I'm a huge advocate for collaborations. I really enjoy working on creative projects with other creatives. So I totally get it when my sister, Smanatha Buyskes, executive chef at HJ Stead www.hjstead.com in Geneva brought in chef Daniel Lewis from Coastal Provisions Oyster Bar & Wine Bar Cafe to create an oyster and wine pairing dinner. I myself am not a huge fan of oysters, but Robyn came along to enjoy the dinner while I created images for the restaurant to use in marketing the event and for future specialty dinners. We arrived at the tail end of prepping, an hour before doors would open to guests. Enough time to capture a small bit of prep and a couple portraits of the chefs before showtime.
For me it is really important to tell the story. Overall photos, details and action. Capturing the energy, intensity and excitement at an event. For this type of dinner you had it all. Intense moments where time is of the essence, to moments where the chefs have a chance to banter back-and-forth and share some of the wine served by Three Brothers Wineries and Estates and Red Tail Ridge Winery.
As the evening clicks on, you can feel the mood shift in the room. Not sure if the wine is kicking in but the guests start to energize, the temperature in the room comes up, and everyone is lively. Then things get serious, final dishes are prepped and served and the chefs start to relax and mingle with guests, sharing information and stories. At this point there might be room for a tiny dessert and wine to top off the night. An elegant white chocolate truffle paired with wine. Tummies are full, minds are relaxed, then the room fills with applause and cheer.
This is where I look for the closing shot to the story. The last glimpse into what happens after you walk out the door. For me I'm anxious to get these images into my computer to view and edit. With this shoot I felt emotional when I viewed the last shot of the team outside. I can tell when I've captured an image that to me is historical, someday to look back at this image and all the moments will be relived. This is what I'm good at, this it what I love, this is photography.
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