The couple, Tim and Kylie, were married in the year 2000 in Long Beach, and between all the formalities and rainy days, they felt somewhat empty handed and didn’t have the pictures they had envisioned. They wanted to marry again and commit to the day being as memorable as they could possibly think of.
Both are very interested in fitness and outdoor activities. I love hiking locally around Laguna Beach, CA. They were intrigued about writing their vows and going to one of the most magical places on earth that has recently become very popular: the Trolltunga in Norway.
We had never visited Norway prior to this trip. We were concerned about being crowds at Trolltunga or the visibility once getting to the highest point. We looked at the weather each day for a week prior to our arrival, and each day, it said it was going to be clear and sunny. On the wedding day, heavy rains were predicted on the horizon. While it was raining throughout hiking, we were able to enjoy some clear skies with massive clouds, which provided a touch more dramatic composition of the photographs.
The trek took us slightly longer than it normally would take: 14 hours in total. Our backpacks were all about 35lbs. There were also erratic weather conditions… the weather was windy, it would rain and then end. While it was physically challenging,r brain gets so engaged by being in stunning beauty that it is enjoyable. There’s an amazing landscape, and at times, you don’t believe the beauty in front of you.
We are commanded as humans to try to capture the world around us in order so that it can be absorbed. As you imagine being in an amazing location where there is something to see around every corner, it is imperative to capture every second. However, on this particular hike, the primary intention was to be focused on recording the story of what was going on and concentrate on the conversation between the couple as well as the location.
This wedding and the photos in it represent one of the most difficult problems I’ve faced while photographing, and that’s the mental game. I had to leap over obstacle after obstacle. However, perseverance will pay off. There’s nothing like standing on the highest point of a vast mountain or landscape, literally or figuratively, gazing into the distance, knowing that everything that went before was well worth it.
Nick Falangas is a professional photographer, half of the husband and wife duo that makeup Priscila Valentina Photography. He is constantly striving to push the boundaries and create exceptional photography.
