This is Mandielle. Apart from the day job she is also a jazz and blues musician and songwriter. I just love working with creative people. She came well prepared too for her urban portrait shoot in the city, including a change of outfit, lots of accessories and even a stylist. Well, ok, her best friend who was there to fix the hair and check that everything looked just right. I think everything did look just right too.
Ian and Christine have spent many hours and walked many miles along the canals of Birmingham, so when I suggested doing their portrait shoot there, it held a special place in their hearts.
A location portrait shoot in Birmingham city centre. All shot around the canals, the ICC and Brindley Place. Just recently back from the mayhem and craziness which was Glastonbury, Dan and Emma were all fired up and ready to do whatever it took to get the shots (and so was I). This was a very cool and relaxed shoot, I’m sure miles away from the noise and excitement of the music festival.
However, it’s always good to slow down and take in the atmosphere, great models guys, cheers.
Balancing on a 2″ wide backrest on the bench they were sitting on just proves how committed I am to get the shot! Hey come on, it was 3ft off the ground!
When a client suggests doing their shoot at their home, I always picture a lawn and beautifully manicured flower beds, which actually was not far off. But when I was shown what was at the end of the garden….. well, what can I say? I was speechless! This stunning little woodland is where Jak and sister Alice grew up and played when they were little. It is completely encircled by other houses and everyone seems very protective of their own little patch of heaven. Its just over a mile to walk round (which we did) and all you can hear is the birds singing – wonderful. I am so envious.
This beautiful woodland formed the perfect setting for this photo shoot along with ‘Bill’, their little black spaniel.
Nikon D3 with 70-200mm f2.8 (all shots) Natural light.
The plan was to shoot this session at Canon Hill Park in Birmingham, well, that was the plan anyway! In fact, I’d shot a portrait session there a few weeks ago, it was only after the client left I saw all these great backgrounds outside the park. I just knew I had to do something here next time. I do tend to favour the more architectural settings, some of these were shot in front of an apartment block, love the colours going on there. Thanks to my great subjects for the day, Kurt and Selina, who were travelling up to Scotland at the weekend to get married. They are teachers and currently live in Dubai but were here for their wedding. Congratulations to you both.
As usual, Nikon D3 with 70-200mm f2.8 & 24-120mm f4. Natural light.
