Practically Engaged...

Today's post, I'm writing about the practical side of engagement shoots, things for the couple to consider before they head off to their engagement shoot with their photographer.


Clothes
Whenever I do engagement shoots, I advise couples about clothes to wear on the day.

A lot of the time, we want to instantly jump into wearing whatever we love most, for a photo shoot. However, I advise all my couples against wearing clothes with big logos, text, or graphics on them. The reason I advise against people wearing logos, big text, or graphic images on clothes is that it has two negative effects. Firstly, it instantly draws the eye away from the face in the photograph. Wearing a simple top means it doesn't compete for attention. I think certain patterns are fine, for example, bold checks, but a busy Paisley print, or high contrast fine stripes might not be such a good idea. What you (and your photographer!) also want to avoid, is the moire effect. That occasionally happens when you wear a very fine weave or patterned fabric, and makes it look like there's an optical illusion strapped to your clothes. There are techniques for removing it, but its easier to avoid it altogether. Photoshop has its uses, but its so much faster to get things right before the photo is taken! Nice, plain block colour clothes are great.

The second reason for advising against logos, text, and graphic images, is that it dates the photograph very quickly. Want proof? Look through any old photos you have. Those with text or graphics or a logo might be much more identifiable with a certain fashion at the time, than plain clothes. Plain clothes are much more timeless and classic for professional photographs. It is good to mix up the colour a bit, so a blue shirt with black jeans is fine.

Try to also think about what you're both wearing. Think about coordinating both with colour and style. So for example, if you're both going for crisp shirts, maybe think about the colour - if one wears a black shirt, the other might want to wear a contrasting complementary colour. If one of you wears a pale blue shirt, then a bright magenta pink top might not work so well. When Prince William and Kate Middleton got engaged, their engagement photos showed them both wearing complementary warm neutral coloured long sleeve tops - he wore a mocha brown knitted sweater, and she wore a gorgeous champagne blouse.

You could also think about wearing layers, so that you have different "looks".

But most importantly, wear clothes you feel comfortable in, and that you love. Clothes that make you feel good. If you don't have an outfit that fulfills that "feel good!" factor, then it's a good excuse to go shopping.



Location
You can be as creative as you like with your engagement location. While a wedding budget and availability might curtail options for venues for the actual wedding day, engagement shoots are a chance for you to go somewhere a bit different. You'll probably be thinking of somewhere that you find aesthetically pleasing, making it suitable for photographs. Speak to your photographer about the location. Do be aware though, that not all indoor light is flattering on the face. Indoor venues are fine, but it might be an idea to see if there's a room with lots of natural light, or at least a large window, to give your photographer options.  However, this is all dependent upon the style of photograph you're after. If you want something dramatic, perhaps quite urban and gritty, then strong lighting that casts shadows could look amazing.

From a practical perspective, also consider the location of the shoot. Your photographer may ask you to pay extra travel expenses (and potentially overnight accommodation) if you're wanting to shoot somewhere a bit further than their normal area. Even some photographers who advertise themselves as being "UK wide" may charge extra if you want them to travel to Mull for an engagement shoot when they are based in Leeds.

You also need to consider whether permission is needed in advance. The last thing you want is a member of security escorting you and your photographer off the premises. Railway stations are romantic, for example, but you still need to seek permission in advance as they are private property. Some venues might also ask for a small payment, and you need to consider whether you're willing to pay for your favourite venue. Establish with your photographer in advance who's responsibility it is to attain permission in advance.

Don't worry about asking for permission! I've had to phone lots of venues to ask permission for photo shoots in the past. Most people I've spoken to are helpful, some are even slightly curious (after all, it won't be every day they sit at their desk, working away, and receive a phone call asking them about a photo shoot!), and everyone I've spoken to has been friendly. Phoning is always better than emailing. It is a bit more nerve-wracking, but relax, try to sound cheerful and pleasant and perhaps slightly bubbly (even fake a smile while you talk - they can't see you, but it'll make your voice sound happier!). Emails are fine if you need to follow up with written information with the request. You might also want to make sure you're asking to speak to the office or venue manager, as letting out a big long spiel to the first person who answers might mean you find you have to repeat it all a few minutes later. The worst thing that anyone can say to you is "no", so just relax. Some venues will also have stipulations, for example, no flash (particularly inside historic venues with light-sensitive artifacts); that the photographer has public liability insurance (so the venue won't be sued if a member of the public trips up over a tripod); that you don't expect them to close an area off to the public for your shoot (asking them to do so might involve charges for loss of profit); or they might ask you come early, or late in the day, or during the week when the venue is at its quietest. Timing and insurance are definitely things you want to check with your photographer.


Light
I mentioned light before, but this part is about daylight. A lot of people think that I need strong, bright sunshine to make the most of my photographs. It's not strictly true. I did an engagement shoot recently in the seaside town of Largs, on the west coast of Scotland. We had glorious sunshine, and that was fine, because it suited the location perfectly - seasides and sunshine go well together. However, I also love cloudy days. Cloud can be surprisingly lovely in a photograph. It means the light is softer, there's no harsh shadows, and I can use my own flashes if I want to. I also don't have to worry about whether I'm casting a shadow in my photo, or which direction the sun is in. I like cloud for portraits. From a photography perspective it's the biggest softbox with the most powerful light and it's completely free.


Time
Engagement shoots won't last as long as your entire wedding, but they do take a bit of time. Depending on the location, I usually take a couple of hours. That's longer than I'd expect to take for "private shots of the couple" during a wedding. It's usually a good idea to just block out a morning or afternoon from your diary. People always run a little late; traffic jams, parking, buses not turning up on time, someone calling just the minute you're about to lock the door... things that are often beyond our control can make us all late from time to time. The last thing you want is to be running late and then have to dash away again because you're meeting someone immediately afterwards. 


Props
Finally, let's get onto something a bit more fun! Don't be afraid to talk to your photographer about the idea of using props. You may have some, your photographer may have some. Fake moustaches and chalk boards are very popular props to make an engagement shoot more fun, and add some silliness, frivolity, and playfulness into your images. The benefit with props is it gives you something to hold, you can play around, and a couple being silly together can usually get some fantastic expressions. Don't be afraid of what other people think! Even if you're naturally quiet and reserved, silly playful props can be great. I believe that when you and your partner are old and grey and looking back in years to come, you'll find yourself reliving and giggling about the engagement shoot with the props. If you don't want to be silly, then a small bunch of flowers, balloons, bubbles, a bright umbrella, some colourful wellies can work just as well.

Is there anything you think I've missed from the practical side of engagement shoots? Have you had any personal experience - good or bad - involving the practicalities of engagement shoots? Feel free to let me know using the comments form below!

Plans and Presents - the photoshoot

So I thought I'd write a blog post today about my photoshoot last week with Alison from Plans and Presents.

I really like working in the West End of Glasgow because it does offer such a wide variety of locations in a small area. I like places where locations are within short walking distances. Partly because I don't really want my clients to feel tired from being marched around, but also because I usually have a considerable amount of equipment to haul. While the weight isn't always an issue, it's usually the awkwardness of bag shapes that can be the problem. If you've ever tried dragging large cumbersome suitcases around, you probably have a fair idea how you always end up a magnet for people to walk directly towards. Same thing happens when I've got a long tripod bag over my shoulder.

Following my reccie I knew I wanted to use the cloisters at Glasgow university for this shoot. I also had a pretty good idea of something I wanted to do with the lighting. I prefer keeping my lighting as simple as possible, something I've gradually learned over time that too many lights can spoil a photo.

Alison started her business over a year ago, and in that short space of time she's become an influential figure in Scotland for weddings and event organisation, clear proof of her hard work,  determination and passion for providing a good service to her clients. She's also incredibly friendly, something I daresay has helped her to succeed with working with people towards their weddings.

Alison was keen to have some professional photographs taken which were more current. I was more than happy to do this, and I felt that she would suit a classic contemporary image.

To me, portraiture is a bit like clothes shopping. One size doesn't fit all, one style doesn't always suit all people either. You need to get a feel, an idea for what would and can work. Poses, lighting, and post production are all important factors to consider with the end result.

Alison came wearing a lovely cerise top with smart black trousers and shoes, looking very professional and smart. Combined with her raven black hair and dark eyes, I knew I wanted this to be very much about colour and keeping everything about the photographs striking and bold.

We started the shoot at the Cloisters, and moved round the campus to a large wooden door which had gorgeous warm tones and texture and I felt this would work in a photograph.

After leaving the university, we walked over to Cranworth Lane - which I consider perhaps the equally attractive but lesser visited cousin of Ashton Lane. I felt this gave a lovely cosmopolitan setting for the next set of photographs, and the black and white exteriors really worked well as a simple monochromatic backdrop to Alison's bright top.

Finally, we headed to the Botanics. I decided to give Alison a more relaxing pose to assume, and asked her to lie down for me. While the weather is good, I wanted to take the chance to do something a little more summery.

Those fluffy white clouds, blue sky and green grass won't be around much longer, so here was a chance to take full advantage of them as a backdrop.

While studios are great places to work with portraits (especially if its raining or you want a change of clothes, or space to be more experimental), I do enjoy shooting on location much more. I think this is because I find it so much more versatile. Also, working outside means I get to use one of the most powerful lights I can - the sun. No batteries or wires and so powerful to use and easy to manipulate to work with a portrait.

Working with Alison was an absolute pleasure for this shoot. A good shoot to me is as much about chemistry and people enjoying it, as it is about the photographs at the end. The best photographs usually show a good rapport between the subject and the photographer, something you get when both parties enjoy the shoot. Alison is naturally friendly and easy to talk to and I think she bonded well with the camera. Relaxing and enjoying yourself are integral to a successful shoot, feeling tense or frustrated tend to come out in facial expressions or body language very quickly and any subconscious behaviour can be impossible to control, so it all gets picked up by the camera.

That's why I think it's so important to meet with wedding photographers before you hire them. If you don't click off camera, the images might not click on your big day.

Summers end

Kerry and Stew's wedding, originally uploaded by Kristin Mitchell photography.

So here we are, start of September, and I'd say it's the start of Autumn. Almost.

I really love Autumn. It's my favourite season in the year. I love the colours associated with Autumn; I love the clothes and colours and fabrics that come with autumnal fashions; I love the smells (aside from when the fields are being sprayed - do not like). I love waking up and seeing a proper dawn, and feeling like I've actually woken up at the start of a new day. I love the light mists across the countryside; I love the smell of burning wood and bonfires. I'm possibly also slightly biased, as Autumn is my birthday season, and I'll be honest, I really like the cake, presents, and excitement about having a birthday.

When I was a child, I was quite happy to go back to school at the end of summer. Back in those days, there was of course a bit of me wishing for a slightly longer summer holiday, with flexible bedtimes and a distinct lack of homework. However, I did enjoy going into a new classroom, a new teacher with no idea about me, new jotters and books needing covered, new everything, including school bag and school uniform. All that newness appealed to me. Within a week however, the novelty would have worn off, but I still enjoyed the Autumn term, with two mid-term holidays (September weekend and October break which occasionally fell right after my birthday), and drawing and making things for Halloween and Guy Fawkes Day.

Last week felt very much like summer's last stand. I like summer (aside from when its too hot or when I've got hayfever), but Autumn feels special. It feels like a celebration, or a fireworks display of colour before the night of winter arrives.

So with my thinking cap on, I'm in the middle of trying to come up with some more autumnal flavoured photoshoots. I really want to take advantage of the season of colours. More than that, it's about taking advantage of the change of light. Autumn feels so fleeting, but it's a really beautiful month, so a perfect time to go out and be a photographer.