Several years ago I took a workshop that opened a whole new world to me and my photography. Because we all can get complacent in our work, I think inspiration especially in my field is invaluable. Without it your images would be a little stale.
The workshop was taught by a colleague in San Fransisco and to say I was intrigued by his invitation was true but more over I was a little concerned too. I am a portrait photographer and I am a wedding photographer. That's what I knew and that's what I was comfortable with regarding my photography. Photo-journalism, documentary and candids are all part of an intricate combination that come together to make for the best wedding photos. So to learn more about a subtle style that I may be over looking was a little intimidating and a little scary.
I went and of course was in awe of the images that we were able to achieve in the workshop. "Concept" photography is just that...to create, design or conceive of a concept that creates a story for your couples. Often times a couple for example want to do some interesting shots for their engagement portraits. In most cases though they may not have an idea for what they actually want and even still no real idea of how to achieve it. This is where concept photography becomes so much fun and is highly rewarding to the couple because these images will be unique and original to them. For example, one of my couples who wanted to shoot a concept wanted to be Bonnie and Clyde without all the bad stuff. It was the concept of the old style clothing and the old car of course so that's where we started creating our concept design. With a little leg work and a little persuasion I think between the two of us (my bride and I) we found a gentleman that would let us use his car and the clothing was easily available on line almost like costumes.
I went and of course was in awe of the images that we were able to achieve in the workshop. "Concept" photography is just that...to create, design or conceive of a concept that creates a story for your couples. Often times a couple for example want to do some interesting shots for their engagement portraits. In most cases though they may not have an idea for what they actually want and even still no real idea of how to achieve it. This is where concept photography becomes so much fun and is highly rewarding to the couple because these images will be unique and original to them. For example, one of my couples who wanted to shoot a concept wanted to be Bonnie and Clyde without all the bad stuff. It was the concept of the old style clothing and the old car of course so that's where we started creating our concept design. With a little leg work and a little persuasion I think between the two of us (my bride and I) we found a gentleman that would let us use his car and the clothing was easily available on line almost like costumes.
In the end we were successful in taking some amazing shots and these images were priceless to them because they were unique to them and captured something fun in their relationship.
Let me just say that the options and ideas are limitless. Its something that you may want to consider if you as a couple are adventurous and want something completely unique and different. Some concepts are easy to put into motion...others take a little ingenuity and creativity. But ultimately the images and the FUN are well worth the effort!!!
Let me just say that the options and ideas are limitless. Its something that you may want to consider if you as a couple are adventurous and want something completely unique and different. Some concepts are easy to put into motion...others take a little ingenuity and creativity. But ultimately the images and the FUN are well worth the effort!!!
