Royal visit by HRH Queen Elizabeth II to Cowes Isle of Wight. 25 July 2012.
After 27 years as a professional photographer I finally got to photograph The Queen. She is the only member of the Royal Family that I haven’t photographed, I was asked last time she visited the Isle of Wight, but unfortunately I was already booked in to do other work. I have done dozens of visits by royalty to the island. Often in a private capacity, which tend to be far more relaxed events.
This time was not under ideal conditions,I did not have a Palace Rotapress Pass which would allow me to be part of the official press party. Which did in some senses allow me more freedom. The security and press officers knew who I was so no problems.
I was asked by the Island Sailing Club to get a picture of The Queen being introduced to the Commodore and his wife, who would then escort the royal party through the marque past members to the pontoon where they would depart for Cowes Yacht Haven. So I had basically about 120 seconds to get the pictures. Not ideal situation but as a professional this is where you earn your money and it is what you are employed to do. And as the adage goes in photography “you are only as good as your last job”.
The main reason for the Queens visit was to open the new RNLI Inshore Lifeboat Station. Which is adjacent to the ISC and shares slipway space. So I was able initially get pictures of the Queen seated and her talking with staff and the plaque she unveiled. It was the same old bun fight with other photographers, TV and Radio and of course some members of the public all jostling for a good view. The Royal Protection blokes were as usual cool as cucumbers and one even asked a colleague to move as he was blocking my view.
The lighting presented some interesting problems blazing mid day sunshine, but fortunately most I what I got was in bright open shade which gave a very pleasing, and for people of a certain age, flattering light.
Equipment wise I had two Canon bodies with 24-105 f4, 70-200 f2.8 and 300 f2.8L IS with a 1.4 converter. The later was met with disapproval in some quarters, I presume because of the close ups it afforded, which was negated by the quality of the light.
This segment of the visit was over in less than half an hour, so then time for a drink and a chat with old friends with the RNLI who I hadn’t seen for quite some time.
There are more pictures at my website www.patrickeden.co.uk
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