Tag: Photography

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Shoot scouting

I’ve had a bit of writer’s block lately. That’s not to say I haven’t thought of things. I just haven’t had any time to breathe, meaning I haven’t had time to sit down and actually put my thoughts into words.

With everything going on, I’ve found that I need to write things down straight away or I’ll forget. In fact, it’s one of my fiancee’s pet hates because it means I call him 10 times a day as thoughts come to my mind.

Lately we’ve been talking wedding photos.

There are a lot of things that come into play when it comes to choosing the location of wedding photos if you’re not having them at the ceremony or reception venue.

most important of all is to choose a location that screams YOU

So let’s break it down.

1. Location: ‘well obviously!’ I hear you sigh. But here’s what I really mean… It needs to be close to your venue. Or if you’re having the ceremony and the reception at different places, it shouldn’t be too far out of the way. Your aim is to take photos, not travel between locations.

2. Don’t pick too many: so often a bride will have an idea in her head to have many different photos in many different settings. Here’s what you really need to consider. If you’ve chosen a good photographer, he or she will make a tin shed look beautiful. That’s their job! Best to pick one location and stick to it. And if it has three or four different kinds of settings, well that’s a bonus.

3. Sinkage: sometimes your dream setting involves grass. And ladies, we all know that spells disaster for high heels. If you’re planning on wearing heels, perhaps consider a wider heel if you have your heart set on a park or grassy area. If you want stilettos, invest in high heel protectors for you and your bridesmaids.

4.  Parking: yes, it’s not your job to consider parking, but if you have your bridal party and your parents or family with you, that amount of people come with transportation. So you better make sure it’s easy for your attendants to get to your photo location. Make sure the parking isn’t too far away from the spot you’ve chosen so people don’t have to walk so far.

5. Cost: some spots will come with a price tag, especially if you’re looking at a park or council venue. If you’re planning on having two locations for photos (one including your bridal party and another just for you and your fiancee), it can get expensive. Consider looking for friends or family homes where you may be able to use the backyard. Then splurge for the second location. Win/win really!

6. Choose you: perhaps most important of all is to choose a location that screams YOU! If you’re into the sand and the sea, head to the local beach. If you’re into history, perhaps look for heritage-style buildings. If you’re an outdoorsy kind of girl, head to the hills and choose a park or grassy knoll. No matter where it is, make sure it suits your personality.

I’m scouting locations on Saturday. Wish me luck!

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Capture the moment

I’ve always been fascinated with photography. That ability to capture one, single moment in a ‘forever’ image astounds me.

My sister recently gave birth to a little boy. He’s about to turn one and I can’t believe how time has flown by. So much has happened in the past year that it’s astonishing to think that December is already around the corner and our little boy is growing up so quickly.

I’ve been going a little (read: a lot) overboard with taking photos of him. Not because I’m the crazy aunt (well maybe), but because I’m terrified I’ll forget these very special moments with him.

My sister and I have been brought up in such a tight family, so I’m fortunate enough to see my nephew almost every day. I witnessed one of his first smiles. I made him giggle that beautiful giggle, and of course filmed it to share it around. I watched as he figured out how to roll over, sit up and most recently, how to do the worm (his version of crawling).

And every milestone has been captured and recorded.

I think back to when my sister and I were little, exploring the world and finding our way. Our dad would follow us around with a video camera capturing our every step, sprint and jump. And every day I thank him for that. Because now, I’ll have those moments to share with my children.

I guess the difference now is the ability to share these pictures and videos around. Every time someone takes a photo of my nephew, it’s shared with the family within minutes. So no matter where you are in the world, you feel part of his achievements, no matter how small.

His recently milestone has me chasing him around the house snapping photos as he navigates the 1980s breakdance move. It’s definitely a work out … and worth every breath!