October 10, 2023 2:28 pm: The mail arrives: A couple wants to immortalize their golden wedding anniversary (50 years of marriage!). For such an event, this couple has chosen an exceptional location: the Montreux Palace!
The date is set for April 2024, which gives us plenty of time to plan this photo shoot. Living in German-speaking Switzerland, we exchanged e-mails. Once the contract had been drawn up, we arranged a meeting a few days before the shoot to discuss the possibilities. To make things easier, the palace was going to be packed at this time of day: the Sunday brunch was sold out! Unfortunately, I had to resign myself to missing out on some of the building's most enchanting spots.
Once I'd selected the places highly recommended by the hotel staff, I was able to imagine and organize the lighting.
Family photographer, that's what I'll be for this session.
On the big day, I set up and do a few tests before the session... Surprisingly, one of the locations is no longer accessible, so I find an alternative under a monumental chandelier, which will be perfect! Here we go, monopolizing the majestic grand staircase at the entrance to the palace. I add some artificial light to fill in some misplaced shadows.
A room with a magnificent stained-glass window opens up before us, a wooden ceiling, and I have a feeling that the white balance is going to be difficult to adjust during retouching. Family groups come and go, as does the weather, in a great atmosphere. As the session draws to a close, I pack up my equipment and leave the palace behind.
Back in front of my screen, I discover the images of the staircase: incredible! I send off the choice of images, balancing the brightness. Once the choice is made, the retouching begins: trying to recapture all the magic of this multitude of details during my presence.