I was delighted to be asked, by one of our corporate clients, if I would be able to come and photograph the meet and greet by HRH Prince Edward The Earl of Wessex and then his official opening of Liverpool’s newly refurbished Central Library. I thought about it for around 2 seconds before accepting!
I was going to be one of 3 official photographers there with the other two working for the press. This meant that I could cover the visit in the documentary way I feel most comfortable with. While the client wanted some specific shots, I was pretty much free to “do my own thing”….on the way to the event in the car, I was considering all different ideas and possibilities and trying to prepare for them all, including the possibility of using flash, you know, just to make sure. I had to stop and tell my self to slow down…I had been hired because I shoot in a particular style. I had to stay true to that and shoot the event as I would any other and not get distracted by putting pressure on myself because I was photographing a Royal!
Everyone excitedly awaited the arrival of the Royal party and Liverpool Community Choir, who were performing, were anxious to get going….HRH arrived right on time and I have to say, he was brilliant! I’m not sure what my expectations were to be honest, but I was pleasantly surprised. He took his time, spoke with wit, sincerity and intelligence. He also had time for everyone he chatted to and didn’t rush at all, even when the officials were trying to move him on. This was my first experience of a Royal meet and greet and it was brilliant. Everyone went away with a great experience and nothing but kind words for the Prince.
We then moved to the official opening and HRH did his duty of revealing the plaque, but also had some very kind words for the retiring manager of the library who had overseen the refurbishment and was retiring on the same day as this Royal visit!
I delivered the images to the client and, I’m very pleased to say, they were very happy with them. Here is a selection of some I shot for my self during the visit……
