CROATIA - STYLED SHOOT

As you read this I’m in the sky flying back from the most wonderful three days in Dubrovnik, Croatia. 

I flew out for a workshop hosted and ran by Milkshake kisses for videographers and photographers. Unfortunately I could only make the first day of a three day shoot but it didn’t matter. For what I’ve gained in friendships and time to reflect, sleep and process the last couple of years was priceless. 

Patrick and Clara on the Slano seafront in Croatia

So here it is, on day one I got to spend the day with Lucie and Jamie and just pap them all around kings landing. (Film will be done once I’m home) but the reason I flew out is all below. 

Russell and Pierra organised a stunning first day, two lovely couples who just brought so much love and happiness in their presence. Beautiful backdrops and gorgeous outfits. 

I love this job, and the thing I love the most is that I get to travel. For two years I’ve done barely any spring weddings and I’ve missed the light and colours that brings to my images. If truth be told I’m so tired of being called dark and moody. My images are dark and moody because for the last two years I’ve shot 112 weddings in mainly autumn and winter and in questionable weather conditions, but in actual fact I shoot quite close to real colour, it’s only dark small venues and overcast weather than make my style appear dark and moody. Couple that with an obsession to have a consistent grid and I get stuck in a dark and moody bracket. So to go abroad and shoot in the most beautiful light just makes me so happy. This will become more evident when I finish my film of Lucie and Jamie around Dubrovnik on a gloomy dull day just the day before this one. That’s why I insist on couples checking out full galleries. Instagram simply isn’t a good enough reflection of a photographers work.

When we arrived there was the most gorgeous ceremony set up done by a local florist Floranita flower design. Bright pinks and oranges to set the whole scene on fire. Stunning flowers used with orange orchids coral roses and pink anthuriums (my fave) designed in a semi circle perfectly framing the window to the coast. It was breathtaking. 

Coming to Croatia I’ve found something I didn’t realise I was going to find, to meet new people outside of my bubble, to connect, chat, shoot together, laugh, eat and share stories. This was so needed right before another incredibly busy wedding season really kicks off. The last two weeks with this workshop and photography farm have made me so happy, given me the boost I needed and a reboot for the next few months. So here it is, my take on Croatia, as per usual with my images movement features highly, there’s barely any posed shots, laughing, details, location shots. Everything I adore in this job. 

Our location was Rectors palace in Slano. Nestled amongst the hills and next to the most beautiful sea front. It felt very Italian. The most gorgeous arch ways, white stone and romantic Croatian courtyards. 

Splitting into two groups we first shot the wonderful Marin and Elena, the most fun couple who just made us smile for the whole session. Elena was wearing a gorgeous Lindsay dress from Croatian wedding retailer  vesna sposa. 

We took them around Rectors palace for couple portraits and swishing dress shots before heading out to capture our second couple down by the Slano Port on the Croatian coast, Patrick and Clara. I see boats almost everyday where I live but it’s rare I see them sparkling in the sun like yesterday. I was working with my lovely new friend Lucie and we did a little scouting before deciding where to shoot our couple. We decided to shoot them in front of a boat docked at the port which had Dubrovnik etched into the hull. I have this thing about telling the story and I hate static images, so walking past a boat is the perfect image for me. 

At this point I need to mention the amazing Suzy who had the patience to put up with me ripping her work to shreds and pulling Clara’s ponytail out when the storm was only a short distance away. The wind picked up and I couldn’t resist a hair down windy shot - you know the ones that Hair stylists in the Lakes absolutely hate me for? Yeah, those. I accidentally stumbled across a new “pose” a few weeks ago, I say pose - it’s not, it’s a direction I give my couples and oh, its beautiful. works every time. So it was so nice to try it with models.

I’ve had the best time ever. I needed this. I’m gutted I can’t stay for the next two days but hey - still catching up on wedding season from two years ago. That said, I can’t wait to get back to real weddings. A much as I love shoots for learning, practising and meeting new friends, nothing compares to a real couple and real emotions to capture. That what I love most about this job.

Workshop hosts: @milkshakekissesworkshop
Planner & organiser: @pierragphotography & @russellkentnicholls 
Trip manager: @weareriverhse

Floral design: @florantina_wedding_design
Supplier source: @serendipityweddingscroatia
Make up artist: @louisemcintosh_makeupartist
Hair stylist: @bridalhair_by_suzy
Bridal designers: @evalendel @millanova
Bridal boutique: @vesnasposa
Models: @dizdar_el @klaracerina @marin.jercic @patrikcvetko
Jewellery: @thelucky6pence
Suits: @odijelo