Session with Kerri - Part III

What can I say about my friend Kerri, in a wedding dress, that she needs to trash..........

Well, nothing that these pictures can't say for themselves

As mentioned in an earlier post, a "trash - the - dress" session is about having a fun photo shoot in your wedding dress (prom dress, or any dressed up attire), in locations that are in complete contrast to your formal wear.

This session with Kerri, was on a relatively mild March afternoon. After much snow and rain, the conditions were perfect for creating mud, muck and lots of it.

Our first location was in a pasture, in perfect conditions, is lush and green. But in early March we have a setting that is quite muddy with much manure.

Surprisingly, Kerri feels right at home! Place her in down and strike a pose! (or two).

Next, we come upon a parked field tractor. What the heck, climb aboard - wedding dress and all!

Our next scenario is to have Kerri "frolic" with some horses turned out in the field. As she approaches the horses in her big white dress, they take one look at this "uncommon ghostly figure" and tear off into a full out gallop across the pasture. Oh well, so much for that idea!

Fortunately we did come upon (right at that moment) two semi-white 'barn' Westies. They didn't hold any prejudices against our lovely bride and came running over for some fun and attention.

If we couldn't convince the field horse's to play with us, than we would find some stabled horses that didn't have the luxury of running away. Oz was most accommodating for the shoot.

Finally , we wrap up the afternoon up with some incredible light pouring in from the upper hay loft. Stunning.

What a trooper Kerri! Beautiful, adventurous, and always up for the challenge.

Bravo girl! And thanks!

Session with Kerri Part II

Using natural available light for portraiture is a beautiful effect. The day I had a session with Kerri the sky was overcast, creating a gorgeous diffuse light. This low contrast lighting worked in our favor to produce soft lighting which eliminates unflattering shadows.

Just to set the record straight - Kerri is not a bride (yet), but she plays one for me in our TTD (trash the dress) sessions.

Because of the very comfortable rapport created prior to the shoot (and our familiarity with one another) the connection between model and photographer was amazing.

I love photographing Kerri, because she is so 'at ease' during the shoot while being directed both physically and emotionally. Her poses are very natural. You can see her beauty exposed as well as her unique individuality.

These collaborative moments are what a portrait photographer strives for.

In this Part II series, I wanted to include images that accent a softness delivered by Kerri and overall feel of femininity that transforms a woman when she steps into a wedding dress.

This prelude, is an interesting set up for the more "amusing" surroundings we find Kerri in as she continues to "Trash the Dress".

Stay tuned for my Session with Kerri Part III - (this time we do trash the dress)!

Trash the Dress - In the Snow (Part II)

Photographing in the winter can present many challenges.

I mentioned one of the biggest challenges in my previous blog post - the harsh conditions involving cold and bitter wind.

There is also the challenge of shooting a white object - SNOW!

Many times the result can be a grayish hue making the snow look dirty. Other times the brilliance and brightness of the snow yield an over-exposed image with no detail or texture in the landscape.

But I would like to talk about the rewards associated with working in the snow. For one, you have a fairly "monochromatic" palette before you!

Monochrome photography is usually assumed to be about black and white. Monochrome simply means "of one color".

The winter landscape usually presents itself as monochromatic. The colors tend to be of a very neutral nature.
So what better scenario is there that allows the 'artist' or photographer the ability to project a splash of color.
Doing this by selectively adding simple objects of brilliant pigmentation. The impact instills importance and emphasis on the selective color as well as the shapes that frame the image.

Adding depth and intensity to an image by incorporating just a "splash of color" (against the starkness of a winter backdrop) can deliver drama and strength back into your story.

The results are simplistic, yet strong.

Trash the Dress - In the Snow!

The concept of "trash - the - dress" is about having a fun photo session in your wedding dress (prom dress, or any dressed up attire), in locations that are in complete contrast to your formal dress.

Many of these shoots do not necessarily "trash the dress", as in my latest shoot in the snow.

I've been looking forward to a good snow storm so I could have this opportunity - but I wasn't counting on the bitter cold that came with it!

Waking up the day of the shoot, it was single digits outside. I prepared myself for a very frigid experience. (I hope my model was prepared and still willing.)

My ideal location was now inaccessible by car because of the snow.

In order to get there we would have to walk 10 minutes and be without shelter during the session. I felt we needed to be somewhere that allowed us a place to warm up in between takes.

My model did prepare herself with "long johns", heavy socks, and Uggs. It was her upper body and arms that would be exposed to the 20 degree temps. and bitter wind chill.

I was bundled up (sans gloves), so I could easily work the camera controls.

Each session latest approximately 15 - 20 minutes. I didn't want my model transforming into a human block of ice mid shot! Before this occurred, we took frequent breaks to go inside and warm up. (I also needed to take care of my camera and lenses being exposed to these extreme temperatures).

So with the scene set and the conditions so accurately described, can you sense any discomfort in my "bride"? I must say, what makes a great model is masking any outside factors that might adversely effect the shoot. Staying in character, having fun, and enjoying yourself in front of the camera. I couldn't have asked for a better collaborator!

Have you ever thought about spending another day in your wedding dress, or even your prom dress? Letting your guard down and totally enjoying a fun carefree unique session? The possibilities are endless.

Trash the dress in the snow?......................Why Not?