Tag Archive for: Photoshoot

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13 Tips For a Successful Family Photoshoot

Family photoshoots are supposed to be a lot of fun. It’s an activity that you get to enjoy with the people you care about the most in the world, all while preserving shared memories that you may cherish for the rest of your life.

You may be wondering what to bring, how long the shoot will take if you can bring your dog, how hair and makeup are done, and if venues can be switched!

There are so many details to work out before the scheduled day. So we compiled a list of thirteen tips for a successful family photoshoot to help you get ready for your big day.

13 Family Photoshoot Tips for Creating Lasting Memories

Prior to the shoot, you must:

  • Brainstorm Ideas

The great thing about family photoshoots is that they can be a huge collaborative effort amongst you and your relatives. You must first let them know what you are planning for everybody and get them excited to brainstorm ideas with you. Let them contribute poses, themes, and costume ideas. And remember, this is part of all the fun!

Know that whatever works for your family will be your own unique style. The shoot is something you all should look up to, so frame the experience in a brilliant and positive light.

family sitting on a log
  • Plan Everything Accordingly

We can’t stress this enough: you have to plan ahead and accordingly to have a successful family photoshoot. No matter the size of your family, it’s important to set everything up from scheduling, wardrobe changes, grooming, food or catering, and so on.

Fix your clothing the day before your shoot, for example, and make sure all required things are dry cleaned/ironed. Set aside time the day before the shoot to have everyone conditioned and ready. Also, allow plenty of time if you’re getting your hair or cosmetics done. You don’t want to be rushed and flustered when you arrive.

Mt Compass Family photography
  • Get Some Beauty Rest

A big part of photoshoot preparations is setting the mood for the entire day. And to achieve a successful family photoshoot, everybody in your family must be well-rested, energetic, hydrated, and well-fed. Eight hours of sleep, lots of water, a big breakfast, and an uplifted mood sure can go a long way.

Family walking along the pond

Things to Pack

  • Healthy Snacks

No, we’re not just talking about chips and junk food. We’re talking about jelly beans, cheese cubes, light crackers, and dried food. Avoid foods that could stain or get stuck in your teeth like chocolate, candies, coloured beverages, and anything that consumes too much time to devour.

Food platter on display
  • Extra Clothes

It’s always a good idea to pack extra clothes and backup outfits for everybody, young and old. This family photoshoot tip is especially advantageous if, let’s say, you’re bringing a bunch of kids along. With almost any type of photoshoot, expect spills and stains to go wrong! It wouldn’t hurt to be a little bit overprepared.

I have a cake!
  • Fun Activities

Breakout sessions in between photoshoot layouts are a must. This is a way to inject fun as the day progresses. This is not really a requirement, but it can relax your whole team and loosen up your family members

In addition, fun activities like blowing bubbles, and playing with toys and balls can be added to your themed shoot.

Family photo in Pine Reserve
  • The Furry Friend

If you bring your dog, please consider bringing a dedicated walker to look after it throughout the shoot. This way, you can keep your dog secure and comfortable while not interfering with the shot. Also, before bringing your dog to the shoot, evaluate her disposition. How will it be able to pose for photos if it is typically wild and rowdy? Finally, provide dog treats and toys for the dog so that he would comply.

bride groom and dog
  • Outdoor Items

Best place to hold a natural family photography session is to hold it outside – rather than in a studio. For example, heading to the beach? bring beach towels, sunscreen, coolers, umbrellas, and more! Treat it the way you would for any beach trip. How about a forest? maybe bring a picnic setup, some games? frisbee?

Family sitting together on rock
  • Grooming Tools for Hair and Makeup

Perhaps grooming for hair and makeup aren’t requirements either, but it wouldn’t hurt to bring your own tools. This way, you can touch up in between layouts and keep it all hygienic as well. But beyond hair and makeup, you may also want to bring a sewing kit for emergencies. And if you’re feeling quite extravagant, feel free to hire your family’s own glam team!

Running in front of the family

Reminders During the Shoot

  • Make the Most Out of It

We’ll say it again: A family photoshoot is a perfect excuse to bond with your loved ones. So, use this time wisely. This is a time to learn new things through new experiences, together.

Family looking through the bushes
  • Grab a Solo Portrait for Everyone

Show off everybody’s beauty. One by one, allow every member of your family to have their own time to shine. Let them show off their hobbies, their talents, and their unique styles.

Portrait
  • Give Room for Goofy Shots

You can culminate the shoot by taking a goofy group family pic which you can blow up and hang on your wall! This is a way for you to truly cherish your close family ties, unbreakable bonds, and sense of humour! There are no wrong answers when it comes to taking goofy family portraits.

Family portrait under gum trees

Keep Your Photographer Team in the Loop

  • The Editing Process

As with any photoshoot, the images are thoroughly retouched. For this process, you have to let your photographer and their assistant know what you’d like the outcome of the pictures to be.

If you feel conscious about something, raise it. They can keep everything natural, with a bit of tweaking when it comes to reducing wrinkles, toning down puffiness around the face, lightening the eye bags, etc.

Let us know if you’re planning something special too – perhaps an engagement? We are good at keeping secrets, and if we know about it beforehand we can be sure to look out for the cues!

Santorini Couple Shoot

Thirteen tips may sound like a large amount of advice for a successful family photoshoot, but one can never be too sure about family activities and gatherings! These family photoshoot tips ensure success. Being prepared and knowing what to expect can save you and your family members a lot of stress, arguments, and unnecessary pressure. That said, make sure you plan ahead, prepare, and enjoy every second. Take this chance to capture special shared moments while you still can!

Are you looking for a family photographer in Adelaide? Sven Studios offers professional photography services that are intricately crafted to capture your most special moments. Contact us now at sven@svenstudios.com and make your dream family photoshoot happen!

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Civic Park Wedding – Susie & Ricky

  • Susie & Ricky

    Civic Park Wedding

    Bride leading groom on merry jape

It was a gloriously sunny day for Susie and Ricky as they hosted their Civic park wedding ceremony up on the hill above the maid grassy area nearby the Sferas Convention Center. They had originally planned to hold their reception only to put that on hold for later in the year until the COVID threat had quietened a bit.

Despite their little postponement of their reception, this happy couple still made the most of their shorter day with gusto!

Preparation

Ricky and his best man was prepared at the family home nearby. I arrived as they were playing a few last video games – which is always a great start, and then we moved on to more usual things like cleaning mirrors while trying to tie ties 🙂

Video games playing groom
Groom getting help with his tie
Groom and groomsman squeezing into mirror
Bestman sorting out tie
Grinning groom
Groom getting lapel straightened
Simpsons cufflinks
Putting flower on lapel
Putting flower on lapel on best man
Groom leaning on doorframe

Susie and her bridal party were prepared at one of the suites at the Sfera’s Convention center in which they had a grand view over where their Civic Park wedding ceremony was being set up overlooking the little creek area at the center of the entire park.

I arrived just as the girl’s makeup was almost done, which is great as then I’m able to make the use of the time taking phtos of things like dresses and shoes, etc.

Susie spent some time in during her preparation on two special moments – the first being a first look with the handsome man who walked her down the aisle, and the other with her flower girl – to which Susie gifted a fluffy white cat toy, which the little girl wasn’;t overly keen on at first but came around to it 🙂

Engagement ring in purple flower
Makeup on bride
Sister hugs
Bride playing with veil
Bride sitting looking at wedding dress
Bridesmaids getting tangled in veil
Bridesmaids stretching out train
Smiling bride looking at camera
Bride standing in window light
Bride smiling looking up
Bride twisting back at bridesmaids
Bridesmaids reacting to engagement ring
Bride showing off train
Groom leaning on doorframe

Civic Park Wedding Ceremony

Susie and Ricky’s Civic Park wedding ceremony took place under the shade of the gum trees that line the dry creek area that adorns the top of the path way that wiggles it’s way through the center of the park – while lined with grass. The path connect’s the Tea Tree Plaza shopping center and Sferas.

Being set up here was wonderful as Susie and Ricky’s guests were therefore protected by the harsh sun, as opposed to the poor other wedding ceremony that took place on the main grass area just after theirs.

Their ceremony itself was a lovely simple affair, with private in jokes based on a variety of popculture references which made a different small portion of their congregation chuckle at different times throughout.

Checking the time together
Groom waiting at Civic Park wedding
Bride arriving looking at Dad
Grooms first look at bride
Civic Park wedding ceremony
Grinning bride during ceremony
Groom looking at his bride
Bride and groom looking back at congregation
Exchanging wedding bands at Civic Park wedding
Bride smiling at her groom at wedding
First kiss at Civic Park wedding
Bridal exit at Civic Park wedding

Glamour Photos

After coaxing everyone out on the grassy hill for a group photo using the drone – so as to socially distance – We made use of the rest of Civic park for a few glamour photos before heading across the road to the Solandra Wetlands for a few more.

As the sun was super bright, my main goal throughout was simply to use as much shade as possible to bring some sun flares coming through and making the scene super pretty. It was however fairly early in the day – so this was a little tricky, but the beautiful surrounds of the foliage available still made for some lovely shots.

Kisses under a tree at Civic park wedding
Groom kissing his bride’s head under a tree
Flying veil on bride
bridesmaid pointing
Smiles all round as headbutt
Smiling bride with groom and jacket
Bridal party reacting to kiss
Bride and groom under sun lit tree
Bride leading groom on merry jape
Bride and groom in long grass
Bride and groom in weeping willow
Bride and groom in weeping willow foliage

Thanks so much to Susie and Ricky for having me as your wedding photographer! I’m so sorry that wouldnt be able to cover your reception on your new date! But I hope you enjoy the photos taken on your wedding day!

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Belair Train Station Engagement Shoot – Emma & Stephen

Emma and Stephen wanted to show off their love for one another with a Belair Train Station Engagement Shoot before their big day at Mt Barker’s Auchendarroch House.

With Stephen travelling half away across the world from the US to see Emma after several long years apart due to the dastardly effects of the COVID pandemic, they were finally able to be together so they wanted to celebrate as soon as possible!

Emma was in two minds throughout the day about whether or not to head out that night for their engagement shoot due to the weather in the morning being less than spectacular. Thankfully the weather cleared up during the day and we all head out for what turned out to be a beautiful evening.

Belair Train Station Engagement Shoot

We began Emma and Stephen’s Belair Train Station Engagement shoot in amongst the station’s historic platform and waiting shelter where we made use of the beautiful ‘Belair’ writing on the wooden structure and the delightful parallel lines leading all over the place makeing for some lovely scenes.

As Emma had explained before heading out, she had not seen Stephen for several years prior to their engagement shoot, so these two were full of lovey-dovey hugs and kisses all evening, which made my job that much easier!

Smiles in amongst the train station
Walking in front of the Belair Train Station
Belair Train station engagement shoot
Belair Train station engagement photo
Hugs on the Belair Train station platform

As we set out during golden hour, we wanted to make the most of the golden hues of the sun streaming in through the majestic gum trees that make up the Belair National Park. We went for a little walk just behind the Belair Train Station to make use of this amazing setting!

Hugs under the sunlight
In amongst the belair national park gums
Look over there
Belair National Park engagement photo
Two standing together inbetween gum trees
Emma standing out front
Couple standing together under gum tree walkway
Dancing under the gum trees
Engagement shoot in Belair
Leaning on his shoulder
Sitting on fallen tree
Engagement ring with purple gemstone
Dancing in between the gums
Walking toegther in the Belair national park

Just as we were wrapping up, and having a chat with a group of joggers who had just finished their excersises, a freight train thundered past the Belair Train Station platform, so we quickly jumped in front of it for a bit of a photo! The train operator obviously had a bit of a ssense of humour and made sure to be seen throughout. 🙂

Belair Train Station engagement shoot with train
Belair Train Station engagement shoot kiss

Looking forward to being your wedding photographer in March Emma and Stephen! Hopefully these photos will tide you over until then!

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Big Easy Radio Wedding – Leanne & Evan

Leanne and Evan’s Big Easy Radio wedding is the type of wedding you look forward to for weeks as a wedding photographer! Here was a couple who value entertainment, are not afraid to get a bit risky with photo locations and certainly had a flair for the dramatic!

Their wedding, just out of Aldinga at the delightfully rustic wedding venue, Big Easy Radio had it all! From cliff side photoshoot, to helicopter rides, even circus performers and a doughnut and milkshake stand! Absolutely brilliant!

Preparation

This amazing day started out at a bed and breakfast overlooking the Port Willunga Bay where Leanne and her entourage were being prepared. Leanne did not have any formal ‘bridal party’ but some friends and family were all there to see her through the morning.

Wedding dress hanging in room
Wedding rings on glossy table
bride looking into mirror for makeup
Bridal affects in flowers
Smiling bride as her hair is done
Bride standing alone in beach house
Bride smiling at the camera

First Look

One of my favourite modern wedding traditions is what’s known as the ‘first look‘ where wither the father of the bride, or the groom – or in this case both – sees the bride for the first time in all of her bridal finery. Some of the reactions you can apture is absolutely priceless!

Leanne’s fathe rwas first to see her walk out of the bed and breakfast, before hopping into their delightful bridal car to head over to Blanche Point for a first look with Evan.

bride walking towards father
Dad hugs bride for first look
Bride and Father in car together
Bride walking toward groom for first look
Bridal first look
Smiling bride looking at her groom

Beach Photoshoot

After Leanne and Evan’s first look, we made use of the stunning beach nearby whilst bathed with the incredible weather we were blessed with all throughout the day!

bride and groom walking on cliffs
Bride and groom overlooking the horizon
Bride and groom looking at the beach
Bride and groom in the beach grass
bride and groom walking along the sand
Bride and groom practicing their dance on the beach
bride standing alone with groom watching
Bride and groom with beach in background
Bride and groom waling along the cliff face
Bridal car
Bridal car from the air
bride and groom in photo window
Smiling bride looking at camera under tree

Before heading directly to their Big Easy Radio wedding ceremony, Leanne and Evan wanted to make a bit of an entrance where they decided to splash out on a bit of a helicopter ride with Helivista. No one but their closest family knew they were going to arrive via helicopter, so it was a fun surprise for their guests!

Bride looking back as she enteres helicopter
Bride and groom entering helicopter
Bride looking out window of helicopter
Helicopter arriving at Big Easy Radio wedding
Bride and groom getting out of helicopter
Bride and groom walking towards their wedding ceremony from the helicopter

Big Easy Radio Wedding Ceremony

After flying low over their guests, waiting for the bride and groom to arrive, Leanne and Evan’s Big Easy Radio wedding ceremony took palce on the small grassy area surrounded by the homestead. Their ceremony was a nice simple affair, with short speeches made by friends and family before signing the certificate.

it was slightly unfortunate that the weather had really heated up by the time their ceremony had fninished meaning that Leanne and Evan, along with their guests had been sitting in the sun for quite a bit. Unfortunately my livestream that I had set up for them malfunctioned due to the heat – sorry about that guests that couldn’t attend!

Big Easy Radio Wedding Ceremony
Bride and groom listening to their celebrant
Happy speech giver
Bride looking at her guests
Bride sharing vows
bride and groom exiting their Big Easy Radio wedding
bride and groom exiting their Big Easy Radio wedding ceremony

Lunchtime Reception

In between the ceremony and their Big Easy Radio wedding reception, Leanne and Evan’s guests were kept entertained with lawn games, live music, astonishing food platters with doughnuts and milkshakes(!) galore – and even silk dancers!

The silk dancers had set up their performance platform on the open grassy area nearby where thehelicopter had landed – this made for quite a unique wedding experience!

Food platter on display
Bride and groom walking their dogs
bride and groom with their dogs
Silk performers setup
Silk performer
Slik dancing
Bride on silks
Pizza
Big Easy radio Wedding Venue
Big Easy radio Wedding
Bridal selfy with guests

Golden Hour Photoshoot

As the weather was hot and dry all day, the golden hour period of the day emitted some spectacular orange light which I was keen to make use of in the grounds surrounding Big Easy Radio. First we head over to the old wagon ruin, then went off road a bit to use the long grass bearby, then finally making use of the vine yards on site.

Once we arrived back for the reception, I noticed that the full moon was quite low in the sky and after having Leanne and Evan stand on top of a small raised garden bed, I was able to make full use of it!

Bridal shoot under the sun
Bride and groom under the golden sun
Bride and groom under the golden sun headbutting
bride leaning into her groom
Golden hour wedding photo
Bride and groom in amngst the Big Easy Radio vineyards
Bride and groom in amngst the Big Easy Radio vineyard
Sun shining through vines on bride and groom
Bridal hugs in the vineyard
Bride and groom hugs under pink sky
Bridal photo under full moon
Groom lifting his bride under full moon
Bride lifting groom under full moon

Big Easy Radio Wedding Reception

Finally, as a cherry on the top of such a spectacular day, Leanne and Evan’s reception was full of fun dancing, drinking and making merry with some absolutely wonderful people in attendance!

Again leanne and Evan’s guests were entertained by another unique addition to their wedding – some fire twirlers! I certainly think this whole concept of entertainers attending weddings like this should be more common.

First dance at Big Easy Radio wedding
First dance at Big Easy Radio wedding illuminated
Bride and groom first dance at Big Easy Radio wedding
Fire dancers at wedding
Fire dancer
Bridal speeches
Dancing bride
Big Easy Radio wedding photo
Macarena at Big Easy Radio Wedding

I’d like to thank Leanne and Evan for having me at their most amazing day!

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8 Wedding Dress Photography Tips and Ideas for Your Big Day

The whole point of having a professional photographer at your wedding day is so that you don;t have to worry about not remembering all the little details that you may otherwise be overly stressed or too emotional to really sit back and have a think about all the beautiful things around you.

Take for example your wedding dress hanging there, it’s a representation of your life before being married, before putting it on and seeing your future spouse for the first time on your big day.

As a symbol of a modern wedding, the white dress has become the staple and point of interest in much of the wedding photography I take, so here are some wedding dress photography tips I’ve thought of and hopefully it can help!

Wedding Dress Photography Tips

  1. Wedding Dress On a Hanger

One of the classic wedding dress photos is getting a shot of the dress in its full glory before you put it on. It’s a perfect summary of all the preparations you had to go through for so many months! 

You can set up this shot in many different ways. You can use an elaborate wood cabinet for your background, or you can set the dress on a mannequin up against natural light. You can have a special hanger engraved or personalised with your name for a gorgeous personal touch. Consult with your wedding photographers for creative ideas that fit your theme and your personality.

My personal favourite is having it hung in the center of an elaborate window in a place like Al-Ru Farm where it’s pretty much set up for wedding photography!

Wedding dress hanging at Alru Farm

  1. Wedding Dress From All Sides

Fire on all cylinders! Do not hesitate to get as many shots as you want during the wedding dress shoot, and make sure that all angles are showcased. The front, back, and all sides should be captured for posterity! You also need shots that include the train, if you have one. And, of course, your hair and other accessories will complete the look.  

Maximise your wedding location and find a beautiful background for full-length shots, and you’ll surely love the photos that come out of the shoot!

Bride walking out doorway

  1. Wedding Dress with Your Bouquet

Your list of shots should definitely include photos of you in your wedding dress with your beautiful bouquet, be it full length or close-up. The bouquet serves as an important symbol of the occasion, together with your rings and veil. The wedding bouquet takes your overall look to another level, with a natural touch coupled with the bride’s smile!

Close up of bridal bouquet in hand

  1. Wedding Dress with the Veil 

Wedding photographers love highlighting the white veil. If you have fantastic weather on your wedding day, ask for some help to stretch the veil fully by laying it on the ground or lifting the ends. This is one of the best photos you’ll love!

When it comes to wedding dress photogrpahy, this can be some of the most fun you have during your day with your bridal aprty running about, getting stuck in your veil!

  1. Wedding Dress with Shoes

Brides love taking their time choosing the best shoes that will match their wedding gowns. While most brides would prefer high heels, there would also be others who’d go for flat shoes. Whichever is yours, make sure to flaunt it during your creative shoot.

Putting on bridal shoes

  1. Family Moments

As you get ready to get married, it’s important to capture memories of enjoying special moments with your loved ones. Have a good time as they help you with your dress and with your look for the day. Of course, enjoy being the focus of everyone’s attention, including the camera!

Bridal crew

  1. Candid Shots

Won’t you smile when you see a photo of a bride laughing her heart out? Candid photos look so natural and touching. Your wedding is one of the happiest days of your life, and you’ll surely overflow with genuine smiles throughout the day. Professional photographers know to be in the right place and the right time to capture your joy. You can also be a little bit playful during this creative shoot. Bottom line: be true to yourself, and everything else will follow.

Jumping bridal party

  1. Bride-turned-Model

In contrast to natural and candid shots, this wedding dress photography style is your time to look elegant, regal, and sexy. You can also opt for a fairytale theme or create a mysterious look with different props like ancient candlesticks and other decorations. Add them up, and your dress will surely give off a magical vibe as you model for your shoot.

Alru Farm wedding bride

You’ll never have dull photos as you try these wedding dress photography ideas, alongside working with the best wedding photographers. 

 

Choosing a Wedding Dress that Looks Good in Photographs

Found that wedding dress yet?  Perhaps you are spending so much time choosing your wedding dress as you consider several factors such as price, wedding theme, preferred style, design, and many others. But be sure to think about how the dress will look while taking pictures to have an instant glow in your wedding photos.

For the best photos on your big day, the best thing you can possibly do is feel great while wearing it, so the best wedding dress photography tip i can possibly give is to choose a wedding dress that you feell most comfortable in!

Here are some of the things you can consider when looking for a photogenic wedding dress.

Design

For sure, this is your primary consideration when you choose your dress. Of course, you should be very particular with the beading, lace, and embroidery. These details on your gown make you shine and look lovely. Photographers highlight these details during close-up shots to show off the intricate design of the dress.

Look for any detail that will give more life to your dress, like ribbons, buttons, or nice curves. They make for good photos, too! Consider the neckline and sleeves, where you can opt to add more details to make it look even better. Let your photographer know which detail on your dress is your favourite to highlight during the shoot so you won’t miss a classic photo.

Buttoning up wedding dress back

Fabric

Yes, some fabrics look better in photographs. Flowy and light fabrics can do you extra wonders as they can be utilised to capture beautiful photos. You can also look for wedding dresses with long trains or airy sleeves and match them with lightweight veils.

They also provide an additional benefit during shoots as you can play with the dress, twirl around and hold them comfortably to pose for a feel-good photo.

Unfortunately, as with many things in life, you kind of get what you pay for when it comes to fabric – which is something I often mention when advising brides on wedding dress photography. A common example I give is the difference in veil fabric – the cheaper it is, the more like fly screen it becomes!

Hanging Thorngrove Manor wedding dress

Fit

Having a tailor-fit wedding dress gives you an instant charm. It effortlessly shows your curves and highlights your body shape. During your fitting, address what you don’t like, especially when you don’t like its fit. You wouldn’t want to spend your wedding day adjusting your dress to achieve a specific fit. Leave that stress behind and make all necessary adjustments during your fitting.

After all, when you wear something that fits you well, you will ooze with confidence which will help you become even more photogenic. Your photographers will also have a field day capturing your wedding dress in style. That’s why you should invest your time and effort in choosing a wedding gown that will bring out the best in you. 

Wedding dress

Along with someone to make the most of all the work you put into selecting your dream wedding dress, wear your most beautiful smile as they capture the most beautiful moments that you will treasure for a lifetime and your wedding photography is guaranteed to turn out amazing.

Your big day should be relished forever. With quality photos, you’ll surely remember your wedding day memories all too well for the rest of time! From Wedding Dress Photography to your first dance later in the day.

If you are in need of wedding photography in Adelaide, Darwin, or Hobart we can cover you all the way, all day long! SvenStudios offers professional wedding photographer solutions that capture your moments in a fun and relaxed way. Contact us for photography packages for your big day!