Almost going to jail in Vegas....What?!!?

So two weekends ago I did something I had only done one other time in my 15+ years of shooting weddings, I second shot for another photographer. The first time I shot second for a photographer just happened to be for the same photographer and well it did not go over so well. I mean it was my fault, I just was not used to not being in control of a wedding, and I tried to take over, change shots that were missed and adjust things to suit my style and not the main photographers style.

So after a promise with threat of taking my life if I did not keep that promise, I tried shooting as a second photographer one more time. The promise, well the promise is I could ONLY SAY the following:

"yes dear"
"whatever you want or need honey"
"Suzy you are always right"

Yep that's right I had the honor to head to Las Vegas to second shoot for my better half - Suzy Min and her amazing couple and wedding.

So covering the boys and not having to worry about anything but shooting a little and having fun with the guys in the process we got started shooting outside, but with the still 100 degree weather we choose to keep it inside for the rest of the shoot. That is when the best man said: "Hey we are in Vegas, lets go shoot INSIDE the Casino"

Of course everyone thought it was a great idea, but knew we might have some problems. So I had to quickly leave my camera gear in the hallway of a busy casino, run in with one camera, one lens, one tiny light stand with a flash on top of it and a Master flash unit on my camera body. Attached were a set of Radio Popper Units as well.

So we got permission from one of the pit boss' there to shoot on dead tables which there was a group of 6 (3 on each side) I got permission to stand and shoot inside the row of dead tables, and received 1 minute to capture the portrait.

Yeah one minute you read that right! So I took a snapshot to make sure my flash units were working, and a general light check and exposure check. Made a very quick adjustment, and took another shot. At this time "rent a cop" security hit me up and ordered me to leave the casino, which I kindly told him we had permission from the pit boss, which the pit boss standing there gave the thumbs up so the uniformed security left us alone. The Pit Boss said 15 more seconds and you guys have to leave. So I adjusted my camera settings, took 2 more quick portraits of the groom throwing up 100 bills and then we had to leave.

On the way out the casino we were met by the Suits of Security and the Gaming Commission of Nevada which clearly were not happy. After saying we had permission from the pit boss and directed the suits in his direction, well I think the best man said it best by "I knew we were in trouble when the pit boss turned and walked away" Needless to say they were calling over a patrol unit to take me to jail for photographing inside the casino. While the groom was talking to the Gaming Commission I was in the process of taking out my memory cards and trying to hide them or give them to one of the groomsmen to get to Suzy while I sat in the "Old Brick House".

Now having worked in Law Enforcement and Corrections for the majority of my life I was not worried about going to jail, in fact I thought it was quite funny to be honest. No disrespect to the Police, but I mean can't you just see what the other Criminals in the holding tank would think when asked what I was in jail for........

So after the groom explained to the Gaming Commission and Suits of Security from the Casino just how much money he was spending to have the wedding at this location, they finally choose not to arrest me and take my camera gear and whatever else.

So all ends well and we got a great story out of it and a pretty cool picture. I mean it is nothing out of this world but with the story and the speed it was captured I was happy at the results.

The "Almost going to jail photo" from Suzy's Wedding


And for more amazing photos from Suzy and her wedding check out her blog. I did have to wait till she posted on her blog before I could post this, so of course I said "Yes dear whatever you want my love" Remember to leave her some love if you do!

SUZY'S BLOG