Each and every year I run a little bit of a contest for all the married couples I covered their wedding for in the previous year. I ask for each couple I was their wedding photographer for to select a single favourite photo from all of the wedding photos I took on their day and put them up for vote to win the title of ‘SvenStudios 2021 wedding photo of the year’.
Usually I try to run this contest much earlier in the year – and certainly not mid year, however this past 6 months have been absolutely insane in the wedding service industry – I personally have covered as many weddings as I would usually have had in a whole 12 months! This was of course all due to the roll-on effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, causing everyone to postpone their weddings to around the same time as everyone else! As a result I’ve been lagging behind a bit with editing, not just the weddings I covered at the end of 2020, but also the 2021 weddings I had to edit and get back as fast as I could.
As with any of my wedding photo of the year contests, I always keep completely hands off with selecting any of the images, allowing my wedded couples to select their own personal favourite photos, or none at all! This means that these images are not necessarily the same images I would have chosen if I were to do the same thing when looking at their images. If you were interested in what images I would have chosen however I’ve put together a simple slideshow video of some of my favourite images from each of the weddings I have covered in 2020.
To entice as many people to vote as possible, I also always offer a AU$100 cash prize to one random voter chosen once voting has ended. I record and vette each vote as they come in and have a rather sophisticated anti-duplicate detection system in place so as to deter any cheating or duplicate voting to keep things fair. To make things a little more interesting this year, I’m also going to add an additional entry into this $100 draw for each person who shares their vote on their social media!
Keep in mind you do not need to share on your social media in order to submit a vote as not everyone has social media accounts.
The owner of the winning photo will recieve a large framed print or perspex mounted print of their image – of if they have already had one printed of their favourite image – of another of their choice.
In past contests, and I’m sure it will be the same in the 2021 wedding photo of the year contest, the winning image has been not only the most voted on, but also the most shared on social media – remember every individual vote, and sharing individual that is recorded goes into the draw to win a simple $100, so after voting, share your favourite photo on facebook to support it as much as possible!
Having a wedding by the beach is a dream for most couples, and as an Australian-based wedding photographer I’ve been to my fair share! Particularly at this time of year – it’s warming up and everyone wants to head to the beach!
When you think about a romantic setting, the beach is often on top of the list. Imagine the blue and calm ocean as your ceremony’s background, with the light beaming off the waves, and a cool, delightful sea breeze that embraces you and your guests. That is a special welcome ceremony for starting a new, happy life together.
How to Capture Memorable Beach Wedding Photos – 5 Tips
With this heavenly setting, you can take beautifully-captured wedding photos. If you want breathtaking beach wedding photos to display at home, here are some tips on enhancing an already captivating ceremony, and make the most of your stunning setting!
Bride and Groom on Maslin beach
#1 Find a beach you can own for the day
While tourist beaches probably come to mind first, you might want to find a place that is not too crowded. You will likely find a location that is as good but also peaceful and pristine. Aim for a beach with clear waters, fine sand, and surrounded by hundreds of trees. There are quite a surprising number of these types of beaches available here in Adelaide, Darwin, and Hobart!
While these points might seem like a given for most people, sometimes the beaches that some people want to goto can be quite dreadful. Take for example the Hallett Cove Conservation Park here locally, south of Adelaide – stunning surrounds but the entire beach is covered in pebbles – or try setting up a Darwin wedding ceremony on one of their beaches where the sand quickly turns into quicksand and swallows your feet!
Make sure it is also easy to reach for your guests but miles away from civilisation. A private resort or a remote island will be a perfect getaway for all to have a romantic barefoot ceremony and make for some stunning beach wedding photos.
Middleton beach Wedding
#2 Check the weather and tide forecast
A photo taken during high tide will look different from one taken during low tide. Some beaches will look dry during low tide, which is a crucial detail to know, especially for your photographer. With this information, your photographer should be able to come up with plans to make the setting even more magical than it looks. The team should be able to make informed decisions using tide charts and weather forecasts.
One of my favourite spots to shoot in Darwin is especially succeptible to this! Sometimes there is a beautiful rocky beach to frolick around, while other timese it’s covered in meters of water. Check the tides, a!nd the timing of the sunsets too
Semaphore Beach Sunset
#3 Make a beautiful ceremony arbour
A wedding by the beach is beautiful on its own, but add a gorgeous arbour, and you will have a centrepiece that can also serve as a nice backdrop for beach wedding photos. You should carefully choose where to position this arbour, as you want the lighting to be just right for your photos. It;s best for your photographer to position youselves so that the sun is shinging on you from behind, and not to any one side.
Ideally, the ocean should be the view behind the couple. However, if the scene is not camera-friendly, and if the sun is in the wrong direction, you can always create a stunning nature backdrop instead. You can either go big and create an extravagant centrepiece covered with flowers or opt for a minimalistic bamboo arbour.
Glenelg beach wedding
#4 Make sure you bring appropriate clothing
Wedding attire isn’t what most people would often wear to the beach, and generally can be a bit of a bother when trying to scramble over rocks, or wade through sand – but if you prepare correctly the beach wedding photos you capture can be well worth the effort!
First up are the shoes – bridal heels need to be swapped out for either flats or no shoes at all, while your groom’s hushpuppies are going to be fairly annoying getting filled with sand also. Either dress as though you were going to the beach, or be prepared to have a bunch of people helping you walk about.
A long dress train is bound to get sandy and dirty before your reception – be prepared for this! If you don’t mind a bit of dirt on your special dress, then go to the beach! If not, perhaps stay on the grass or jetties – or not head to the beach all.
You’d usually think about heading to the beach on a hot day too – so if your wedding day turns out this way, perhaps plan for a short shoot in places you’d like to go and limit the amount of time you spend in the sun. A 3 piece suit and heavy dresses are not the best outfits in this kind of weather and can actually be dengerous to your health. Make sure you bring plenty of water.
Darwin’s Pride rock
#5 Guests attire can also be thematic
What you wear will affect how your photos will look, and the same goes for your bridesmaids and guests. Choose outfits that are stylish and weatherproof, and remind your guests to do the same as well. Avoid feautres like facinators that will easily be blown by the wind so you can be comfortable throughout the ceremony.
Since your wedding is not a traditional church wedding, you can be more creative with your approach. Instead of the traditional veil, try using a floral crown. You can also choose bohemian gowns that are perfect for beach celebrations. If you choose to do so, do not forget to pick a groom’s suit that matches your dress. More importantly, add accessories and statement pieces to make the wedding photos stand out.
Bride and groom on Maslins Beach
A beach wedding is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity you should not take for granted. Even if your chosen setting is already a beautiful sight, following the tips mentioned in this article can help you elevate the experience and ensure that all your beach wedding photos will be as magical as you imagined.
Do you need Adelaide-based wedding photography services for your beach wedding? SvenStudios is a trusted wedding photography studio that will give you memorable photos to treasure and look back on. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you/
For parents, having a baby is exciting. The moment you welcome your child into the world, you’re going to do whatever it takes to make them experience only the good things that life has to offer. You will want to take care of them forever and ensure they grow up in a safe and loving environment.
A newborn baby is fragile, precious, and hard to take your eyes off of—but time goes by fast for them. Before you know it, your newborn has turned a year older. As great an achievement as that might be, it can seem like a sad and fleeting moment for you, which is why you’ll want to keep that memory of your newborn for just a little longer. If you want to capture your newborn’s first moments perfectly, you should consider hiring a professional newborn photographer to do so.
A photographer who’s willing to document your newborn baby’s first moments requires dedication, patience, and passion for babies. Keep reading below to find out the essential tips you need to remember with newborn photography.
Baby in Basket
Tips for Capturing Your Newborn’s First Moments
Follow the Photographer’s Instructions
If you want the photoshoot to be successful, it’s crucial to follow all the instructions of your photographer. It’s not just about getting the perfect poses from your baby, but it’s also about making sure they’re comfortable and free from any pressure – also for safety reasons. You should already expect your newborn to cry, or not exactly be helpful while taking shots — but for things to continue as planned, it would help if you listened to what the photographer says.
Depending on your agreement and the style of shoot you’re aiming for, the shoot can be done in a studio, in your home or on locations like a park. Whichever you prefer, you can still expect to receive excellent results given that you listen to them; after all, newborn photographers have the skills and experience to produce beautiful photos.
Baby in a basket on wooden floor
Know Your Baby’s Sleeping Schedule
Newborn babies tend to sleep a lot, and more often than not, they won’t have a fixed sleeping schedule. Despite that, it’s vital to keep track of the time they’re awake for several hours and when they’re checked out for the rest of the day.
Before the shoot, it would help if you booked a session when you know your newborn will be sleepy for at least two hours, which can give the photographer enough time to take the photos. having your little one asleep actually helps set up a cute shot without too much fuss.
On the other hand, if you want photos of your newborn’s beautiful eyes, make sure you have plenty of distractions and ample food for when they inevitably become cranky! That’s because a newborn baby typically isn’t too big of a fan of being away from their Mummy or daddy for too long, and being on a posing beanbag for too long is a new experience they may not find comfortable.
Baby in Basket
Learn to Read Your Newborn’s Body Language
After two weeks, newborn babies tend to become uncomfortable due to the different experiences they start to feel in their bodies. That’s why if you’re hiring a newborn photographer, it’s essential to figure out your baby’s body language!
While each baby offers a unique personality, there are still techniques known to work on almost all babies to get them to calm down and keep them from crying. Take note that newborns shouldn’t be forced to pose right away. Instead, make it your mission to keep them comfortable during the entire photoshoot—the poses will then come naturally!
You also have to be prepared for the worst, including the relentless crying of newborns. In fact, bawling babies can be part of the art of newborn photography, especially if captured well. But if you prefer favourable outcomes, you have to do everything it takes to prevent them from becoming upset.
Baby looking over shoulder 2
Capturing your baby’s first few weeks with the help of a newborn photographer is a one-of-a-kind experience because you get to witness your baby in a different setting and you’ll have memories in photographic form for ever more. As long as you make sure to follow what the photographer says, be familiar with your newborn’s schedule, and learn how to read their body language, you can expect the photoshoo of your newborn’s first moments to become a success!
Are you looking for a reliable newborn photographer in Adelaide to capture your baby’s first moments? Sven Studios is committed to documenting your precious memories, whether it’s photographing your newborn, shooting your family portrait, or encapsulating your wedding day. Get in touch with us today to book an appointment!
Family portraits are a classic in almost every household, but the ear-to-ear grin, effortless poses, and loud personality behind each imagery aren’t as simple to capture as you would think. From screaming children, camera-shy teens, to impatient moms or dads, there are various factors that can make or break your smooth family portrait session.
3 Tips to Consider for a Smooth Family Portrait Session
Tip #1: Choose The Location That Suits Everyone
A picture at the beach with the sun beaming down everyone’s shining faces may look visually stunning, but behind the scenes, not all members can beat the heat on a hot summer’s day. The same goes for a snapshot of your family in a winter wonderland, as standing in uncomfortable conditions won’t make it realistic for everyone.
With that in mind, be sure to pick a time, day, and location where everyone can stay comfortable for an extended period. It’s also a good idea to have a back-up option when shooting outdoors, so you can get ahead of unexpected weather reports.
I personally actually prefer to shoot in a shaded, wooded area. It makes for a much easier shoot without any harsh shadows or highlights streaming across people’s faces, and people tend to appreciate that!
Smiling family photo in the grass
Tip #2: Wear Or Bring The Right Clothing
It’s often a good idea to change into themed clothing when everyone is ready to shoot, especially if it’s for a festive holiday set in an outdoor backdrop. This ensures everyone stays comfortable for the most part of the shoot, but if you find yourself experiencing a cold snap, always go for a look where everyone can feel cozy.
Forcing everyone to follow a dress code may result in sour moods and unwillingness to have fun in front of the camera, which will mostly reflect in your images. To that end, it’s best to discuss clothing plans with the family so everyone can agree on the right outfit to wear for the shoot.
Walking together as a family
Tip #3: Be Sure To Prep Your Kids
Kids that are bored, hungry, and see no purpose in what you are doing can often result in a disastrous portrait. If you want to ensure they stay in their best behavior, at least, for the most part, talking to them beforehand should give them an idea of what to expect in the photoshoot.
Giving an incentive such as ending the shoot with a treat – be it ice cream or dinner to their favorite place – are some simple ideas that push your kids to join the bandwagon with you. It can also help to choose a location which you know your little one has enjoyed in the past and make it a bit of an outing. The best family photographers can work without being overbearing and forceful on children.
Baby looking over shoulder 2
The Bottom Line: Preparation Is Key When Unlocking The Ideal smooth family portrait session
Family portraits capture special moments between your loved ones, but the picture-perfect imagery isn’t as easy to achieve. Ideas can clash, outfits don’t match, and some members are too shy to let loose in front of the camera.
Working with the right photographer can make all the difference – be it in breaking the ice or finding everyone’s best angles. Speaking of which, SvenStudios are experienced, award winning professional photographers in Australia that can capture a family portrait that is worth keeping for generations.
Get in touch with us today and see what we can do for you!
Sarah and Tom’s Beach Huts Middleton wedding was a delightfully intimate family affair with the focus being on enjoying themselves with their friends and family without ducking out too much to have photos taken. Due to this Sarah and Tom opted to have their glamour photos done before their ceremony at the nearby Middleton beach which was super busy due to the warm weather!
Middleton Beach First Look
While I’ve called their photoshoot beforehand a ‘first look‘ truth was that Sarah and Tom both arrived together so that whole idea of getting over the nerves with a first look photoshoot had already been done that morning :). All Sarah and Tom were really after were a couple of nice photos together without having to spend too much time away from their family and friends at the Beach Huts Middleton.
So after they arrived about 30 mins late due to usual wedding morning shenanigans, Sarah and Tom only had about half the amount of time originally allocated to have their photos done – but it was plenty of time to walking up the Middleton beach board walk and walk about the beach a bit. A bit of photoshop was required to remove all the other beachgoers though!
Walking the steps at Middleton Beach
Standing above Middleton Beach
Surprising his bride
Walking up the sand dunes
Spinning aorund
Walking along Middleton beach together
Bride and groom under a cloud
A bird flys over the bride and groom
Bride and groom walking along Middleton beach
Close up of Brides hands
Bride and groom standing together above Middleton beach
Beach Huts Middleton Wedding Ceremony
As is usually the case with a Beach Huts Middleton Wedding, Sara and Tom opted to hold their ceremony on the grassy area nearby the tennis courts, surrounded by the delightful little beach huts which the venue gets it’s name from.
While Sarah and Tom had opted to do thir photoshoot beforehand, they still did the traditional bridal entrance where she walked down the aisle with father on one arm and veil covering her face before approaching her soon to be husband.
The ceremony was a lovely, simple affair spearheaded by vows full of in jokes and funny anecdotes of the couple’s lives together.
Wedding sign at Beach Huts Middleton
Groom arriving at ceremony
groom waiting patiently for the bride to show
bride walking out Beach Huts Middleton
bridal arrival at the beach huts middleton
Groom look at his bride as she walks towards him
Beach huts middleton wedding ceremony
Groom smiling at his bride at Middleton
Beach Huts Middleton wedding congregation
Bride and groom under archway
Smiling bride during her wedding ceremony
Middleton beach huts wedding ceremony on the grass
Beach Huts Middleton wedding ceremony on the grass
Bride giving wedding band
First kiss at Beach Huts Middleton
Bridal escape
Reception
After the ceremony and before heading to the Blue’s restaurant on site at the Beach Huts Middleton for the evening reception, Sarah and Tom hosted a laid back afternoon reception for their guests which they were keen to be a part of.
The afternoon was full of lawn games, having fun with friends, and a couple of guests even picked up the tennis racquets and tried to hit my camera 😛 Every now and again I might catch Sarah and Tom and pull them aside for a quick photo, but I was aware they diddnt want to leave their friends and family for too long 🙂
The reception within Blues restaurant consited of a nice sit down dinner, with simple addons like a photobooth in the corner run by ‘In the Booth’, a kareoke machine set up as the DJ and Tom acted as his own MC – even going as far as announcing himself and Sarah as they entered the building!
It was a beautifully fun filled afternoon with plenty of lovely people laughing, playing and having a great time being together to celebrate this lovely couple’s love for one another.
Sunder the sun at Beach Huts Middleton
Having fun with the bride’s veil
Walking along the road at Beach Huts Middleton
Wedding bands on fence post
Talking best man
Engagement ring in the flowers
Guest playing lawn games
Boys being silly
Sarah looking pretty
Bride and groom amongst the roses
Guests playing games
Guest playing tennis
groom talking to guests
Guest playing lawn games
Laughing guests
Wedding reception table flowers
Flowers at wedding reception
Groom MCing own wedding
Bridal couple entrance to reception
Groom celebrating entrance
Bride and groom in the photobooth
Guests having fun
Guests out the front of Blues Restaurant
Little girl dancing to the music
Thanks so much to Sarah and Tom for having me capture their delightful Beach Huts Middleton Wedding for them! I had a blast taking the photos and I hope you guys enjoy them as much as I did taking them! Cheers!