Thorngrove Manor Wedding – Darren & Nahal

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  • Darren & Nahal

    Thorngrove Manor Wedding

    Bridal couple just married in the garden

I was super excited to head back to the picturesque Thorngrove Manor for Darren and Nahal’s intimate wedding in mid July as I hadn’t been back this marvellous spot for several years! It’s quite a rare thing to shoot a Thorngrove Manor wedding as the owners tend to like to keep the number of people on their property to a minimum – which is fair enough considering how amazing this place is!

It was a magical time Darren, Nahal and I had walking around this gem of a spot for their small, intimate wedding/elopement!

 

Preparation

My time with Darren and Nahal began with Nahal in amongst the stone-hewn chambers of the bed and breakfast’s Queen chamber of the Manor where Nahal was completing her makeup. While nerves weren’t showing too much just yet, as time drew nearer to make the walk through the garden towards her fiance, it became a bit more of a thing.

Darren and Nahal certainly made their whole tiny wedding quite an easy wedding to photograph though! With two very good looking people and a stunning location like Thorngrove Manor, it’s certainly one to show off!

Hanging Thorngrove Manor wedding dress
Wedding dress hanging in Thorngrove Manor
Engagement ring in box
Bride looking out window at Thorngrove Manor
Bride playing with bouquet at Thorngrove Manor
Bridal approach at her Thorngrove Manor wedding

Thorngrove Manor Wedding Ceremony

Where else to hold a Thorngrove Manor wedding ceremony but right in front of the majestic view that is the driveway leading to the front door of this marvellous house? Nahal walked swiftly the the waiting arms of her finance and their intimate little wedding ceremony began.

Perhaps I should refer to their wedding as an ‘elopement’ as due to the unfortunate events unfolding in the world at the moment due to COVID-19, Darren and Nahal opted to have in attendance only their suppliers – Nahal’s makeup artist, their celebrant and myself, while having the owners of the Thorngrove Manor bed and breakfast act as their witnesses. It was only due to the fact that they were staying the night that they were allowed to use the grounds for their ceremony.

Darren and Nahal had me also produce a ceremony video for them, alongside my usual 360 degree virtual reality video I produce so that their friends and family can relive their precious moment.

Groom watching his bride approach
Smiling groom during his ceremony
Smiling bride on her wedding day
Exchanging wedding bands
Groom looking at his bride
Thorngrove Manor wedding ceremony
Standing together in the sunlight
First kiss at Thorngrove Manor wedding ceremony

Thorngrove Manor Wedding Photos

As their wedding ceremony took place at 4pm, we had around 1 hour to meander around the Thorngrove Manor grounds and make use of it’s manicured beauty for photos. As I had shot here in the past I knew what would and would not work so I devised a little itinerary of where we should go and when.

Despite having forecast to be overcast and rather dreary, the weather was absoutely delightful for Darren and Nahal’s photoshoot. The sun was shining and made for a lovely golden glow through the trees. We did however wait until the sun was a little lower before we took some ‘money shots’ of the Manor’s main keep in the background as it tends to really shine bright in the sun.

I can certainly spend hours using the manor as a backdrop for wedding photos, but unfortunately all good things have to come to an end!

Before I left, Darren and Nahl were sitting down for a lovely looking home-cooked meal, surrounded by the medieval splendor that only Thorngrove Manor can put on show! It looked to be a supurbly romantic evening!

bride and groom looking on as the registry is signed
Bride and groom looing at each other bathed in light
Engagement ring in red bouquet
Wedding rings on slab
bridal couple in amongst the gardens
Bridal couple just married in the garden
Bridal couple holding one another surrounded by greenery
Thorngrove Manor bed and breakfast wedding couple
having some fun at Thorngrove Manor together
in front of the interesting architecture at Thorngrove Manor
Thorngrove Manor wedding couple
Thorngrove Manor wedding couple in front of front door
Thorngrove Manor Portrait
Leaning in for a kiss at Thorngrove Manor
Stained glass windows at Thorngrove Manor
Through the harp at Thorngrove Manor
Thorngrove Manor
Thorngrove Manor wedding photography
bridal couple under the arch
Bridal couple holding one another
Bridal couple on the balcony together
Thorngrove Manor’s main tower
Bridal couple enjoying Thorngrove Manor
Thorngrove Manor wedding at sunset
Bride and groom in the Thorngrove Manor chambers

Congratulations to Darren and Nahl on their wonderful Thorngrove manor wedding / elopement! I’d like to thank you guys so much for having me as your wedding photographer as I had an absolute blast!

Current Wedding Photographer Guidelines for COVID Weddings

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  • Photographer Guidelines for COVID Weddings

 

Current Wedding Photographer Guidelines for COVID Weddings

With the new weddings season fast beginning in South Australia, I thought I might put out what I understand to be current wedding photographer guidelines for COVID weddings.

This information is currant as of publishing this blog – however the situation and guidelines may change – and have been changing almost daily since the COVID-19 pandemic hit. So please use this information as a starting point for your own research.

COVID-19 Coronavirus Banner

The ‘COVID Safe Plan’

As part of operating a business in South Australia, you may have heard of the SA health’s ‘COVID safe Plan’.

Photographers are not stipulated under the ‘defined public activities‘ that require a COVID safe plan – however our activities are directly related to the COVID management plans put together by any venue or location where a wedding is taking place.

That said however it is prudent for any professional currently working with people to complete a voluntary COVID safe plan as many venues are still asking for photographers to produce their COVID safe plan despite not legally requiring one. I can understand that as a wedding is all about working as a team, from staff on site to any suppliers. The voluntary safe plan only takes 2 minutes to complete anyway.

As a side note however, if for some reason you are producing wedding photography in your private studio, you will need a COVID safe plan. This is not to be confused by a COVID management plan which is only needed if you are hosting over 1000 guests or serving alcohol.

To complete these forms links to each are available on the SA health website.

Engagement ring in red bouquet

Operational wedding photographer guidelines for COVID weddings

As a result of current social distancing obligations for the general public, and also stipulations outlined by a venue’s COVID management plan, the way a photographer can conduct themselves at a wedding can be very different. Heres a short list of some ways in which I personally have changed how I work at a wedding.

Room density and private residences obligations

This obligation usually concerns any preparation activities at either the bride and/or groom’s place of preparation at a private residence or accommodation.

Room density needs to be checked so that the current SA Health guideline of 1 person per 2 square meters of a room. This may mean that if a bridal party is being prepared in a tiny hotel room, there may be a restriction of 2-4 people in the room. You may need to ask the hotel for guidelines on this.

Alternatively, private residences may not have more than 10 guests, to a maximum of 20 people per gathering. For example, a house of 5 residents may have 10 guests but a house of 12 residents may have only 8 guests. This number would include any suppliers such as a photographer, make up artists, etc.

bridal party peeking through window

Group Photos

Possibly the most disappointing from the perspective of the bridal couple would be the restrictions on group photos. as far as wedding photographer guidelines for COVID go, this is the one that people may get a little upset about.

The current obligation to socially distance yourself from any other person by 1.5 meters means that you should not be huddling together any more for any group photos. The only exemption to this would be if the entire group lives under the same roof as a family group.

This means that as a photographer you should be enforcing this guideline as it’s an obvious breach of the overarching government social distancing guidelines which would also be in place within the venue’s COVID management plan.

Social Distancing group photo

You can approach group photos in a number of different ways – either spread each person or family group out 1.5 meters from one another and capture a rather un-intimate group photo. Or you can place the bridal party out the front of any family group you may wish to take a photo of and combine the group that way using depth of field.

Whole group photos tend to be too tricky to accommodate this altogether unless you have a large open space nearby like an oval and perhaps use a drone.

Drone group shot at Ekhidna WInes

Masks

While wearing a mask is not mandatory or even recommended yet within South Australia, you may want to ask your bridal couple if they would want you to wear one – just as a customer service consideration. It can make you look like you’re on tp of things and take your job seriously.

Drinking

As a part of most COVID management plans for venues, there is an obligation to sit down while drinking. This does not solely affect the consumption of alcohol but actually concerns the consumption of any liquid and food for that matter. So if you need a drink of water – you must sit down.

Woodstock winery wine bottles

Dancing

Luckily for most weddings, the first dance is still a thing you’re allowed to do, and take photos of. However there will no longer be any bridal party joining in half way. This is something the venue’s COVID marshal would be on top of, but its something I’ve included here just so you’d be aware of whats happening compared to a normal wedding.

This said however many venues will not have a dancefloor even set up due to the ban on dancing ‘as a whole’ and ‘loud music’ intended to make people get up and dance together. So if you plan on having a first dance, perhaps make sure your venue is clear on your intention and make it clear that you’re only planning on having the two of you dance together.

First dance at Kuitpo Hall

I’ll be adding more here as the situation changes, but this little list of wedding photographer guidelines for COVID weddings in South Australia is currently how I have changed how I shoot a wedding, and as I understand it I’m currently following all government obligations.

3 Reasons to Have an Engagement Photoshoot

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  • Engagement ring

 

Why have an Engagement Photoshoot?

Hiring a professional photographer is essential to modern weddings. It’s an art that captures special moments – from the blushing bride’s walk down the aisle, the bittersweet dance between father and daughter, to everything in between. One aspect of a couple’s relationship that is overlooked on a wedding day however is the pure, unfiltered love that you show to one another outside of such a formal occasion – which is where an engagement photoshoot steps in.

Wedding photography is a widely common practice, but having an engagement photoshoot is steadily gaining the spotlight as it offers a sneak peek into the couple’s love story leading up to the big day. Couples shoots can be a lot of fun too!

It’s easy to think that an engagement photoshoot only adds to your expenses, and isnt really needed, but the list below explores the reasons every couple should say “I do” to it.

3 Reasons to Have an Engagement Photoshoot

Benefit #1: Establish Trust and Familiarity

You may have hired a photographer that matches your style, but there’s nothing more effective than putting your chemistry together to the test. An engagement photoshoot can reduce your jitters and make you feel more comfortable in front of the lens, allowing both parties to understand each other’s best and worst angles and what each other would be comfortable with.

It helps reveal any instances that make the bride or groom uncomfortable, allowing the photographer to ensure you can smile confidently and capture it easily on your wedding day. Not to mention, feeling relaxed can go a long way in creating natural-looking shots that you can cherish for the rest of your life.

From above

Benefit #2: Provides an Opportunity to Do a Make-Up Trial

Your dream hair-do and make-up may look stunning behind a mirror, but it’s possible to capture something you may not have noticed when in front of a camera, and Photoshop only helps so much. With that in mind, having a pre-wedding engagement photoshoot gives room for you to experiment with your look.

makeup

Benefit #3: Makes For a Unique Save the Date, or invitations

Pre-wedding photography not only provides an opportunity to do trial runs, but you can also use it to add a more intimate and quirky touch to your Save the Date cards and/or invitations. Attaching a snapshot of the happy couple can be exciting and gives it a more personalized approach, making it a memento to keep as your friends and family anticipate the special day.

If you’re planning on placing a photo of the two of you on either a save the date or your invitiations, please dont resort to a shot you took on your phone! Invest in an engagement photoshoot for much better results!

Hugs under the maple leaves

 

The best wedding photography is one that is filled with special moments that capture the intense emotions of your big day. Engagement photography gives you some time to break down your awkwardness, allowing you to embrace candidness and celebrate your love together without any limitations. Can be a great date idea too! 😀

Don’t be afraid to opt to have a destination photoshoot either, as this would allow for you to make use of some incredible scenery, while not having to pay for an entire destination wedding!

If you’re looking to capture the beautiful moments leading up to your special day, I offer great deals on engagement photoshoots, both locally and around Australia! We’re the best wedding photographers in Australia to ask, so get in touch with us now!

 

 

The Importance of a Photo Schedule on Your Wedding Day

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  • Bride and groom silhouette

 

Having a Photo Schedule on Your Wedding Day

Weddings are hectic affairs. You spend months and months preparing every detail like picking out the perfect dress and suit, decorating a venue, and sorting out a seating chart. When the wedding day finally arrives, it all whizzes by in a flash. Having a photo schedule on your wedding day will help certain ‘must capture’ events be remembered in your album.

There are so many things that have to fall into place in the span of a few hours. If even one element is late, it throws the entire day off. You will need to go from dressing up, getting to the venue on time, having the ceremony, and then entertaining guests at the reception. Somewhere in between, you will have dozens of precious moments with family and friends that you will want your wedding photographer to capture.

Wedding photographers are experts at observing events as they unfold and figuring out the best moments to capture. However, they can only be at certain places at once. The thing with modern, journalistic wedding photography is that they can’t ask you to repeat the moment because they got the angle wrong or the lighting was off. They have to work within the situation in front of them, timing included.

If you don’t want your photographer to miss out on anything during your wedding day, it’s best to take a small amount of planning time to make a deliberate effort to plan certain photos you’d like to have taken. You may have a general schedule of the major events, but getting down to the details such as having specific call times for bridal parties, setting aside an hour after the ceremony for intimate couple portraits, and making sure there are ample opportunities for group photos during the reception.

Having a photo schedule on your wedding day is an excellent way to ensure that you, your bridal party members, and your guests are camera ready at the critical moments. Modern wedding photography is all about ‘capturing the moment’ so to speak, so having a photo schedule on your wedding day seems a little counter-intuitive to that – however the idea still has merit when you’ve got your heart set on a certain type of photo, or specific setup you MUST have.

The Importance of a Photo Schedule on Your Wedding Day

If you are in the middle of planning your wedding day, these are the reasons why having a photography schedule is important:

You will want to take preparation photos

These will be your last moments as a ‘single’ man or woman. This will also be the last time your family will have you all to themselves. Taking the time to capture some candid photos as you prepare for the most significant moment of your life is something a lot of people feel as though isnt important; however when considering your album as a story of your day, it’s a wonderful opener, leading into the rest of the story of the day.

Also, having your photographer document your preparation is a great way to warm up to the big event, and get used to having a camera around all the time.

Bride looking out window

You will be surrounded by family and friends that you don’t see often

Your wedding may be the only occasion to bring all your friends and family together in one place. There are only a few other moments in your life when you will get to have them all in the same place celebrating a happy occasion. You will want to make sure you have keepsakes of your time together, so having a photo schedule on your wedding day will help capture everyone there.

bridal party peeking through window

You will need as much natural light as possible

The timing of your photoshoot is especially important if you plan on shooting outdoors. If you are going to have individual shots or your newlywed photos in a garden or a beach, you will need to make sure you go at the right hour, so you have enough sunlight for your photographer to work with.

Semaphore Beach Sunset

The unexpected can happen

As much as you want everything to go smoothly, things may not always go according to plan – in fact chances are they won’t. Unfortunate things can happen, like getting caught in a traffic jam between your hotel or the venue, or there might be a hiccup with the venue. Having a schedule will get you back on track even if you have to push some things back a bit.

Having a photo schedule on your wedding day is simply a way to list things that you need to happen on your big day – so if you need to rearrange things, it’s right there in front of you so you don’t forget.

Laughing

You can relax and focus on other things

With a schedule to guide everything, your MC can corral the photography crew into the right position to save time. You don’t need to be anxious thinking about whether you got a chance to pose with your grandparents, your university friends, or your colleagues from school. You can leave your worries behind and focus on wearing your most radiant smile instead.

Fun in the sun

You can never go wrong by taking a few extra steps in planning – even if it’s a very simple list of things that *must* be done. Wedding photography doesn’t get a do-over, so it is vital to control as much of the frenzy as possible. Your wedding photographer will work their magic, but only if you point them in the right direction.

Are you looking for wedding photography services? Our team of professionals will help you so you can look back on all the precious memories of your perfect wedding. Contact us today!

What Not to Do at a Baby Photo Session – A Guide

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  • In a basket

 

What Not to Do at a Baby Photo Session – Our Guide

Despite how long the days might feel, your little ones are only babies for a short while. You may blink and find them running out the door to their first day of school or a playdate with friends. Taking family photographs during their newborn and infant stage is a great way to capture those priceless fleeting first years.

Newborn photography can be tricky, so it is vital to choose an experienced photographer who knows how to shoot around potentially fussy or uncooperative babies. As a parent, you should also manage your expectations and make preparations so you can get the most out of your family photography session.

What Not to Do at a Baby Photo Session

If you are planning to have your portraits taken, here are some tips on what not to do at a baby photo session:

Don’t assume it will go according to plan

Babies are mercurial creatures. Newborns might be easier to photograph since they will most likely be asleep or oblivious to what is happening around them. Older babies tend to get distracted or fearful of new settings, so it might be challenging to get them to pose, let alone smile. Discuss your worries with your photographer before the shoot. Someone who is experienced in newborn photography will be able to adapt well to the situation and will guide you through the process.

Baby Bub

Try to keep the surrounds familiar

Unless you have no choice, pick a setting your baby is familiar with. Have the shoot at home or in a park. If you are shooting at home, your baby may feel more at ease and respond better to the photographer and his camera trying to take their picture. Consider also having your portraits taken outdoors. It can make for great photos as natural light will illuminate your photos beautifully.

Happy bub in the grass

Don’t try to rush the photo session

No matter how well you know your baby, they may have a meltdown just as you are about to capture a precious moment. Give your photographer ample time to set up. Allocate at least a reasonable amount of time to have photos taken with allowances for nappy changes and tantrums in between. Most of the time with newborns, a quick cuddle with Mummy is all they need.

Choose a time when your child will most likely be in a good mood, and be sure to prepare any food or snacks that will help soothe them.

Baby Smiles

Don’t get fixated on a particular photos you’ve seen before

You can provide inspiration photos to your photographer, however, you should try to do something original with your portraits. Trying to recreate a photo you’ve seen before is a good example of what not to do at a baby photo session and just sets everyone up for dissapointment.

Pick a setting and props because they reflect your baby’s personality and preferences, not because you want it to look exactly like someone else’s picture.

Smiles

Don’t cover your baby in too many props

Some parents get carried away with decorating the stage and putting fancy outfits on their child. These tend to get too distracting. You want the focus to remain on your baby and not on unnecessary props.

Baby Turtle

 

Newborn photography is a beautiful thing to have as keepsakes. What is essential is capturing family photos is not to get too caught up in making fancy layouts or magazine-style photo spreads. Keep these tips in mind when planning your photoshoot, and remember that the only critical components you need to prepare are just you, and your child. The photographer will take care of the rest.

Are you looking for newborn photography services in Adelaide? We’d love to get in touch and help you capture your memories!