A Favourite Location
I had a pre-shoot consultation with a lovely Mum about what kind of photoshoot she would like and she decided she would love the ocean in the photos as her family loved holidaying in the Malborough Sounds. I told her about a new location I had discovered at Naval Point, Lyttelton which was perfect for family photography in the Christchurch area. She was very keen and booked me as her family photographer.
Harsh Lighting
I had only been to Naval Point once for a shoot and that was in very early spring when the sun set fairly early and over a different part of the hills. I found that the initial locations I used with my gorgeous teen model were still lit quite late by what I can only call fairly harsh sunlight.
A Bit of a Wait
Sometimes it’s better to wait for the light to improve, so we did that. We walked down a wharf to the end. There was an annoying sign in the way which we had to avoid. The wind was almost gale force. I heard from my photographer friends that there were a lot of shoots cancelled last spring. I however shoot mainly in the studio and toughed it out in the outdoor conditions. It wasn’t ideal but I still achieved some wonderful photos.
Lots of Fun | Family Photographer | Christchurch
My shoots are almost ALWAYS about the experience rather than just the photos themselves. We watched the sun setting behind the Port Hills and I decided to concentrating on back lighting this lovely Mum and her two daughters. We had a few tickle moments and lots of laughs.
At one point there was a huge gust of wind which nearly swept my subjects into the ocean. We all laughed our heads off – it was such a close thing!
A Reluctant Subject
The older daughter didn’t want to come on the shoot and was tired from the busy end of year activities that school had thrust upon her. She really didn’t want her photo taken, but by the end of the shoot she was loving being posed on the wharf and was very relaxed.
A Basketball shot |Family Photographer |Christchurch
My favourite photos of the whole shoot would have to be the basketball shots I took down an abandoned rail track in Lyttelton of the older girl. It was on the road as we were driving out and had a fantastic urban setting. In black and white, this photo is so classic. It shows her personality and the hobby she absolutely loves. This is my favourite part about being a family photographer.
Final Artwork |Family Photographer | Christchurch
The final artwork from this shoot is fantastic. The basketball photo became a Christmas present for the older daughter. Hopefully she will have it on the wall for her whole life. The favourite photo of the Mum and her daughters was also printed and hung on the wall. I’m incredibly happy with how the shoot turned out.
If anyone would like a similar shoot, please fill in my fun questionnaire!
