Navjote ceremony

Photographing events is a joy, especially those of diversity. I recently photographed a Navjote ceremony, an initiation ceremony from the Zorastrian religion. You can find out more about this ceremony at Navjote. Although the ceremony itself is quite unique and beautiful, I was struck by the similarity of all religions. How many religions share an initiation ceremony for those entering the flock?

decordova museum

There is yet another perfect spot for weddings and that is the Decordova Museum and Sculpture Park. Full weddings or events can be done here. The inside provides a beautiful backdrop of art to celebrate the day with, while outside one can use the creativity of various artists to complement the wedding couple. In the above photograph I use Jim Dine's "Two Big Black Hearts".

using the sun

There are many rules in photography and many of these rules are good to know for most circumstances. However one also needs to know when to break the rules. Often shooting in direct sunlight is a no-no. It causes glare, squinting and is just plain unpredictable. However when looking for artful and creative imagery I always use the sun. If I see an interesting play of light I go for it and place the bride and groom directly in it or in front of it and see what happens. Above we have the sunlight shooting through the backs of trees to stream down as heavenly light upon the couple. Below I put the sunlight behind the tree limb and increased my flash power to prevent silhouetting. The result, the couple is lit properly against a surreal setting of a late summer day light.

Wayside Grist Mill

There are certain locations in New England that have become iconic wedding photography spots. The Boston Gardens is one that comes to mind for any wedding happening in and around Boston. However any list would have to include the Wayside Grist Mill located in Sudbury. Connected with the Longfellow's Wayside Inn, it's a perfect spot for pictures.

rings??

I've had couples forget their rings, but drop them in a lake?? While taking some fun photographs the bride let her ring fly off and go into the stream just off the lake. Luckily her new husband was willing to roll up his sleeves and dig it out!! It was the perfect ending to a picture perfect day.

focusing in

Where you focus and unique viewpoints are key to good photographs. Weddings all share common elements, however each are unique events with unique moments. My job is to explore the various opportunities to view things uniquely so that I keep each wedding and event fresh. Here I focus in on the bride and groom while splitting them apart with the officiant in the middle, providing a startling viewpoint of the ceremony!

in a crowd

Picking out a face in the crowd can often be difficult, especially at a reception where there is a ton of action. Once the formalities are completed, dances and cake cutting, the crowd usually relaxes and has a good time either on the dance floor or mingling with family and friends. I love this photograph as it shows the hustle and bustle of a wedding reception while I focus in on one young woman in the midst of it all.

Saint Ignatius

St. Ignatius of Loyola is a great place to photograph a wedding. This year I've photographed three weddings at the church . The rules for photography are quite rigid, no flash during the ceremony and to remain stationary in one of several designated and out of the way spots. Flash photography is allowed during both the processional and the recessional however. In spite of these rules, the natural light within the church allows for beautiful picture taking. All of my experiences have been very pleasant and the church has a great aura about it, with a vibrant community and a busy schedule. Saint Ignatius is located in Chestnut Hill on the Boston College Campus.

MIT Chapel

The MIT Chapel is a very unique structure designed by famed architect Eero Saarinen. You can find information concerning the chapel at the wikipedia site: MIT Chapel. I have photographed weddings here and find it beautiful. There are no windows inside the chapel except for a skylight directly above the altar. This contrast of dark and light serves to highlight the flickering metal statue that runs down from the skylight to the floor, cascading like a waterfall. One can see more of my wedding pictures from a recent event at the MIT Chapel at Boston weddings, click on "Jen and Ben".

being comfortable

Boston Garden Park Bench

"Thank you so much for shooting our wedding... You were so calming when we were stressed! You got shots of the two of us everywhere we wanted and more! You were full of ideas and yet fast and unobtrusive. I don't even remember seeing you during the ceremony... Our family and friends assumed you were a friend of ours and a guest at the wedding because you were so comfortable and easy going... Thank you so much ---" Jen

Flora

High praises go to Flora Restaurant located along Massachusetts Avenue in Arlington. I remember first eating there years ago when my wife and I were planning our honeymoon tour across America. They've since expanded and can now accomodate small events. Of course the main reason for the praise is their food. It's out of this world! Check out their website: Flora Restaurant. I just photographed a small wedding there and had a great time.

Arlington wedding

I just photographed a wedding in my neighboring town of Arlington Massachusetts. We did some fun couple pictures along Hill's Pond in Menotomy Rocks Park. I had never heard of this park but found it to be a terrific site for photographs and quiet intimate strolls. As a photographer, it's vital to know about these hidden jewels that allow you to get away from the city life and concentrate on your subject and nature. For more information on the park visit Friends of Menotomy. We owe groups like this a nod as they provide such gorgeous spots for us all to enjoy!

mother of the bride

I always make a point to meet the needs of mom!

"Many thanks for sending me CD's of pictures of Ellen and Michael's wedding. So many beautiful photos; you are indeed talented. It appears that you were everywhere at once, but so unobtrusive."
Ingrid, mother of the bride


I'm currently booking for 2009 dates. Please contact me at info@robertcastagna.com to see if your date is available. There are a few remaining dates for 2008 available too!!