A Christmas minis blog

Can you believe it’s that time of the year again?

We are part way through the Christmas mini shoots already and I still can’t believe it myself.

What I love most about our Christmas shoots is seeing families come back year after year, watching the little ones grow up and being part of your Christmas traditions.

Its also lovely to meet new families and begin new traditions.

Our Christmas mini shoots are 15mins long and you can have all the photos fully edited to do whatever you like with. From wall photos to Christmas gifts.

Bring yourselves and your animals, dogs cats anything.

From my family to yours have a very Merry Christmas.

An Autumn engagement shoot

We had the pleasure of photographing the engagement shoot of Anna & Matt in the beautiful autumn sunshine of Bellevue park.

Bellevue park is so perfect for any photoshoot all year round but especially an autumn photoshoot as it has beautiful areas, stunningly colourful leaf fall and a cafe to cosy up in for a cuppa afterwards.

Anna & Matt were amazing to photograph as they bought their own props that made their photographs that little bit more personal and we had such a laugh taking them.

Insole Court

Insole Court is a Grade 2 listed mansion house in the Cardiff suburb of Llandaff with a rich history run by a registered charity, the Insole court trust.

The original family of Insole were pioneering coal-shippers and mine owners, railway men docksmen.

Insole courts restoration is the culmination of 30 years of community campaigning. After decades of uncertainty the once derelict mansion has now opened for the public and beautiful weddings.

What I love most about working weddings at Insole Court is the beautiful historic setting and the intimate family atmosphere. With stunning grounds resulting in beautiful photographs.

Our Weddings at San Ffraed House

Nestled in the Monmouth valley is a grade 2 listed country house amidst a 14 acre grand estate.

San Ffraed House is part of The Old Walls Group and delivers a wonderful wedding experience from start to finish. You and your guests will be treated like royalty from setting your date until you check out the next day.

As a wedding photographer this beautiful venue never offers up a bad view, The light filled ceremony room offers unparalleled views of the beautiful Welsh countryside and lake.

Alternatively the out door terrace has views of the lake and St Brides Church.

An end of summer wedding at Cwrt Bleddyn Hotel & Spa

I have had the pleasure of photographing at the Cwrt Bleddyn Hotel & Spa on numerous occasions.

It is a beautiful wedding venue nestled in the beautiful Welsh countryside with 50 acres of beautiful landscaped grounds. Combining historic charm with modern amenities .

This venue not only provides the happy couple with a perfect wedding day but offers up beautiful locations for stunning wedding photographs making my job just that little bit easier.

I am also able to use the drone to capture the sheer beauty of this stunning location.

Autumn

Its the first week back to school after the summer. The summer as always has gone by so fast and now its lashing down with rain and I can hear the wind in the chimney.

Its not so bad though I love the coziness of autumn, blankets on the sofa, the smell of the heating when you fist turn it on after a long time, walks in the beautiful multi coloured leaves and rosy cheeks.

I also find it a time to reflect on the past year and also a reset almost. Its also a very stark reminder of how quickly time is passing.

Our youngest girls started high school this year and I just can’t believe how fast time goes by. Looking back over the front door school photos seeing how much they have grown is bitter sweet.

So this autumn we will take them all out into the crunchy leaves and take lots of photos. Photos of rosy cheeks, throwing leaves in the air, eating toffee apples and being young and care free.

So if you want to make memories last forever get in touch £149 all in.

Headshot Photography

Capturing the Spotlight: Headshot Photography for An Aspiring Young Actor.

The world of acting is full of big dreams and even bigger personalities. As a photographer, I have the chance to play a key role in an aspiring young actor's journey by capturing their unique essence in a headshot. But photographing headshots for young actors goes beyond just getting a good picture. It's about creating a powerful first impression that showcases their talent and potential.

Here are some tips to help you capture the perfect headshot for the aspiring young actor in your lens:

Preparation is Key:

  • Discuss the Look: Before the shoot, chat with the young actor and their parents (or guardian) about the types of roles they're aiming for. This will help guide clothing choices, hairstyle, and overall mood of the headshot.

  • Wardrobe Choices: Solid colors and classic styles photograph best. Avoid busy patterns, distracting logos, and anything that might overshadow the actor's face. Opt for clothes that make them feel confident and comfortable.

  • Natural Beauty: Encourage minimal makeup for young actors. You want to capture their natural features and youthful energy. A touch of concealer and lip balm is usually sufficient.

Creating a Welcoming Environment:

  • Breaking the Ice: Young actors, especially new ones, can feel nervous in front of the camera. Start with some warm-up poses and conversation to put them at ease.

  • Building Confidence: Positive reinforcement goes a long way. Acknowledge their strengths, offer suggestions, and celebrate their natural expressions.

  • Fun is Fundamental: Keep the atmosphere light and playful. Let the young actor experiment with different poses and expressions to find what feels most natural.

Capturing the Performance:

  • Lighting for Success: Soft, diffused lighting is ideal for headshots. It eliminates harsh shadows and creates a flattering, natural look.

  • Eye Contact is Key: Encourage the young actor to make eye contact with the camera. This creates a sense of connection and engagement with the viewer.

  • Variety is Spice: Capture a range of expressions, from friendly smiles to a more serious look. This will give casting directors a better idea of the young actor's range.

Remember:

  • Be Patient: It may take some time for the young actor to feel comfortable and relaxed. Be patient and allow them to find their groove.

  • Feedback is a Gift: Offer constructive feedback throughout the shoot to help them refine their poses and expressions.

  • Post-Processing Power: Light retouching can enhance the final image, but avoid heavy editing that removes the young actor's natural features.

By following these tips, you can create headshots that capture the spark and potential of your young actor, helping them shine a light on their talent and land that dream role.

Westmonmouth School Presents Matilda The Musical.

Capturing the Magic: Photographing WestMon School's Production of Matilda

The lights dim, the music swells, and a whirlwind of energy takes center stage. This wasn't your typical night at the theater; it was opening night of WestMon School's production of Matilda, and I was there to capture the magic.

Photographing a school play presents unique challenges and incredible rewards. The young actors bring a contagious enthusiasm and raw talent to the stage, and it's the photographer's job to translate that energy into lasting images. Here's a glimpse into my experience photographing WestMon School's production of Matilda:

Setting the Stage:

  • Location Scouting: Before the curtain rose, I familiarized myself with the performance space. This included noting lighting setups, set design elements, and potential sightlines for capturing key scenes.

  • Lens Choice: I opted for a versatile zoom lens that would allow me to capture close-up expressions from various vantage points without disrupting the performance.

  • Capturing the Mood: During rehearsals, I worked with the director to understand the tone and style of the production. This helped me determine the best shutter speeds and apertures to create a sense of movement or stillness, depending on the scene.

Showtime!

  • Focus on the Story: While capturing individual performances is important, I prioritized moments that conveyed the narrative of the play. This meant staying alert for key scenes and emotional exchanges between characters.

  • Respecting the Performance: Using a silent shutter mode and avoiding flash photography ensured minimal disruption to the actors and the audience's experience.

  • Capturing the Energy: Matilda is a story brimming with humor and rebellion. I aimed to capture this energy through dynamic angles and creative composition.

After the Applause:

  • Cast Portraits: With the permission of the director and parents, I captured individual portraits of the cast in costume. These candid shots offered a chance to document each young actor's transformation into their character.

  • Capturing the Crew: The magic onstage is only part of the story. I also took some time to photograph the backstage crew, set designers, and everyone who contributed to the production.

Photographing WestMon School's production of Matilda was a truly rewarding experience. It was a night filled with laughter, and the sheer joy of theater. The resulting images are a testament to the dedication of the young actors, directors, and crew, and a lasting memory of their theatrical triumph.

Amici D'Italia

On Sunday night I had the very great honour of photographing Pontypools beloved Amici D’Italia in there new restaurant in Penarth.

Nestled along the Esplanade this new restaurant promises an authentic Italian experience that tantalises tastebuds and warms hearts.

Amici D’Italia in Penarth captures all the magic of Italy in Wales with a front row seat to the beautiful sea view.

Before gracing Penarth, Amici D’Italia won hearts in Pontypool. Their success story is a testament to passion, dedication and of course delicious food.

The Pontypool location continues to thrive serving up its Italian goodness.

As the sun dips below the horizon, raise your glass of Chianti and savour the flavours.

Tips for choosing your Wedding Photographer.

Choosing a photographer for your wedding day can be a daunting experience as this person will be responsible for capturing the special moments of your big day. They will be the one to immortalise your memories and create keepsakes that you will cherish for years to come.

We have a few tips to help you with this momentous task.

  1. Know your budget: It’s important to know your budget before looking for a wedding photographer. Make sure you ask for quotes and look for deals. A good photographer will be able to give you a set price up front.

  2. Decide on your vision: Consider what style of Photography you prefer and what kind of shots you want to capture. Do you want candid shots or posed ones? Do you want a traditional or modern style?

  3. Research photographers: Look for photographers who specialise in wedding Photography and have experience in shooting weddings similar to your style and vision.

  4. Meet with the photographer: Schedule a meeting with the photographer to discuss your vision and see if you feel comfortable working with them. This is also a good opportunity to ask any questions you may have.

  5. Ask about their equipment: Make sure the photographer has professional grade equipment and back up equipment in case of malfunctions.

  6. Discuss the contract: Make sure you understand the terms of the contract including the number of hours the photographer will work, the number of photos approximately you will receive and the timeline for receiving the photos.

  7. Get a written agreement: Once you’ve decided on a photographer, make sure you get a written agreement that outlines all the details of the contract.

  8. Trust your instincts: Ultimately you want to choose a photographer who you feel comfortable with and who you trust to capture your special day.

Here at emotion picture photography we have a range of upfront tiered competitively priced packages that will suit any wedding day.

Our ethos at Emotion Picture Photography is to capture beautiful memories that don’t cost the earth.