05-11-10
The Opening of Sparkling Hill Resort
a post by Kim A [thomas]
Just over a week ago Darren and I had the incredible opportunity of shooting the event photos for Sparkling Hill Resort’s grand opening. To describe the resort in one word: stunning! We headed out of Kelowna around 3pm to make our way to the Resort. Neither of us really had any idea what to expect except that it would be a late night (which turned out to be us checking out around 2:30am). Our biggest fear wasn’t coverage for the event but rather dress attire. We had been informed that there would be a variety of wealthy (understatement) people there, including the winner from Austrian Idol (no, not American, but Austrian…). Darren didn’t own any ballroom gowns and I didn’t want to wear my old grad dress, so yes, we were under dressed, but thankfully the ‘let’s wear all black’ decision we had made earlier ended up being a good choice.
Turns out coverage was an issue. With two human bodies, only three camera bodies (Darren, two; myself, one) and four to five different lenses, we were on our toes the entire night running from left stage to right stage to behind the audience, in front of the audience, above the audience… I couldn’t really tell you what all went on during the event; I was too busy trying to get every possible shot rather than paying attention to the actual dance piece / opera song / etc etc etc being performed. Lucky for us, we filled each others’ gaps – Darren capturing the majority of the event and my own photos adding a feminine touch.
Most of the shots we got were candid – people talking over dinner, watching the performances, saying hello to an old friend… situations like this make it difficult to get a photo without seeming like a huge creeper. For this very reason, I’m glad we both had telephoto lenses so we didn’t have to get up in anyone’s face. Instead we were able to creep from 30+ feet away, catch the person(s) in an entirely genuine moment and move on to our next target being virtually unnoticed. There were some staged portraits that took place at a nice looking bench we found with some (real!!!) crystals behind it. People came to Darren throughout the night to get their portrait taken.
What did I learn the most about shooting this event? I learned how to capture an emotion struck photo in an event that was rather bland. Sure, it was fancy and the people looked great, but it was a lot of talking and a lot of them sitting and eating. It was great to watch Darren capture people’s expressions at just the right moment.
All in all, the event was great. It was definitely a learning experience for me, one I am very thankful for. You can view some of the images here:
http://www.sparklinghillphotos.com/grandopening/welcome/
-kim a. [thomas]
03-25-10
TOMS Shoes has some interesting options for weddings
03-11-10
heather & steve
Last saturday morning we headed out and hung out with Heather and Steve at the nutfarm. It was a fun couple of hours, and a good warm up for their wedding in August.
03-05-10
Yeah. We make guys look good to.
02-05-10
Our Work on Display @ European Goldsmith in Orchard
Not the best shots, all taken with my iphone. The store looks great!
02-03-10
Sparkling Hill Resort – Grand Opening
I am very excited about the opening of this new kelowna wedding venue. Even though I know its closer to Vernon. But..?? We have been contracted to shoot the grand opening event in April. I have a few weddings their this year, so it will be perfect to get the lay of the land.
About the Resort:
Sparkling Hill Resort has function rooms to accommodate a wide range of reception and dinner options. As room availability changes throughout the year, appropriate rooms will be outlined by your Sales & Service Manager in order to suit your needs.
We have opportunities for you to have a grand reception in one of our banquet rooms (can accommodate up to 160 guests- round table set up), or you can have an intimate gathering of up to 40 in “Gernot’s” rustic, family style private room and let your guests celebrate in comfort while everyone takes in the view and rejoices in style.
With our world-class facility and our team of professionals, we are dedicated to making your wedding a success. At Sparkling Hill Resort, we welcome your “wish-list”…
Whether your vision includes:
• a seafood bbq/buffet for family and friends in our “wine-bar” while overlooking the lake
• a daytime tapas and sparkling Okanagan wine cocktail reception
• an intimate ceremony for two in a plush penthouse by a dancing crystal fireplace
• an epicurean celebration for 50-160 in our reception grand room
Our expertise is custom-designing your Sparkling Hill wedding just the way you imagined it and arranging the fine details so you can relax and all you have to think about is smiling for the camera!
Did we mention that we welcome the bride and groom to stay the night with us…on us? Sparkling Hill Resort offers a romantically unforgettable complimentary stay in one of our magnificent suites the eve of your wedding. We told you, you wouldn’t have to think about anything….
Learn more about them here: sparklinghill.com
02-01-10
Kelowna Weddings
As I sit back and review the images from the 2009 wedding season, I get thirsty for 2010 to start. So far bookings have been good. As expected really. It does get harder these days with a hundred other kelowna wedding photographers competing for the same business. I have been focusing on my commercial side through darrenhull.com. Hull Photographic will only showcase my wedding, portrait, and event work. Thanks to all my couples for the continued support, and look forward to working with new faces this year.
12-15-09
Looking forward to 2010!
12-15-09
New York Bride at Harvest
12-11-09
Bride Smiles
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