding party. Beautiful! Mike and Justine chose the right place.
Tricia -
Hi, you did a great job with these pics… so gorgeous! I am getting married in the same pavillion in Oliphant in June 2013…. what are your prices? Thank you 🙂
In the age of digital, I find it’s way too easy to press the shutter without thinking. I’m guilty of it at times, that’s for sure. It’s almost refreshing to shoot film again. Again…well, actually I’ve only shot about 60 frames of 35mm in my entire life – and here’s 12 of them from my last trip to Las Vegas / Grand Canyon:
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very nice detail. what camera/lens/film was this?
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Twas an N90 with a 10-20 Sigma and 400 BW Ilford. Developed/scanned at the Shoppers right beside us 🙂
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love the convenience of that photo lab right there! i wonder how large their scams are before resizing – i’m going to see if they can give me full resolution scans with my next roll.
i didn’t think that shoppers lab processed BW film, though?
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It’s C41 BW, I don’t think anyone in the area processes straight up BW film anymore.
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ah, touché. that would make sense! i’m pretty sure i have a roll of T-MAX from a couple years ago that i haven’t sent away for processing yet, hah.
I love fall.
Kate and Colin were married at Hassenland Country Inn up in Zurich, along Lake Huron. I took a shot of the groomsman that really reminded me of an Oceans 12 movie poster…so I attached it here:
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I LOVE that car photo. So flippin’ cool.
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Britt - Wonderful!! These are stunning!
Christine - I’m so happy with how these turned out! 🙂
You’re my favourite!
Rachel - these are amazing. I love the lighting.
Jackie - Taylor.. you continue to blow my mind… How did you find an empty parking garage.. this has been a dream location for me…this is fantastically done!