I recently had the pleasure of – and all of the work associated with – planning two styled bridal photo shoots. I am so happy that they were both successful and yielded some really beautiful images. I can’t wait to share them. I usually like to use photo shoots as a time to try new products, tools, and techniques so that I have an understanding of their best uses when a client sits in my chair. These two shoots were no different. A lot of time goes into the planning stage of a photo shoot but I won’t bore you with any of those details (unless you want me to). Instead, I’ll be sharing a few images now; and then later I’ll discuss some recent kit additions/techniques and how they performed.
Modern Breakfast at Tiffany[’s] Blue Styled Photo Shoot
This shoot involved a whole team of talented people. As this was my first time planning and managing a styled bridal photo shoot some mistakes were made and some lessons were learned, but I thank God for allowing this experience.
Model #1
Unedited image from my digital camera
Model #2
Unedited image from my digital camera
Team:
Photographer(s): Isi, Isi’s Photography; Matt, Black Tie Wedding Photography
Makeup/Hair: Me, Lena Clark MUA
Wardrobe Stylist: Ro’Shunda, The Natural Hair Bride
Models: Kimika & Erin
Wedding Planner: Fisayo, One Look Events
Stationery Design: Alero, Vividesigns
Assistant: Ajene’, Bonafide Trend Diva
Venue: City Point Loft
Photographer: Matt, Black Tie Wedding Photography
Styled Bridal Portraits
Photographer: Crystal, Crystal-Wiley Brown Photography
I went a lot simpler with this shoot. It wasn’t themed, we didn’t have a full team, and we didn’t even have dresses, but all the beautiful ladies involved had talent, creativity, and a willingness to work around and look beyond our limitations. I thought the shoot would be cancelled because the model couldn’t make it but the photographer and I were both able to get our friends to pose for us and they totally rocked! The photographer designed the bouquet and we styled the ladies with accessories I purchased or brought from home. To top it all off, the shared photography studio space we used provided accesses to excellent natural light. The bonus was that a friend was able to loan me two fabulous veils from a bridal shop she manages.
Photographer: Crystal, Crystal Wiley-Brown Photography
Team:
Photographer: Crystal, Crystal-Wiley Brown Photography
Makeup/Hair: Me, Lena Clark MUA
Models: Kelly (my friend) & Leah (daughter of photographer’s friend)
Oh, how’s this for a bit of trivia…my friend Kelly was actually my first bride when I started to take makeup artistry seriously. Kelly – who happens to be a natural beauty – was stunning on her wedding day. I have learned and been exposed to so much since then. It’s a blessing to recognize such growth in my work. After all, if you aren’t progressing, you’re regressing.
Kelly circa 2011
Kelly 2014
