Get permision

Living in a rain forest makes for some interesting challenges. Last Sunday I was scheduled to do an engagement session.  The weather forcast for that day was not promising so I had to come up with an alternate plan, just in case. Well, the rain held off all day Sunday but an hour before we were going to head out, the skies opened up and it poured.  Fortunately, I had taken the time to come up with a plan.

Indoor shots it had to be but studio shots were out of the question.  Fortunately, I have built up a good relationship with the Pan Pacific Hotel (http://www.panpacific.com/ ) so I gave them a call and got permision to use the hotel for my engagement session.

Many photographers assume that they can go into a venue such as a hotel or conference centre and shoot away.  This is just not so.  These places are private property and the main concern of the people who run them is the comfort and safety of their guests.  They have every right to ask you to leave.  Always get permision to use a venue.  Sometimes they will say no.  There may just be no room to have you there.  Other times they will say yes and give you access through security. Often times you will be directed to places that are just incredible, opening up the opportunity for incredible images. And remember, if you can, give something back - they are doing you a huge favour when they let you in.

Here are a couple of shots that we got while inside the hotel.

When we arrived at the hotel we found a maginicent reception area to use.  It was equiped with a fireplace, couches, super high ceilings, a grand piano, and amazing light supplied by huge windows.

The image on the left was taken with the available light only. A vignette was put on it in Lightroom and it was ready to go. The image on the right was taken with available light balanced with a Canon 580exII in a 32" umbrella off to camera left.  The rest of the images from this session were equally as amazing as these.

This couple was so impressed with the Pan Pacific Hotel that they are determined to use them for their wedding.  How did this happen? Because I asked.