Royalty

Prince Charles makes his way into a citizenship ceremony while in Saint John on Victoria Day, May 21, 2012. Photo: Kâté Braydon/Telegraph-Journal

Oi. Work and life have been a bit crazy these past couple of weeks with elections, home renos, and a Prince coming to town. So, I'm going to share a few of my faves from the royal visit.

Their Royal Highnesses, Charles, Prince of Wales, and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, came to Saint John on Victoria Day for the Queen's Diamond Jubilee. This was my first time, sort of, covering a royal visit. When I was in college, the Queen came to Fredericton and I shot her along with some friends from school, just for ourselves.

A lot of planning happens in the newsroom for an event like this. Tons of story ideas, delegating people to different locations, memorizing schedules, conference calls. You also have to plan your outfit and what you feel that you can carry with you all day, since you're going to be out ALL day. That morning, I made sure to wear a loose fitting shirt that was long enough to cover my butt when bending over and that wouldn't show cleavage. For real! These are seriously things I have to consider. I pretty much live in black jeggings because they are so comfortable and practical for my job. Also, solid and comfy shoes, because you're going to be walking and most likely running a lot. Sunblock, sunglasses, snacks. Water. Oh, and my camera.

Also, use the bathroom before you leave. You might not get another chance.

 
This was semi-frustrating and hard work. I arrived about an hour and a half early to get a good spot. Risers were placed in locations where planned photo ops would be happening for the media. They weren't very big but they did help. The royals have a huge entourage. Dozens of Brit photogs, police and other security around them at all times. To get a clear shot is supremely difficult. The British photographers that follow him around the world get the best access. So at one point, I ended up stepping off the riser and joined the public on the sidewalk. This worked well. The Prince walked right by me and I got some pretty good close-ups.

My colleague, Cindy Wilson, and I, were tag-teaming the event, covering different locations. At this point though, we ended up in the same spot, and she grabbed this pic of me while I was getting the shot above:

Photo: Cindy Wilson

It's funny... it felt like such a long day, but really, I was only shooting for about 4 hours. I guess it was all of the waiting. The anticipation is draining.

Thanks for reading! Ciao.