I don’t shoot weddings as often as I used to, but when I get the opportunity it’s always an odd mix of stress, excitement, and confusion. A few weekends ago I had the honor of shooting Stephen and Kara Cary’s wedding with Frannie Fabian. We had quite the time with the laid back couple. It hardly could have gone smoother—especially considering that somehow the couple found time to do two (albeit brief) portrait sessions with us during the wedding.

I couldn’t have asked for a better second shooter than Frannie. We have worked together quite a bit, and she always brings a certain originality to our work. Her background/experience in journalism brings a different style and approach than my own narrative background. It works out to be something rather special. Be certain to check out her work on her site, hopefully she will post some of her pictures from the wedding.

Part V of the Around the World Series

After a night in London and a day in Paris (we return later), we arrived in Venice. Perhaps more than any place we were going, Venice had the highest expectations. It’s beauty has been told a million times over by writers, painters, filmmakers, and photographers. So all I will say is this, it’s all true. Venice is wonderful.

Previous stop: India
Next stop: Florence, Italy

Part IV of the Around the World Series

It was at this point in the trip that I noticed a trend, the more relaxed I got, the fewer pictures I took. That made Phi Phi Island come in dead last on the picture count. Coming in first however, is the wonderful land known as India. In the land flowing of stares and glances, I had little else to do but take pictures.

However, while it may not be on the top ten list of best vacation spots, it is certainly one of the most historic and rich lands. More than any destination, this place was the most culturally rich. They have, whether by the people’s choice or not, avoided adopting western influences. What is taboo here, is normal there and vise versa.

The challenge of photographing India is in the choice of what not to photograph. Everywhere you turn there is something even more strange. But in order to capture anything good, you have to stop and focus in one story at a time.

Previous stop: Phi Phi Island, Thailand
Next stop: Venice, Italy

Part III of the Around the World Series

We arrived in paradise. Phi Phi Island is the most beautiful remote place I have ever been to. To get to this place, you would have to take (at a minimum) two planes, a taxi, a ferry, and a longtail boat. There are no roads on Phi Phi island, only beaches, bungalows, and boats.

We roughed it at the Holiday Inn Resort. I would sit on the beach, snorkel, eat Pad Thai, snorkel some more, and then eat some more Pad Thai. In short: heaven.

Unfortunately, I didn’t make the most of my photographic opportunities—too much Pad Thai. There were many more uncaptured beauties to this little world. You’ll just have to visit it yourself.

Previous stop: Phuket, Thailand
Next stop: India

Part II of the Around the World Series

Leg two of the round the world trip landed us on the laid back island of Phuket, Thailand. It’s gorgeous and filled with friendly, smiling people. If you ask me where you should go on your trip, this is the place I’d send you.

The first few colorful pictures are from a street market near Kata Beach. I wish I could have spent the day there, the lighting and the people were beautiful. Everyone was engaged in something interesting and was more than willing to let me take a few photos after a smile.

The first three black and white photos are of Chalong Temple near Phuket Town. And the last two photos are on top of the highest peak in Phuket, which also happens to be where they are building a giant Buddha statue, affectionately titled, Big Buddha (not pictured, sorry).

Previous stop: Singapore
Next stop: Phi Phi Island, Thailand