From the first meeting with the couple, it was obvious that Sema had a very clear idea about what she wanted in terms of photography. It was actually quite refreshing to have someone provide examples of photographs that she liked, enabling Heidi and I to plan our work with them. Too often people we photograph are very vague, sentences such as "you know best" or worse, we want you to "enjoy yourself, just take a few shots, we'll be happy", don't help. I know damn well that they want romantic beautiful images that they can share with friends and family and ultimately their children. I value the few photographs I have of my parents 1960's wedding, who wouldn't. Sema was very clear and Ermis, well, he was clearly going to do whatever he was told to do. Perfect!
Because we knew exactly what she wanted I could plan my equipment and also the location we would use. The plan was to meet at 1pm for a series of romantic images of the couple, then move onto Sema's home where the actual engagement would take place. And then the coffee, the party, the dancing, the ribbon, the jewelry, the cake, oh boy, we had no idea what was actually going to happen, but we were well prepared. The day was dull, rain forecast for the whole day and getting heavier as the day went on. Our original location was scrapped as it offered no cover, so a couples of texts set up plan B, the Munich Hofgarten, a place I was familiar with from its use as the location for Assignment 3 in DPP.
The dull grey skies and rain actually proved to be a blessing as it eliminated the shadows and yielded a balanced diffused light. We had a large and colourful golfing umbrella to act as a prop and for additional shelter. The garden was ideal offering lots of covered spaces and heavy tree cover. The only problem with the weather was that it was cold and after about 90 minutes Sema was too cold to continue with the shoot, but we had enough by then. I took a pretty standard wedding load out, 16-35, 24-70, and 70-200 f/2.8 zooms, plus my 135 f/2 for the more dreamy look. A couple of speedlights and my 5D2 and I was ready to go, although a sore shoulder would be the price for all that kit and spare batteries, etc. As always Heidi had my backup 7D with a 17-55 f/2.8 and acted as second shooter. We have an understanding.
The day then started with a fairly standard portraiture shoot, an attractive couple letting me practice my skills on them in exchange for some free photography, happy with the results, but nothing particularly remarkable
Along the way we had some fun with the umbrella
Nice images, but could belong to any culture, however, the next shot is very specific to Islamic culture:
The blue glass object is a Nazar, a talisman against the evil eye. The couple wanted to be photographed under it to bring them luck and protection. This created some logistical challenges, resolved through the use of the umbrella and one of my shoelaces. I took a variety of images, this one worked for me as it suggests rather than illustrates. As the day progressed I found many Nazar's attached to gifts and worn as jewelry.
Apart from the rather conventional portraits so far Sema wanted something a little more romantic and different. Heidi helped to create a few poses and then I processed the images along different colour lines. First of all I tried a little desaturation (well quite a lot actually):
The next one would be my choice from the set, a moment in time, not really posed, they were just larking around a little. Focus is poor and I have gone for a rather traditional black and white process, a strong vignette framing the couple.
The next one, well this is a case of the customer is always right, even when they are not actually paying. I did not explain that such methods could get me disbarred for life from the fraternity of serious photographers...
And all done in Lightroom, no recourse to the evil Photoshop CS
OK, that was the portraiture, a nice set, lot's of fun to make, but not saying a great deal about their culture.
This changed when we got to her parents home:
An Aunt from Istanbul made us very welcome with cheese filled pastries and small glasses of sweet tea. We felt a little odd as we were strangers in the house and there to do a job, but they were so hospitable and friendly - we rapidly became a part of the celebration.
At this stage we were just Sema and her relations. After an hour had passed Ermis and his family arrived, now the formal part of the day would begin. We were about to witness and record a series of rituals that are centuries old. We gathered that Sema and her family were pretty relaxed about doing things the formal way, however, Ermis's family wanted things done properly and so they were...
We had done some research, and so had a basic understanding of what would happen, but it was to be an interesting day. First of all Ermis's relatives gathered in the living room for coffee. At this stage there was a palpable tension in the air, everyonewas being terribly polite and reserved.
Coffee - this was the first and perhaps the best ritual of the day. Traditional Turkish coffee is strong and thick, not for the faint hearted and especially not if you are the future groom. Note in the photo below the one cup that is a different colour.
The key here is that Ermis must take the cup and drink it, enjoy it and finish it. the challenge is that in addition to coffee there is salt, pepper, chilli, pretty much whatever Sema wanted to add. In fact she was being quite sparing, her friends upped the ante - he really needed a spoon to eat this coffee. Anyway, this is a traditional test of his tolerance and love for his wife, whether she can cook or not.
Then came the first major moment of the day. I think it is Ermis's uncle, not his father, but this was hard to follow as my Turkish is non-existent and my German poor. In any case her father was formally asked for his permission that his daughter would become part of Ermis's family. This was a very emotional moment and marked the point at which the couple became betrothed to one another. The giving of a ring (first piece of jewelry) sealed the relationship.
At this point the tension lifted and everyone started to hug, Mother's ran from the room in tears and the first step on the journey to marriage had been made. Normally this would then be followed by some time before the next step of actual engagement. Yes, we were a little confused, we thought they were now engaged, but no, that would come later.
Many presents also arrived, primarily in the shape of food:
Next we all headed off to the local catholic church hall for the evening party. Heidi and I thought we would be with them from 1 until around 6, no chance, this was quite an event. We really had not idea, we just went with the flow.
A table had been laid out at the church hall for the couple facing the guests. No alcohol at this stage and in fact the only alcohol present was a bottle of champagne that the couple shared. They were following Islamic principles, but not too rigidly as we shall see.
I have also noticed that any Turkish event will somehow incorporate Ataturk the father of the nation.
Back to my comment about Islam, no alcohol OK, but those heels and skirts, these girls might be Muslim, but that was not going to get in the way of partying. I found this all very interesting and quite refreshing, Islam is too often portrayed as rigid and cruel, the truth is far away.
Everyone then sat down to eat which we declined as we prefer to work and then eat later. The food really looked good, but one you sit down to eat it becomes hard to take photos, I have tried this before and it is frustrating to keep getting up and down. However, big mistake, at this stage we thought we would go out for dinner when we were finished with the photographs, at 10pm we stopped in a gas station to grab two frozen pizzas on the way home.
Next came a series of group photos, dozens of them, every possible combination of family and friends. Heidi had been warned that Turkish people love to be photographed, but oh boy...
The main event was, however, finally drawing near, the actual engagement. Two rings were joined by a ribbon, these are the actual engagement rings. The couple will put them on and then after some jollity and bribery someone will step up and cut the ribbon. This then marks the point of engagement. Later in the evening the ribbon is cut into strips and shared among the single girls in the room. Whoever selects the "short straw" will be next to be married.
And I did mention, jewelry, well we have seen 3 rings now, then came the serious stuff, another fabulous jeweled ring and ropes of pearls.
Next, the dancing, starting with Sema and Ermis.
As I said at the beginning, I would have thought this was a wedding, if I had not been told quite emphatically that it was an engagement. If you are wondering, well the wedding is next year and the invitation list is expected to be roughly 700 people, not sure we will be back for that one, not sure I want to or am even capable.
However, it will probably be quite a blast, the dancing was fantastic, the music loud and exotic.
It was now nearing 9pm, Heidi and I had been on the go since 12 and were getting a little weary. We approached the couple to sign out and wish them well. Cake, the cake, you must take photographs of the cake. Actually two cakes, each of which took over a day to create.
Like I said, the wedding is going to be quite something...
What a day, really enjoyed it, a wonderful insight into a different culture hosted by a lovely and very hospitable family. The wedding genre is not fashionable among "serious" photographers, but this really is social documentary, a study of people forming society, a merger of two families. This would have made a good day in the life of, however, it is not easy to integrate these events into the course, they happen when they happen and not always at a convenient time for me.
That test is excellent - wonder if anyone has failed.
ReplyDeleteIt's so interesting to get a glimpse into another culture. The book gives a comprehensive record for them - they should be pleased. Notice as well that his tie matches her dress.
The colours were very carefully chosen, not sure that Ermis had much to do with it, she was definitely in charge - but then that is always the case with Brides (as it should be).
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