Look Good, Feel Good.

I recently had the opportunity to do a boudoir style 'fashionesque' shoot. One model, two different looks (make-up & clothing), two different methods of lighting - and two very different results. The first set of pics were taken in a studio using various strobes (big flashguns), reflectors and diffusers. Not an environment I get the chance to work in very often but it is always a challenge and quite rewarding when you get it right. The second shoot was done in a friend's house using natural light and a reflector. The more observant among you may recognise my model in these shots. Yep, it's Laura from my Trash the Dress shoot and video. Hard to believe she doesn't do this for a living isn't it. Laura very kindly agreed to model for me again and her husband very kindly allowed me to photograph Laura in less clothes than last time. Basically the principle behind this sort of photography is along the same lines as old Gok Wan and his philosophy of making women more confident. Except I'm not asking anyone to get naked or strut down a catwalk. Strange isn't it, Gok gets women to pose nude in public on national TV and he's praised for it. Think about photography and semi-nudity, all that comes to mind is smut. Shame. Well I for one believe that photography can be sexy, evocative, empowering and fun all at the same time. Without it feeling or looking sleazy. Unless that's the look you're going for of course. In the US this sort of 'boudoir' (hate that name) photography is really popular especially with brides-to-be. Furthermore it is starting to become established in the UK. I think, if properly done, any bride might consider a photo-shoot of this nature before the wedding day so I plan to offer it as an option to my wedding photography package. It will also be available as a standalone photo-shoot for anyone, bride or not. If you'd like any more information or would like to discuss ideas, please get in touch.
Henry

Studio: monoblocs and ringflash

Non-studio: natural light, indoor and out.

Pre-wed shoot: Jules & Gyles

My second destination wedding this year is in Italy and this lovely couple are the lucky bride and groom to-be who are traveling to one of my favourite European countries for their dream wedding. Which is quite a contrast with a wet and cold pre-wed shoot in Tynemouth! I'm almost certain that we are going to have better weather in September for Jules and Gyles' wedding day. Keep an eye out for those pics appearing on here sometime in late September, early October.
This shoot was combination of indoor and outdoor natural light photography. Amazing what can be achieved in a doorway with a reflector. After which, the moment we stepped outside, it started to rain quite hard and I wasn't sure we would get any decent pics. Fortunately the rain died off a bit and we found an interesting art installation overlooking the mouth of the Tyne that provided a couple of cool backgrounds.
Enjoy,
Henry.

Pre-wed shoot: Helen & Angus

Well this pre-wed was an interesting experience. Shot at a place called Bolam Lake, North of Newcastle. My parent's used to take my brother and I there many many years ago, so I was getting a bit of deja vu in certain spots. It was a much nicer location for a pre-wed shoot than I was expecting, right up to the point when I fell in the lake! Fortunately, I only went in up to my thighs and my camera gear didn't get touched so all I had to suffer was wet jeans, water logged socks and humiliation. All in a days work for the contemporary wedding photographer! Anyway, enough about me. Helen & Angus were a pleasure to work with and I'm really looking forward to their wedding at Alnwick Castle this August. I love using locations that the couple have an emotional connection to, just seems to make everything that bit more special. Bolam Lake was just such a spot, shame I had to fall in it really. Still, if I can produce shots like these with 2 litres of lake in my shoes and soggy boxer-shorts then I must be doing something right.
Enjoy,
Henry.

Pre-wed shoot: Michelle & Kieran

Prepare for a little envy. This lovely couple are getting married in a truly spectacular location. I'm going to be with them for the whole event and I'm still a envious. I shall save the details for the inevitable post after their wedding but suffice to say it is a destination wedding and it will be warmer than the North East of England!
This shoot took place in a part of the Derwent Valley near Shotley Bridge. Apart from competing for space with a student photographer who happened to turn up at the same time (of all the locations in all the world...) and then asking Michelle to pose for a shot right next to a wasp nest (sorry, it wasn't deliberate I promise) the shoot was great. Always nice to have a couple that laugh at my jokes! Can't wait for the wedding guys.
Enjoy
Henry

Pre-wed shoot: Helen & Steven

In my last post I made a comment about avoiding bad weather, well obviously I was tempting fate there and paid the price for it on this pre-wed shoot - not that you can tell from the pics but it was chucking it down! However, torrential rain doesn't have to mean packing up and going home - it certainly isn't an option on a wedding day. This couple had chosen Jesmond Dene for their pre-wed shoot and I already knew my wet weather plan. Sheltering under a motorway overpass doesn't sound like a very romantic location but Helen & Steven seemed to cope pretty well, especially considering I hadn't met Steven before. Guys - if you look this good on a wet day in Jesmond Dene under a motorway just imagine what your wedding pics are going to look like! And I know you thought the 'almost kiss' was ridiculous but just look at the result...
I'm really looking forward to this wedding - come rain or shine!
Enjoy
Henry