Eucharistic congress

Quebec Premier Jean Charest receives the wafer after the VIPs took cover under a tent due to heavy rain at the 49th International Eucharistic Congress on the Plains of Abraham in Quebec city Sunday June 22, 2008 in Quebec City. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Francis Vachon
Technical: Canon EOS 1D mark II, 1/80 at f3.2 with a 24-70 at 43mm – ISO 400

A participant to the 49th International Eucharistic Congress gestures on the Plains of Abraham in Quebec city Sunday June 22, 2008 in Quebec City. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Francis Vachon
Technical: Canon EOS 20D, 1/1600 at f4 with a 300mm prime lens – ISO 200

Governor General Michaelle Jean and her husband Jean-Daniel Lafond speaks to a member of the Church as their daughter Marie-Eden joins hand at the 49th International Eucharistic Congress on the Plains of Abraham in Quebec city Sunday June 22, 2008 in Quebec City. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Francis Vachon
Technical: Canon EOS 20D, 1/1600 at f2.8 with a 300mm prime lens – ISO 200

*****

Towards the end of the ceremony, a huge downpour begins. I’m starting to worry, but I really need a photo of the VIPs (The premier, the Governor General, etc…) receiving the communion so I stay in position.

The security is high, so I’m far away with my 300. And it rains. And it’s taking forever. And it rains. And they are not finishing. I’m really concern with my gear: the rain is like I have never seen before. I decide to bail and take cover under a nearby tent.

It’s still raining like crazy when all of a sudden I see all the VIPs running for cover in the same tent that I am. A priest then tells everyone that anyone who wants to receive the wafer can do so, here and now. And that’s how I was able to turn a 300mm boring shot into a funny close up of the Premier in his raincoat, face still wet.