21C A December Wedding
See my latest photos on the blog-a-zine...
A Colorful & Prismatic, Styled Couples Session
A Lexington, KY Collaborative - Dana Rogers Photo - Sarah E Dunn Photo + Design - Paige Ange Events Installations & Decor
About the couple:
"We are very much somehow both opposite and identical in so many ways. She is chaos and he is order. She’s constantly overdressed for the occasion and he’s always content in a plaid shirt and jeans. She’s a woman of carefully selected and concise speech and he is a man of more words than the average ear can process at once. So different, yet united in our appreciation for the odd, our dedication to our community and the tireless pursuit for the best cheeseburger on the planet. Love is weird.”
- Ciara & Mark
Who styled this session?
The couple styled their own looks and wore their own wedding attire. Paige built the backdrop and the 3 of us styled the rest of the set with our own belongings. We made the florals using blooms from Dana’s flower garden. And we used Dana’s backyard and AMC Rebel for setting. Nothing in this session were one-use items, trying to keep it environmentally & economically friendly we only used our own stuff or items that Paige rents out to her clients.
What was your inspiration behind the shoot and the use of light?
We wanted bold, prismatic color. We wanted drama and movement. And we wanted to photograph a real, badass couple. Dana shot film and Sarah shot digital. We really just wanted to try out some new styles, posing, and experiment. That’s what styled shoots are good for. For challenging yourself, and for practicing new ideas to get you ready for paid shoots.
How did ya'll prepare your couple for this type of session?
We wanted them to have creative control over their own look. They’re already creatives and have a great sense of style. We didn’t feel the need to mess with that. We had all worked together in some way before, so it was really just a fun photo party with friends.
What techniques did you use that were out of the norm?
Tilt-shift. Shoot throughs. Cellophane. Color smoke bombs. Blur. Shiny things. Shooting for GIFs & Stop Motion Videos. Use of film photography - I’m pretty sure we each had like 2-5 cameras on us (something that we don’t really get to do on a fast-paced wedding day.)
Any advice? For clients, photographers, other creative collaborators...
Make a list of all of the stuff you want to do and then throw it out the window when you start shooting and just do what feels fun and good. Vary the type of light you’re photographing in. Give everyone the same amount of creative freedom, and be kind to each other. Express your gratitude out loud. Ask your clients and team members if they have ideas, keep them involved in creating. Compete together not against each other.
What about that beautiful backdrop?
By hand, Paige designed and made the 3-panel hanging piece. “I’ve been using acrylic a lot this past year... I think it’s such a modern medium that can be altered in so many interesting ways. I treated it with cellophane to create rainbow screens that would hopefully provide compelling light and reflections in the photos. And I found that sometimes when all the right people come together... magic happens!” - Paige
Can I rent the backdrop?
Yes! Renting out pieces for events or occasions is a win for everyone. A beautiful, handmade backdrop at an affordable price, and no waste after. This particular piece would be awesome for party decor as well as ceremonial and photo booth backdrops for events.
View Another Styled Session: STYLED SHOOT – COCKTAIL PARTY AT WARRENWOOD MANOR
Collaborators:
Dana Rogers Photo - Send me a message :)
IG: @danascamera + @lovers_film
Join my Facebook Group here: The Deputies of Love Collective
Paige Ange - Event installations and decor
hey@paigemakes.co
IG: @paigemakes
Gown Designer - @needleandthreadLondon
The Couple:
Ciara Leroy - Pretty Strange Design
IG: @themarque + @6thnarrative