Bridal Test Shoot at Castle Oliver

It's been a while since I've posted anything. That's because I haven't really shot anything for some time. Been busy doing other things which were supposedly less productive. Anyways, finally got off my backside and got together with a couple of cool people and did a test shoot at Castle Oliver. www.castleoliver.ie . Check it out, such a cool location for a wedding venue!

I had this wedding dress hanging in the store room which I got off somebody with the promise I was going to thrash it. Never got round to it. Glad it was still in good shape for this shoot. We complained lots on the day about how the dress was asymmetry, a real pain etc but the dress just looks great in the photos. The details on the dress look so beautiful. Makes you think eh? Just because it doesn't look good immediately doesn't mean it won't turn out to be awesome in a photo. Something to think about when you're shopping for your wedding dress.  Now I can't wait to thrash it, especially when we're expecting a nice hot summer in Ireland.

I had the pleasure to work with a couple of people for the first time. Kathryn who played MUA for the day and Aisling who kindly offered to model the dress for me.

Check out their profile:
http://www.modelmayhem.com/1618144
http://www.modelmayhem.com/1059711

Please note, we weren't going for that happy bride look so they'll be no smiling bride in this photo set!

The first exercise of the day is to look for symmetrical framing location. I've always wanted to do a shot like and this alcove with the windows around provided some beautiful light. One just can't beat diffused window light when it comes to beauty light. 

Another window light shoot. I wanted to practice classical potrait poses. The sort you see in classical paintings. So the poses were rather rigid but elegant. 
Again, window light. Aisling is rather good at the poses which made my life so easy. Styling is just fab too, isn't it? Kathryn would be the person responsible for it. I also have Carol to thank for lending me her accessories.

Mona Lisa smile. :-D


Okay, here I decided I'd try something radical with the colour and overall setup. Bright sunny days aren't great for photos. All the cool outdoor location in Castle Oliver are nowhere in a shade. Sure, one can overpower the sun etc but it's very hard to stop your subject from squinting. If you're getting married, pray for cloudy weather or shoot later in the evening when the light is kinder on your eyes. After the photos are done, may the sun magically reappear again for that perfect wedding! :-D


More attempts to overpower the sun. Like the above, it's just bare flash. One really doesn't need any modifiers when trying to overpower the sun for that shiny finish. 


For the above and below, we decided to try something with a little more attitude. Okay, not the sort of pose you'd see in a normal wedding picture but who knows. Maybe some of you would like to try it? Alternative weddings / gothic weddings, anyone ? I'm game, send me an email! I'd even give you a discount for giving me the privilege to shoot it! Kathryn and I did however joke that she looked like a child bride in these ones. Aisling wasn't impressed. 


Ok, that's that. Hope you enjoyed that. Till next time.