Tag Archive for: photography

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3 Tips to Consider for a Smooth Family Portrait Session

  • Family walking though trees

 

Preparing for a smooth family portrait session

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.

Family photoshoots are tough for professional photographers too, especially since there are tight deadlines and temperamental subjects to consider. With that in mind, the simple tips below should help you nail your photoshoot and strike the perfect pose with your family:

Planning Your Smooth Family Portrait Session: 3 Tips to Consider

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!

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Beach Huts Middleton Wedding – Sarah & Tom

  • Sarah & Tom

    Beach Huts Middleton Wedding

    Bride and groom under a cloud

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!

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How to Help Your Photographer Get Better Shots at Your Wedding

  • Bride and groom silhouette

 

Help Your Photographer Get Better Shots at Your Wedding

Every wedding photographer wants to capture their clients’ weddings perfectly. As the bride or groom, you also share the same goal. Of course, it can be tricky for you to assist them on your wedding day. That may leave you wondering whether there is anything you can do to help your photographer do their jobs as well as they can.

While your wedding photographer is in charge of producing your beautiful photos, their job requires teamwork and collaboration. This vital element is not just between them and their clients, but it also involves other vendors, suppliers, and guests.

How to Help your Photographer Get Better Shots at Your Wedding

You can help your wedding photographer get better shots at your wedding using the following tips:

Before the Wedding

Invite your photographer to your venue or rehearsals

It may not be part of the service offered by your photographer, but it will not hurt to invite them when to your wedding rehearsals, or even arrange to meet up and have a walk around. It is the best way for your photographer to see the venue and check the ambient lighting. They even get the chance to meet you and your family and friends before the big day, and this can help everyone feel comfortable with each other.

Alternatively if you can view a wedding your photographer has shot at your wedding venue in the past, it can give you an idea of what can and can’t work for your own day.

What I usually do is when I meet a new couple as their prospective wedding photographer, is to show them a wedding I had shot at their venue in the past, or failing that something similar so that they get a bit of an idea of what they will look like when being captured by me.

Burbrook forest wedding ceremony

Include buffers in the schedule

Make sure you allot a time buffer for each activity listed on your wedding day, as schedule changes are common in most weddings. For example, the bride may need to have her makeup and gown checked after the ceremony, and the groom might need to take a quick break at the same time. Even finding a location for the after-ceremony wedding shots may take several minutes. Some brides will also have a difficult time walking in heels, and this can slow everything down.

I’ve found that if I allocate 1 hour per location you’d like to take photos in this provides for ample time to take plenty of shots while also keeping things relaxed and not rushed.

Ekhidna wines wedding at sunset

On Your Wedding Day

Make sure your venue is spacious, bright, and clean

You can get beautiful photos if the location is clean, well-designed, well-lit, and with a stunning backdrop or view. It will make the job of producing quality and beautiful photos easier for your wedding photographer. The same goes for your place of preparation – a clean house will always look nicer than if it looks as though a tornado had just hit.

Ask your venue to ensure that the space has been cleared and tidied before the photographer arrives. That way, you can ensure that there are no distracting items in the background.

Reception setup

Know where you should stand during the ceremony

Traditionally, brides stand on the left-hand side, but this is entirely up to the couple. Wherever you choose to stand, try to make sure that there is enough natural lighting for both you and your partner and also so that one of you isnt staring into the sun. Another thing you need to ensure is that you stand in the middle of the aisle. If not, your photographer will have a hard time taking well-balanced wide shots from the aisle.

Botanic Park wedding ceremony with trees in background

Inform the Photographer on Schedule Changes

Keeping your photographers aligned with what is about to happen will help them get better photos of the event. While they may be following a schedule that you provided beforehand, keep in mind that these events do not always go as planned.

Make sure you, or ask your MC to give a heads up to your photographer before every special highlight, such as the grand entrance, the first dance, or the speech. Your photographer might need to change batteries or their camera settings in these special cases.

first dance in blue smoke

While it is important to trust your wedding photographer, there are many factors you can help your photographer work to their highest potential. Several factors will determine the quality of their work. As the bride or groom, there are ways you can help your photographer. Once you do your part, relax and enjoy your big day.

Are you looking for a wedding photographer? Sven Studios, headed by award-winning wedding photographer Steven Duncan, captures your precious moments in a fun and relaxing experience, giving you amazing photos you can treasure forever. Get in contact as we’d love to hear more about your day!

 

 

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How to Get the Best Bridal Preparation Photos

How to Get the Best Bridal Preparation Photos

When it comes to documenting you and your partner’s big day, the photos taken during the ceremony and reception are probably the first things that come to mind. However, did you know that some of the best pictures are actually taken before the wedding?

Wedding preparation photos offer plenty of opportunities for wedding photographers to capture fun and candid shots that turely show the personalities of the two people coming together as a married couple. These also allow them to take pictures of the most dramatic highlights of the preparation, such as the moment you put on your wedding dress or veil.

With all of that said, getting your pictures taken during preparation time is not as easy as it sounds – it’s also not generally the most natural of settings having a camera clicking along while you’re getting dressed! The final moments before you head down the aisle are memorable, but they are also often filled with panic and cramming. This is especially true if you had to adjust some things in your timeline and are running late for your schedule.

Wedding Dress hanging infront of Wilpena Pound

Tips on how to Get the Best Bridal Preparation Photos

To help you ensure that you get the best bridal preparation photos on your wedding day, keep these tips on how to get the best bridal preparation photos in mind:

  1. Don’t Create a Tight Schedule

Your wedding day will naturally be filled with lots of activities here and there. However, creating a tight schedule may not give your wedding photographers enough time to take great shots.

As much as possible, think about the time you allocate for your hair and makeup. I personally try to get to the place of bridal preparation just before the makeup is complete. It would also help for you to go last. This will not only allow your makeup artists to get you ready without rushing the process but also give the photographers time to take creative shots with you as you “prepare”.

Finally, try to be in the venue earlier than scheduled, then if you plan to be just that little fashionably late you can be without the stress. This will give your photographer enough time to capture a good amount of final shots before you walk down the aisle.

Bridal approach at Lot 100
  1. Prepare All the Wedding Details

Your wedding details are also an essential element of your preparation photos. Considering this, try to have your shoes, bouquet, wedding rings, and other details ready for your photographer to take creative shots of, and dont put them on until they are done with them.

This is also a great way to save time, especially if there has been a delay in your schedule. Whilst you are still not ready to have your photos taken, the photographers can work on these as they wait for you.

Engagement ring
  1. Bring the Girls With You

Aside from your solo shots, getting pictures of you with your bridesmaids is also a lovely idea. It can be a candid shot of you and your girlfriends getting ready, or a lovely snap of the whole group in your matching dressing gowns.

These photos can also serve as a souvenir you can give your bridesmaids afterwards to thank them for being a special part of your big day.

Bridal party on bed
  1. Let the Boys Shine, Too

When it comes to preparation photos, you should also give your groom and his crew a chance in the spotlight. However, it’s best to have the guys’ preparation photos done first. This will leave your wedding photographers to be with the bridal party up to the final moments before the actual ceremony.

If you and your partner are getting ready in different places, make sure to coordinate with your photographer on how to schedule the photography sessions best. I usually spend about an hour with boys, then 90 odd minutes with girls before heading to the ceremony venue. If it’s a same sex wedding then I generally allocate the same amount of time with both.

Groom adjusting tie in window 2

You will never again experience the thrill and excitement of getting ready for your big day. Nor will you get to see your closest friends get their makeup done with you and go through that feeling of finally putting on your wedding gown for the ceremony. Imagine your wedding album as a story book telling the story of the coming together of two beautiful people. The Preparation photos are the biginning of that story!

As these are all once-in-a-lifetime moments, make sure to follow the tips mentioned above to ensure you get the best bridal preparation photos possible. Above all of these, however, don’t forget to savour each moment and remember the reason for the occasion!

If you are looking for experienced and reliable wedding photographers in Adelaide, SA, we’re the ones to call! At SvenStudios, we offer you professional photography services to capture your big day in the most natural way. Get in touch today to learn more about our wedding photography packages.

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6 Tips to Plan the Best Summer Wedding Photoshoot

Summer Wedding Photoshoot

While weddings can take place at any time of the year, planning a wedding in the Summer months and surrounds will always be the most common. Choosing this season for your special day comes with several benefits: The warmer months allows for beautiful tree foliage, more reliable weather, you have more options for venues, and you have extra hours of daylight perfect for capturing your wedding photos at your summer wedding photoshoot.

More daylight means more opportunities for great wedding photography, but it also comes with a unique problem. Wedding receptions usually take place during the early evening, which means the photo session will likely occur from early to mid-afternoon, missing out of the sunset and golden hour! While this time gives you bright light to capture the best wedding photos, there is also the problem of excessive heat that may leave couples and guests sweaty and thirsty.

Bride and Groom on Maslin beach

6 Tips to Plan the Best Summer Wedding Photoshoot

There is no need to worry, though, because there are steps you can take to prepare for this beautiful yet sweltering weather to make the most of your summer wedding photoshoot.

#1 Prepare your family shot list

You may already know in your heart all the people who need to be part of the shot list, but it is always better to put it on paper so that you do not forget. Plan this together with your photographer, as they know how to make it more efficient. They can recommend the best sequence and the best combinations to ensure that no time is wasted.

Bride’s family

#2 Have a plan

A well-planned timeline will make sure that everyone’s photo is taken and that you have all the shots you need. It is also a sure way to minimize the time people get exposed to the sun. With a planned timeline in hand, you gain more control over how the shoot will take place. The less time you spend outside in the sun, the better it is for everyone.

Bride and groom walking about Burbrook forest

#3 Specify your locations

Apart from having a schedule to follow, you should also identify the specific spots in the venue where you will take your photos. Variety is always helpful in making your photos memorable. Having locations in mind is also beneficial when scheduling the shot sequence, allowing you to advise people on where they should go.

For example, if you are taking portraits or family photos, choose a location with open shade. Since family photos are usually taken around mid-day, selecting the right location will prevent exposing people to too much glare and heat.

Money shot of Crozier st

#4 Include breaks in your schedule

There is a chance that you will try to keep everything on a tight schedule to finish on time. However, keep in mind that breaks are necessary, especially under the scorching heat. You also need to have time for makeup retouches or refreshments to ensure that you look fresh and glowy in your photos. Your guests also need to do the same.

Moreover, taking short breaks can make you feel less pressured. Having extra time is also useful in case something unexpected happens.

Veale Gardens Wedding

#5 Assign an organiser

Of course, you cannot do everything on your own. It is your wedding, after all, so do not even attempt it. If you do not have a wedding coordinator, ask a close friend to take charge of keeping the photoshoot as scheduled. I’m generally pretty good at this as a wedding photographer, but it always helps to have someone also looking out for the time.

Any event needs to have someone who will oversee everything, ensure that the schedule is followed, and the photos of everyone on the list are taken. This is a huge responsibility you cannot do by yourself. No matter how much you want to, you cannot keep on worrying and going back and forth to call on people on your big day.

Under the jetty

#6 Make sure to capture the magical summer light

A summer wedding will not be complete without the summer sunset shot. Check ahead what time and where the sun will set on your wedding day, and make sure to go to that place at least one hour before the schedule. Take as many photos and videos as you can during the golden hours and try to capture a dreamy wedding photo you can treasure forever.

Glenelg sunset

A summer wedding photoshoot is a dream time for many. Minimize the stress by following our tips above. On the day of your wedding, your only concern should be to look and feel your best in front of that beautiful sunset backdrop.

If you need wedding photographers for a smooth wedding photoshoot session, give us a call. Sven Studios is your professional wedding photography solution. We make sure that our lenses capture your wedding and that our photos make you smile.