An AP photographer put on his waders and captured the first kiss at a wedding in a flood
Here is what he had to say about this extraordinary photo.Why this photo?
The Philippines experiences at least 20 typhoons every year. I have been shooting floods ever since I have been a photojournalist, so I am used to seeing water. Climate change has worsened flooding everywhere. Upon learning about a wedding at the flooded historic Barasoain church, I knew it would be different and it would be beautiful.
How I made this photo
I got a tip from a local photographer about the story. I had an hour window to make it to the venue and had to drive out of town and cross several flooded roads during a heavy downpour. The flooding in the area was too deep for our vehicle to pass, so we had to stop. Luckily, a rescue truck passed by, and I rode that.
Their wedding photographer was setting up the couple for their portraits. I used a telephoto lens for this picture. There were several kissing shots, but this one is a cleaner version with altar background and the flood water.Why this photo works
It works because it is a unique take on the usual flood pictures. It shows resilience, love and joy.
I approached this story with a wedding photographer mindset. I knew that I had to show floods, but I also wanted to show more details and emotion of the couple and guests. Weddings are a celebration of love, and I wanted to show that - and the floods. If I was shooting for deadline, I would have ran out after the first kiss. But for this one, I stuck till the end to make sure I captured every moment … like a wedding photographer.
I was pleasantly surprised on how well the photo was received. Our story was posted everywhere. Guess the world wants to see a lot more love these days.
For more extraordinary AP photography, click here.
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