Full post 'Bridal with a twist' shoot

'Bridal with a twist' was a collaborative project I recently organised together with the help of two talented East Norfolk professionals.  Patricja Szubska was the MUA for the shoot and Lynn Barrow is a floral stylist and NAFAS demonstrator.  Both were really happy to take on my idea of creating two competely different looks loosely based on bridal wear.  

I am always keen to produce work that is not easily classified.  I had planned for this work to look as if it was something a creative bride could consider, but hopefully this set also reflects a fashion take on bridal. I'm also keen on demonstrating my versatility as a photographer and being able to produce sets of images that are totally different in look and feel within the same shoot.

It was also my first studio shoot, so I am particularly pleased it all went as per plan.  Although I do not operate from a studio, and am technically a location photographer, I am all the while using studio techniques in a forever changing environment (which could be a client's home or office or out in the elements),  and therefore  the fact of shooting in studio was not too daunting for me as it is actually easier to shoot in a studio within a controlled environment.

The first look chosen was a darker look:  we chose a gold skirt with bodice and dark red flowers and intense makeup made for a hollywood look, accentuated by rembrant lighting via a fresnel lens.

As suggested, the second look was completely different.  A vintage early 70's gown was coupled with white flowers and tulle to create a much brighter look. Patricja went for a modern look in terms of make up, which really suited the model and fitted in with our plan.  I photographed Justyna via two strobes with softboxes, one at 45 degrees to model right and the second strobe acting as a backlight, shooting via white tulle.  The falloff of light from this second strobe made for a more interesting background.

Let me know which set you prefer and why, it will be interesting to see your point of view.... and comments  are welcome! :)

I am preparing for a bigger shoot on the same theme in the next few weeks, and am on the lookout for suitably talented hairstylist to join my team.  Get in touch if you would like to collaborate.

In the meanwhile, hope you have a great week! x

photographing Matthew....

My son can be the most difficult subject to photograph, just because he is...  and it's my fault to a degree!

I've been poking SLR's at him since he was a baby, and as a child he was totally relaxed in front of a camera and happy to play, and not just literally.  However, apart from the fact that I now need to drag him away from World of Warcraft to shoot a decent location photograph of him, as any teen, he will now question the need to have a photograph taken.

As my shoots are growing in scale and complexity I often have Matt with me as an assistant (hopefully this helps him with his A-level photography).  This gives me the opportunity to do test shots on him.  Initially he wasn't too pleased to be involved in this, until he saw the images! :)

He is now pleased that I am able to photograph him in a different way, not as the giggly sweet curly headed boy, but as a more mature Matt, with a (as he calls it!) bad ass look.

I am pleased... pleased that I had more photos of Matt, and that I manage to get in a shot what he is really like, with that look in the eye that shows me he means business :)

Get in touch if you would like some "badass" images of yourself, or your teen ;)  I'm always up for any creative projects you may have in mind....

sneaky peek from yesterday's shoot

I haven't eaten properly for two days, and feeling slightly sick now... but must post this for you guys to see before I log off for the day :)

Part one of an ongoing project, held yesterday in a local studio that is not normally available for commercial use ;)  Pretty chuffed with the results it having been my first shoot in a studio and having fashion and photography students around! :)  Can I say I was a bit tense yesterday morning!!

Be back with more this week, promise! :)

Would love to hear from you so please add your comments below! :)

hanging on

it's the eve of an important shoot I've been planning for months, my head is hazy with tiredness and an amount of self inflicted pressure to produce work of a high level... I should be finishing off checking my bags and making sure all batteries are on charge, but like every evening, my brain is still working and churning thoughts and ideas, whilst my body yearns for rest...

It's been a difficult time recently, because I often look back and see how hard I've been working to get to my goals.  I tend not to dwell on successes and just trundle ahead, but occasionally the strain of difficulties gets to me and brings me down.  I do not find the technical side of photography difficult, and I thank God I have been blessed with the ability to learn fast.  I find the dealing with people occasionally difficult, particularly when dealing with people who are judgemental and think they know me or what I can do.  I've been snubbed so many times recently, and sometimes I find it hard to ignore things and steam ahead and focus on the bigger picture...  The physical and emotional strain of creating work that defines a portfolio, and of generally being ahead of the competition can be great.

Often, when I lay my head on the pillow, I fall asleep quickly, however my brain races on in the night, and I visualise concepts that are floating in my head... I travel far and somehow, people I only just got to know get to meet people I have always known, and complicated stories fill my sleep.

The night before I had a visit from a person that is close to me in some way.  I was aware of their presence and I know I was crying in my sleep.  When I woke up I knew something had happened as my face was blotched and my eyes were red, as if I cried all night.  I cannot recall who the person was or even if I know them... however I know what they said to me and that was the most important thing for me as they told me to hang on... life is tough, hard and difficult and people can be nasty, however, I now know I will get there.

A part of me is sorry that I cannot recognise the person who came to see me, however it does not matter, as they left me the important message they were sent to deliver....

I just wanted to say thank you for caring, for letting me cry and be me, and for giving me courage.  You so know how much I needed that... x