I met Jane this past winter when she was on the search for a wedding photographer. She and her fiance were planning their early spring wedding for 2019 at the New England Aquarium in Boston, MA and had a particular request that challenged me in new an interesting ways. The groom David's mother was particularly sensitive to flash, and they requested that no flash be in use during any of the photos. Naturally I love a challenge and considering just how dark the New England Aquarium truly is, it posed a great one. It's so important to me that my couples not only get great shots, but that their families have a great time and are comfortable through every phase of the photography process. Being mother of the groom only made it that much more important to me. 

Christopher Columbus Park presented the perfect setting for family photos. We truly lucked out with the perfect overcast day. Using natural light only, (while facing their smiles towards the sun) I was able to capture some fun loving and memorable family shots. 

On our walk over to the aquarium we found a "relic" and chose to call in the wedding of the century. 

The cafe inside the aquarium offered vast beautiful light from the bay, that really lit up their ceremony area. I alternated between a F 2.0 18-270 Tamaron lens and F 1.4 50 mm Canon. I sacrificed depth of field for bright and airy shots. Sliding behind pillars during the ceremony and out of sight I was able to capture my bride and grooms candid reactions to each others vows. The natural light, mixed with the tungsten chandeliers, and the bright wedding colors the couple chose really made the ceremony photos pop!

One of the greatest rewards to capturing a wedding at the aquarium is having the facilities after hours and without the crowds. This also produced its fair share of challenges. The penguins especially are sensitive to flash, so using a few slave flashes positioned away from them and in pre-approved spots by the staff I back lit the couple to capture this shot. 

The seals and sea lions on the other hand were no foe to the lighting and since we were off adventuring with the aquarium staff we were able to incorporate some lights. One in particular deciding to give us a show and wave us off as we headed back to the reception. 

When shooting in lower light scenarios, and higher ISO's you tend to sacrifice the size at which you can typically print an image. With that in mind my main focus with indoor shots during the reception I concentrated more on capturing the candid fun taking place, and secret smiles the guests shared with each other. Overall it was a wonderful experience and well worth its fair share of lighting challenges. Congrats to this wonderful couple!