Blog | Mezzaninehttps://briandsmithphotography.com/blog/2024-03-28T18:01:55+00:00BlogCharleston SC Anniversary Session Portraits at Hampton Park on Film2021-01-05T21:44:42+00:002024-03-28T15:08:31+00:00adminhttps://briandsmithphotography.com/blog/author/admin/https://briandsmithphotography.com/stories/charleston-sc-anniversary-session-portraits-at-hampton-park-on-film/<h2>About the Dowtown Charleston SC Anniversary Session in Hampton Park</h2>
<p>Bronte and Bobby reached out to me through Instagram, finding me through a mutual love for film. They were interested in an anniversary session to celebrate 5 years of marriage and knew they wanted a film photographer for the task. The connection was instant. We bonded over our approach to film, pursuing it as an art and trying to craft our own paths and styles as film wedding and portrait photographers. We chose Hampton Park for the Charleston couples session because of it's lush greenery and plenty of space to move and play. </p>
<p><img alt="couple shot on kodak portra 800 medium format film during charleston sc anniversary session at hampton park" src="https://briandsmithphotography.com/static/media/uploads/blog/stories/bronte-hampton/2021-01-05_0012.jpg" width="600"/></p>
<h3>Why Hampton Park for Your Charleston SC Couples or Portrait Session</h3>
<p>Hampton Park is a VERY popular spot for photographers in Charleston. You can hardly take a trip there without seeing at least 4 or 5 portrait sessions taking place, mostly engagements and family's. The few opportunities I've had to shoot there, I've absolutely adored the results. Its the best greenspace in Charleston and it's plenty big enough to stay out of people's way and find your own spots. Most of my Charleston engagement and couples sessions are shot downtown. That's the Charleston look afterall. Shooting downtown can be a bit hectic, constantly dodging people, always having to angle your couple just perfectly to avoid getting passers by in your shot. It can feel a bit restricting at times. I spoke with the couple and we both agreed that we were more drawn to greenery than streets and Hampton Park was the only choice! It has plenty of open space and the most beautiful oak trees and spanish moss in all of downtown. </p>
<p><img alt="hampton park downtown charleston sc couples portrait session on kodak 35mm portra 400 film with girl in vintage dress" src="https://briandsmithphotography.com/static/media/uploads/blog/stories/bronte-hampton/2021-01-05_0030.jpg" width="600"/></p>
<p>Just look at those oak trees and spanish moss!</p>
<p><img alt="couple running through oak trees in downtown charleston sc for anniversary portrait session on kodak portra 800 film and hasselblad" src="https://briandsmithphotography.com/static/media/uploads/blog/stories/bronte-hampton/2021-01-05_0018.jpg" width="600"/></p>
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<h3>Why I Shoot My Charleston Couples Portrait, Engagement and Anniversary Sessions all on Film</h3>
<p>Film is always my preferred medium to photograph portraits and couples. Sometimes weddings require digital because of the pace and unpredictability, but couples and anniversary portrait sessions are a bit more relaxed and predictable and I can shoot the entire thing on film. For this portrait session, I shot a mixture of 35mm and medium format kodak film - more on my camera and film choices below. The main reason I shoot film is that I like what it does for my process and the end result, particularly the colors, are just undeniable. I feel more present and connected to the couple when I shoot film and the result is one of my favorite Charleston portrait sessions yet. </p>
<p><img alt="kodak tri-x 400 black and white medium format film portrait of charleston couple at hampton park" src="https://briandsmithphotography.com/static/media/uploads/blog/stories/bronte-hampton/2021-01-05_0035.jpg" width="600"/></p>
<h3>What Film Cameras and Film Stocks did I use for this Shoot</h3>
<p>I used two of my most trusted cameras, ones that I feel very connected to, and my go to film stocks. It's important to find cameras that you connect with. A camera that makes you feel good, feel cool, or feel creative can do wonders for your end result. It's also important that the camera feels natural and doesn't get in your way. No camera is perfect and there is always a compromise or a tradeoff, but these cameras find a great balance for me. Oh...and they also really deliver on results. </p>
<h4>Hasselblad 202FA Camera, 110mm F2 Lens, Kodak Portra 800 and Tri-x 400 Film</h4>
<p>This is my show stopper portrait camera. It feels cool to shoot, and the lens delivers the closest rendering to large format you can get in a medium format camera. You can find my full review of the camera system <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://briandsmithphotography.com/blog/hasselblad-202fa-film-camera-review-for-portraits-and-weddings/" target="_blank" title="https://briandsmithphotography.com/blog/hasselblad-202fa-film-camera-review-for-portraits-and-weddings/">HERE</a></span>. I paired it with my favorite color 120 film stock, Kodak portra 800 and my favorite black and white 120 film stock, Kodak Tri-x 400. Portra 800 is so perfect for fall and anywhere with a ton of greenery. It has a slight blue/aqua tint to the shadows in greens that really render the scene with this almost dreamlike quality...oh and it's perfect for people with red/orange hair. </p>
<p><img alt="hasselblad 202fa portrait on kodak portra 800 film with charleston anniversary couple" src="https://briandsmithphotography.com/static/media/uploads/blog/stories/bronte-hampton/2021-01-05_0008.jpg" width="600"/></p>
<h4>Nikon FM3a, Nikkor 50mm F1.2 ai-s, Kodak Portra 400 35mm Film</h4>
<p>My nikon fm3a is probably the camera that I would keep if I could only keep one. There are cameras I love more, just for what they are (my leica and hasselblad come to mind). My nikon, however, just goes. It's so easy to use. It has the best metering system of any camera ever. It allows for easy double exposures, as you'll see below. Also, it's all manual, but still super quick to use so I feel like it lends itself really well to experimentation and movement shots. It's also super lightweight and features a 1/4000s top shutter speed. I pair it with my Nikon 50mm F1.2 ai-s lens and trusty portra 400 film. I took a few shots in the camera on Kodak P3200 35mm film as well that were left over from a previous wedding. </p>
<h5>Double Exposures on 35mm Film</h5>
<p><img alt="35mm film double exposure on kodak portra 400 35mm film of girl with orange sky overlay in charleston sc" src="https://briandsmithphotography.com/static/media/uploads/blog/stories/bronte-hampton/2021-01-05_0042.jpg" width="600"/></p>
<p>To find out how I do these double exposures, click <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://briandsmithphotography.com/blog/how-to-twice-exposed-roll-of-35mm-film/" target="_blank" title="https://briandsmithphotography.com/blog/how-to-twice-exposed-roll-of-35mm-film/">HERE</a></span>. </p>
<p><img alt="charleston couples portrait session double exposure on 35mm film with nikon fm3a and portra 400 of girl and guy " src="https://briandsmithphotography.com/static/media/uploads/blog/stories/bronte-hampton/2021-01-05_0046.jpg" width="600"/></p>
<h5>Portra 400 35mm Film Portraits</h5>
<p><img alt="close up portrait of girl in charleston sc hampton park on kodak portra 400 35mm film" src="https://briandsmithphotography.com/static/media/uploads/blog/stories/bronte-hampton/2021-01-05_0011.jpg" width="600"/></p>
<h5>Kodak P3200 Black and White 35mm Film Portraits</h5>
<p><img alt="kodak p3200 35mm film portrait of guy and girl motion blurred in charleston sc park during downtown engagement session" src="https://briandsmithphotography.com/static/media/uploads/blog/stories/bronte-hampton/2021-01-05_0004.jpg" width="600"/></p>
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<h2>Why You Should Hire Me as Your Charleston Film Portrait and Couples Photographer</h2>
<p>You won't find another photographer, destination or in my hometown of Charleston SC that challenges himself more or pushes his creativity further than I do. I have an appreciation for the timeless and the classic, but strongly believe the great art is the most timeless of all and echo that in the amount of experimentation I do in my work as a destination wedding and portrait photographer. Humbly speaking, I'm the hardest working wedding photographer you'll meet. I have a style that transcends Charleston, SC and have received nationwide recognition for my film work because of it. Ask yourself if you want your wedding photos to look like every one elses, perfect curated perfection, or if you want an artful story to be told. If the latter has your heart, then it's likely that you'll have mine. </p>
<p><img alt="black and white 35mm film ethereal expression portrait during charleston sc engagement couples session" src="https://briandsmithphotography.com/static/media/uploads/blog/stories/bronte-hampton/2021-01-05_0033.jpg" width="600"/></p>
<p><img alt="charleston sc couple under spanish moss oak tree at hampton park shot on kodak portra 800 film with hasselblad" src="https://briandsmithphotography.com/static/media/uploads/blog/stories/bronte-hampton/2021-01-05_0006.jpg" width="600"/></p>
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<p><span>If you are inspired by what you read, I'd love to invite you to reach out about the photography services I offer. My guarantee is that you won't find a photographer that cares more about you and your story than I. I'm endlessly passionate about telling stories on film and pushing the boundaries of art in editorial, lifestyle and portrait photography. I operate a photography studio in Charleston SC and Traverse City Michigan. I'd be thrilled to work for you and document your story, wedding or business in Charleston South Carolina, Northern Michigan, or any destination abroad. LGBTQ supporter and firm believer in the cause for all races to fight for equal rights. </span></p>
<p><span>If you'd like more info about this post, would just like to chat, or are ready to book, reach out to me by visiting my contact page here</span><span>!</span></p>
<h3><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span><a href="http://briandsmithphotography.com/contactpage/" title="http://briandsmithphotography.com/contactpage/">Contact Film Wedding and Portrait Photographer Brian D Smith Photography</a></span></span></h3>Classic studio fashion editorial on black and white film with a tulle dress2020-12-31T14:53:20+00:002024-03-28T17:45:57+00:00adminhttps://briandsmithphotography.com/blog/author/admin/https://briandsmithphotography.com/blog/classic-studio-fashion-editorial-on-black-and-white-film-with-a-tulle-dress/<h2>About the Charleston SC Studio Fashion Editorial</h2>
<p>This studio fashion editorial was inspired by the great black and white fashion photographers of generations past - think Richard Avedon. They were masters of lighting and creating something so classic and timeless that it became transcendant. I have an accompanying shoot that I did in color, shooting digital, that was inspired by a mixture of Avedon, Vogue and Paolo Reversi mystery. </p>
<p><img alt="charleston sc studio sixty reid fashion black and white film editorial image on hasselblad and kodak tri-x 120" src="https://briandsmithphotography.com/static/media/uploads/blog/projects/2020-12-31_0157.jpg" width="600"/></p>
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<h2>About the Fashion and Styling</h2>
<p>The dress was a teal blue Tulle dress, layered fabric with an underskirt made by a local designer here in South Carolina. The styling, for this portion of the shoot, was kept simple and classic, using only a single strobe and a dark seamless paper backdrop from Savage Universal. I wanted to create something that felt ageless, like the photos of Richard Avedon. Although, I can't help but ignore my constant draw towards something a bit more ethereal and dramatic and I think that came out in this photo set. </p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.cassbbydesign.com/" target="_blank" title="https://www.cassbbydesign.com/">Cass B By Design</a></span></p>
<p><img alt="black and white studio fashion portrait a la richard avedon on kodak tri-x 400 film and hasselblad 202fa" src="https://briandsmithphotography.com/static/media/uploads/blog/projects/2020-12-31_0161.jpg" width="600"/></p>
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<h2>Equipment Used and Why I Use Film for Fashion</h2>
<p>I used my favorite portrait camera, my Hasselblad 202 FA - <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://briandsmithphotography.com/blog/hasselblad-202fa-film-camera-review-for-portraits-and-weddings/" target="_blank" title="https://briandsmithphotography.com/blog/hasselblad-202fa-film-camera-review-for-portraits-and-weddings/">Review Here</a></span>. There is something freeing and timeless about the square format and I've always been drawn to the shooting experience of it, moreso than my traditional SLR cameras like my Contax 645 - <a href="https://briandsmithphotography.com/blog/contax-645-medium-format-film-camera-review-for-weddings-and-portraits/" target="_blank" title="https://briandsmithphotography.com/blog/contax-645-medium-format-film-camera-review-for-weddings-and-portraits/">Review Here</a>. I decided to shoot only on black and white film. My stock of choice is Kodak Tri-X 400 medium format. Shooting only in black and white was a chance for me to slow down and focus on the beauty in simplicity. Ever since I opened my new studio space, Studio Sixty Reid in Charleston South Carolina, I've been so focused on styling and color that at times it has become exhausting. The shoot was also meant to be an ode to the past era of fashion photographers and the amazing mood they created with such simplicity. </p>
<p><img alt="charleston sc studio fashion portrait on black and white film of girl in tulle dress lit with strobe shot on kodak tri-x 120 with hasselblad 202fa" src="https://briandsmithphotography.com/static/media/uploads/blog/projects/2020-12-31_0159.jpg" width="600"/></p>
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<p>I kept it simple with lighting as well, using only a black card for negative fill and a single strobe (godox AD600PRO) with a 48" softbox. I had the light as close to the model as possible while staying out of the frame. </p>
<h2>Portrait Photography Studio Locations - Studio Sixty Reid</h2>
<h3>Charleston SC Photography Studio</h3>
<p>I own and operate a portrait photography studio in Charleston, SC. Charleston South Carolina is the birthplace of my photography business and where I discovered and refined my love for studio portraiture. Studio Sixty Reid, named after a location where I created some of my favorite early portrait work, is a natural light and flash photography portrait studio right in the heart of Downtown Charleston. The studio is in a prime location, just a short walk from bustling king street and features solid color seamless backdrops, clean white walls, a mid century styled section for lifestyle photography shoots and enough space to create custom sets for your portrait and editorial photography projects. </p>
<h3>Northern Michigan Photography Studio - Traverse City</h3>
<p>I spend most of my Summer in Northern Michigan, 45 minutes south of Traverse City. I run an in home studio, under the same name of Studio Sixty Reid, in my lakefront family cottage. The studio features natural light and flash photography capabilities and has beautiful lake front views in the small town of Bear Lake Michigan. My Bear Lake studio is where I first set up a portrait studio, and first developed my love for flash photography and shooting film with strobes. </p>
<h2>Learn more about Brian D Smith Studio Portrait Photography</h2>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://briandsmithphotography.com/portraiture/studio-portraits/" target="_blank" title="https://briandsmithphotography.com/portraiture/studio-portraits/">Brian D Smith Photography Studio Portrait Portfolio and Information</a></span></p>
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<p><span></span><em>FROM BRIAN D SMITH PHOTOGRAPHY</em></p>
<p><span>If you are inspired by what you read, I'd love to invite you to reach out about the portrait photography studio services I offer. I have poratrait studio locations in Charleston SC and Traverse City Michigan. My guarantee is that you won't find a photographer that cares more about you and your story than I. I'm endlessly passionate about telling stories on film and pushing the boundaries of art in portrait photography. I'd be thrilled to work for you and tell your story through intentional and creative portraiture. I photograph Branding Portraits, Bridal and Wedding Portraits, Heirloom Portraits, Boudoir, and Creative / Editorial Portraiture and Fashion in studio. I celebrate all people, LGBTQ and straight. I celebrate all races and backgrounds, and there isn't a soul in this world that doesn't have an inspiring story to be told. </span></p>
<p><span>If you'd like more info about this post, would just like to chat, or are ready to book, reach out to me by visiting my contact page here</span><span>!</span></p>
<h3><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span><a href="http://briandsmithphotography.com/contactpage/" target="_blank" title="http://briandsmithphotography.com/contactpage/">Contact Studio Portrait Photographer Brian D Smith Photography</a></span></span></h3>Charleston SC Elopement at the Hotel Bennett and a Private Mount Pleasant Home2020-11-22T12:39:02+00:002024-03-28T10:31:40+00:00adminhttps://briandsmithphotography.com/blog/author/admin/https://briandsmithphotography.com/stories/charleston-sc-elopement-at-the-hotel-bennett-and-a-private-mount-pleasant-home/<h2>About the Charleston Intimate Wedding by Elopement Photographer Brian D Smith</h2>
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<p>Carson and Mike hired me a year prior to their wedding date. They had the full wedding planned with a big venue and all the trimmings. What they, and none of us, anticipated was getting married during a pandemic. With grace and good spirits they changed their wedding plans, downsized the entire event and had a wonderful time eloping in the beauty that is May for a Charleston SC wedding. </p>
<p><img alt="35mm film portrait of bride and groom in front of charleston sc wedding venue hotel bennett" src="https://briandsmithphotography.com/static/media/uploads/blog/stories/2005-carson-mike-charleston-may-elopement-hotel-bennett-mt-pleasant-00067_web.jpg" width="600"/></p>
<h3>About the Venue and Intimate Wedding Locations</h3>
<p>Carson and mike got ready at the Hotel Bennett, right in the heart of downtown Charleston's' bustling upper king street district. We had a first look right out in front of the hotel, photographed the bridal party, did a quick stroll around downtown for some portraits before the rain set in then went to a private, waterfront home in Mt Pleasant for the elopement ceremony and reception. </p>
<p><img alt="35mm film portrait in downtown charleston at hotel bennett elopement by film wedding photographer brian d smith" src="https://briandsmithphotography.com/static/media/uploads/blog/stories/2005-carson-mike-charleston-may-elopement-hotel-bennett-mt-pleasant-00084_web.jpg" width="600"/></p>
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<h3>Why You Should Elope in Charleston South Carolina and Why a Downsized Wedding is Just as Special</h3>
<p>I'm so grateful for my 2020 couples that took the pandemic in stride, embraced the changes to their Covid effected Charleston wedding and decided to switch things up with grace and style and have a small elopement or intimate wedding. I photographed quite a few elopements this year and one thing that rang true was that there was no special feeling or magic lost in a smaller wedding. In fact, at times, they felt more special and more rooted in what is really important on a wedding day...the couple, their love, and those closest to them who have witnessed that love grow. So, if you are thinking about changing up your wedding plans, cancelling, or postponing, please give me a call and ask me why elopements are so special in the Holy City. An elopement can be anything and I think that is the beauty of it. You can make it a small wedding or something entirely non-traditional and as long as you are happy the moments and wedding photographs will be beautiful. </p>
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<h2>Why I Shoot Film as a Charleston Wedding and Elopement Photographer</h2>
<p>Film is special. It's special to me for many reasons, but at the end of the day what is most important is the impact the image makes. All of the special reasons that I love film, shooting it, feeling it, waiting for it to return from the lab, coelesce into a beautiful image that makes a statement on me the second I view them for the first time. I shoot medium format and 35mm film, mostly kodak. I prefer to let the character of the images do the talking, so if you have any questions about film wedding photography, please just ask! It's one of my favorite things to talk about. </p>
<p><img alt="bridal portrait in charleston sc at golden hour on 35mm kodak portra 400 film" src="https://briandsmithphotography.com/static/media/uploads/blog/stories/2005-carson-mike-charleston-may-elopement-hotel-bennett-mt-pleasant-00101_web.jpg" width="600"/></p>
<p><img alt="mt pleasant charleston wedding couple eloping on the water shot on kodak portra 800 medium format film with hasselblad 202fa and 110mm F2 lens" src="https://briandsmithphotography.com/static/media/uploads/blog/stories/2005-carson-mike-charleston-may-elopement-hotel-bennett-mt-pleasant-00243_web.jpg" width="600"/></p>
<p><img alt="dreamy portrait of a charleston sc bride in front of hotel bennett on 35mm kodak portra 400 film shot with canon eos 1v" src="https://briandsmithphotography.com/static/media/uploads/blog/stories/2005-carson-mike-charleston-may-elopement-hotel-bennett-mt-pleasant-00075_web.jpg" width="600"/></p>
<p><img alt="charleston sc elopement couple first look by film wedding photographer brian d smith photography" src="https://briandsmithphotography.com/static/media/uploads/blog/stories/2005-carson-mike-charleston-may-elopement-hotel-bennett-mt-pleasant-00017_web.jpg" width="600"/></p>
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<h2>Why You Should Hire Me as Your Charleston Film Wedding Photographer</h2>
<p>You won't find another photographer, destination or in my hometown of Charleston SC that challenges himself more or pushes his creativity further than I do. I have an appreciation for the timeless and the classic, but strongly believe the great art is the most timeless of all and echo that in the amount of experimentation I do in my work as a destination wedding and portrait photographer. Humbly speaking, I'm the hardest working wedding photographer you'll meet. I have a style that transcends Charleston, SC and have received nationwide recognition for my film work because of it. Ask yourself if you want your wedding photos to look like every one elses, perfect curated perfection, or if you want an artful story to be told. If the latter has your heart, then it's likely that you'll have mine. </p>
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<p><span>If you are inspired by what you read, I'd love to invite you to reach out about the photography services I offer. My guarantee is that you won't find a photographer that cares more about you and your story than I. I'm endlessly passionate about telling stories on film and pushing the boundaries of art in editorial, lifestyle and portrait photography. I operate a photography studio in Charleston SC and Traverse City Michigan. I'd be thrilled to work for you and document your story, wedding or business in Charleston South Carolina, Northern Michigan, or any destination abroad. LGBTQ supporter and firm believer in the cause for all races to fight for equal rights. </span></p>
<p><span>If you'd like more info about this post, would just like to chat, or are ready to book, reach out to me by visiting my contact page here</span><span>!</span></p>
<h3><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span><a href="http://briandsmithphotography.com/contactpage/" title="http://briandsmithphotography.com/contactpage/">Contact Film Wedding and Portrait Photographer Brian D Smith Photography</a></span></span></h3>Hollywood Glam Bride and Groom Portraits on Film in an Outdoor Studio2020-11-16T05:09:19+00:002024-03-28T10:31:44+00:00adminhttps://briandsmithphotography.com/blog/author/admin/https://briandsmithphotography.com/stories/hollywood-glam-bride-and-groom-portraits-on-film-in-an-outdoor-studio/<h2>About the Charleston SC Bride and Groom Portraits in an Outdoor Studio</h2>
<p>I have been photographing studio bridal portraits for a bit over a year, but had yet to do the same with a bride and groom. With the ucoming launch of my new portrait studio location, <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://briandsmithphotography.com/portraiture/studio-portraits/" target="_blank" title="https://briandsmithphotography.com/portraiture/studio-portraits/">Studio Sixty Reid</a></span>, and putting together my first bride and groom studio editorial, I knew I wanted to go big. I worked with a backdrop setup that had proven successful for me once before, and partnered with a few of my favorite vendors to create something that was all at once editorial yet romantically, classic. The idea was to echo old Hollywood style and the vibe of 1950s vogue. This era of fashion photography was the perfect blend of grit and glam. It was artful and experimental, but so well styled and photographed that it will always be classic. Afterall, true art never goes out of style. </p>
<p><img alt="hasselblad and kodak film portrait of a charleston bride and groom in lace cream dress and white dinner jacket tuxedo in outdoor wedding portrait studio" src="https://briandsmithphotography.com/static/media/uploads/blog/studio/sabine-kris/2006-charleston-sc-outdoor-studio-bride-and-groom-portraits-kodak-film-00061_web.jpg" width="600"/></p>
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<p><img alt="light leak 35mm film image from leica m-a of bride and groom in charleston sc wedding editorial" src="https://briandsmithphotography.com/static/media/uploads/blog/studio/sabine-kris/2006-charleston-sc-outdoor-studio-bride-and-groom-portraits-kodak-film-00086_web.jpg" width="600"/></p>
<h3>About the Charleston SC wedding real couple and models</h3>
<p>I met Sabine through a mutual friend a few years back and I used to work with Kris before I began my photography career. Ever since I found out they were a couple, I've been wanting to plan a shoot for them. When they got engaged, I reached out and learned that they were getting married in South Africa - where Sabine's family is from. However, they had to schedule their wedding for a long ways out because of uncertainty around international travel with Covid. I had a vision for a bride/groom portrait shoot in an outdoor studio where the backdrop blended into the surrounding foliage. I knew I wanted Sabine and Kris for the shoot, so I reached out to them with the opportunity to get some beautiful portraits before their 2021 wedding day. </p>
<p><img alt="close up 35mm film portrait of charleston sc bride and groom in outdoor portrait studio sixty reid" src="https://briandsmithphotography.com/static/media/uploads/blog/studio/sabine-kris/2006-charleston-sc-outdoor-studio-bride-and-groom-portraits-kodak-film-00098_web.jpg" width="600"/></p>
<h3>About the styling of the old hollywood wedding fashion editorial </h3>
<p>Fashionable styling is very important to me in editorial work, and I knew I wanted something cream/warm toned to stand out against the dark cloth backdrop. I have a good working relationship with Claire Pettibone, so I reached out to her about a dress I've long been wanting to photograph and I began planning. I paired the lacey, embroidered, sleeved dress with a classic Ivory dinner jacket tux. The resulting look is both fashionable, but timeless and traditional. It echoes 1950's hollywood vibes, my favorite era for fashion photography. Weddings and wedding photography in the south, Charleston specifically, tend to rely to heavily on tradition and bride's don't often take fashion risks. I styled this shoot to meet somewhere in the middle. If I have seen something before, I tend to look the other way. I want to see new styles, new ways of photographing couples, new methods for experimenting with portraiture. Thus, the idea of the outdoor studio was born. Studio bridal portraiture is timeless and always in style, and it's something I want to bring back in a big way to the wedding world. I constructed the studio outdoors to add another textural element to the scene. I played with different film techniques, exposing some of the film to light leaks, and shooting bride and groom portraits on Large Format Film...something I've never seen done before. I worked with a local florist to create complimentary bride and groom bouquets. I think the result is edgy, and gritty, and fashionable, but classical and timeless as well. </p>
<p><img alt="black tie wedding bride and groom film portrait with cream lace claire pettibone gown and white dinner jacket in charleston sc portrait studio" src="https://briandsmithphotography.com/static/media/uploads/blog/studio/sabine-kris/2006-charleston-sc-outdoor-studio-bride-and-groom-portraits-kodak-film-00067_web.jpg" width="600"/></p>
<p>I had the idea of a bride and groom bouquet set to break down wedding traditions within the context of something so traditionally romantic. I love traditions for what they mean to people, personally, but am not too keen on traditions for the sake of the populous. Different and bold can be timeless and beautiful. This is a value I always strive to reflect in my work through styling, posing and use of color and contrast. </p>
<p><img alt="groom bouquet wedding flowers on kodak portra 800 film through hasselblad 202fa in charleston sc portrait studio" src="https://briandsmithphotography.com/static/media/uploads/blog/studio/sabine-kris/2006-charleston-sc-outdoor-studio-bride-and-groom-portraits-kodak-film-00052_web.jpg" width="600"/></p>
<h3>About the outdoor portrait studio </h3>
<p>One of my Covid quarantine projects was to set up a studio outdoors, blending the backdrop into the surrounding foliage, but still retaining the classically romantic vibes of studio portraiture. It started out of a sheer desire to create during a time when the city was on lockdown and on location photography was frowned upon. I erected a backdrop in my lush green backyard outside my studio and what was meant to be a one time thing, quickly turned into an ongoing series of portraits. The setting was unique, classic yet whimsical, but what kept drawing me back to the setup was the lighting. I shot in the late afternoon / evening, with the sun backlighting the foliage and occasionally piercing through the cloth of the backdrop. The house behind me reflected the sunsetting light onto the front of the set, all at once providing front lighting and backlighting. In fact, each time I have posted photos from this project, I have been asked if they were artificially lit. </p>
<h4>Other outdoor portrait studio sets at Charleston's Studio Sixty Reid</h4>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://briandsmithphotography.com/blog/film-bridal-portraits-and-a-claire-pettibone-gown-in-an-outdoor-portrait-studio/" target="_blank" title="https://briandsmithphotography.com/blog/film-bridal-portraits-and-a-claire-pettibone-gown-in-an-outdoor-portrait-studio/">Film bridal portraits in an outdoor studio and claire pettibone dress</a></span></p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://briandsmithphotography.com/projects/creating-moody-editorial-fashion-photography-in-my-charleston-sc-backyard/" target="_blank" title="https://briandsmithphotography.com/projects/creating-moody-editorial-fashion-photography-in-my-charleston-sc-backyard/">Moody fashion editorial in my Charleston SC outdoor portrait studio</a></span></p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://briandsmithphotography.com/projects/fashion-editorial-in-a-backyard-portrait-studio/" target="_blank" title="https://briandsmithphotography.com/projects/fashion-editorial-in-a-backyard-portrait-studio/">Vintage chic fashion editorial in an outdoor photography studio</a></span></p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://briandsmithphotography.com/blog/charleston-south-carolina-portraits-in-an-outdoor-studio/" target="_blank" title="https://briandsmithphotography.com/blog/charleston-south-carolina-portraits-in-an-outdoor-studio/">A vintage pink dress and building an outdoor portrait studio</a></span></p>
<p></p>
<p><img alt="hasselblad 202fa and kodak portra 800 portrait of charleston sc bride by film wedding photographer brian d smith in an outdoor portrait studio" src="https://briandsmithphotography.com/static/media/uploads/blog/studio/sabine-kris/2006-charleston-sc-outdoor-studio-bride-and-groom-portraits-kodak-film-00034_web.jpg" width="600"/></p>
<p></p>
<h2>Charleston SC Wedding Vendors for the Bride and Groom Editorial</h2>
<p>Photography: <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://briandsmithphotography.com/" target="_blank" title="http://briandsmithphotography.com/">Brian D Smith Photography</a></span> / <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/briandsmithphotography/" target="_blank" title="https://www.instagram.com/briandsmithphotography/">https://www.instagram.com/briandsmithphotography/</a></span></p>
<p>Set Design and Styling: <span>Brian D Smith Photography</span><span style="text-decoration: underline;"></span></p>
<p>Floral Design: <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.onalimbflorals.com/" target="_blank" title="https://www.onalimbflorals.com/">On A Limb Florals</a></span> / <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/onalimbflorals" target="_blank" title="https://www.instagram.com/onalimbflorals">https://www.instagram.com/onalimbflorals</a></span></p>
<p>Hair and Makeup: <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://www.wildivorybeauty.com/home.html" target="_blank" title="http://www.wildivorybeauty.com/home.html">Wild Ivory Beauty</a></span><span> </span>/ <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/wildivorybeauty/" target="_blank" title="https://www.instagram.com/wildivorybeauty/">https://www.instagram.com/wildivorybeauty/</a></span></p>
<p>Venue: <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://briandsmithphotography.com/portraiture/studio-portraits/" target="_blank" title="https://briandsmithphotography.com/portraiture/studio-portraits/">Studio Sixty Reid</a></span> / <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/studiosixtyreid/" target="_blank" title="https://www.instagram.com/studiosixtyreid/">https://www.instagram.com/studiosixtyreid/</a></span></p>
<p>Gown: <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.contoursandcurls.com/" target="_blank" title="https://www.contoursandcurls.com/">Contours and Curls</a></span> / <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/contoursandcurls/" target="_blank" title="https://www.instagram.com/contoursandcurls/">https://www.instagram.com/contoursandcurls/</a></span></p>
<p>Gown: <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://clairepettibone.com/products/pearle-gown" target="_blank" title="https://clairepettibone.com/products/pearle-gown">Pearle by Claire Pettibone</a></span> / <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/clairepettibone/" target="_blank" title="https://www.instagram.com/clairepettibone/">https://www.instagram.com/clairepettibone/</a></span> <span style="text-decoration: underline;"></span></p>
<p>Men's Attire: <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.berlinsclothing.com/" target="_blank" title="https://www.berlinsclothing.com/">Berlin's For Men</a></span> / <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/berlinsformen/" target="_blank" title="https://www.instagram.com/berlinsformen/">https://www.instagram.com/berlinsformen/</a></span></p>
<p>Film: Kodak / <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/kodakprofessional" target="_blank" title="https://www.instagram.com/kodakprofessional">https://www.instagram.com/kodakprofessional</a></span></p>
<p>Film Lab: <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://photovisionprints.com/" target="_blank" title="https://photovisionprints.com/">Photovision</a></span> / <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/photovisionprints/" target="_blank" title="https://www.instagram.com/photovisionprints/">https://www.instagram.com/photovisionprints/</a></span></p>
<p>Models: <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/sabine_hg/" target="_blank" title="https://www.instagram.com/sabine_hg/">https://www.instagram.com/sabine_hg/</a></span> / <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/kriswithak/" target="_blank" title="https://www.instagram.com/kriswithak/">https://www.instagram.com/kriswithak/</a></span></p>
<p></p>
<h2>Film Equipment and Techniques Used</h2>
<p>I shoot all of my work on Kodak film, both medium format and 35mm. Recently, however, I have started shooting large format as well! I tend to shoot a lot of cameras during weddings and editorials, all with a very specific purpose. I'll break down my film camera and stock selection, here. </p>
<p>1. Hasselblad 202FA + 110mm F2 lens - This is my favorite portrait camera. The F2 lens is contrasty but dreamy and it's the closest thing I've ever shot to large format without actually shooting 4x5. I shot two rolls through this camera, 1 portra 800 and 1 Kodak T-max 400. </p>
<p>2. Leica m-a + summilux-m 50mm F1.4 - This is a camera that I always tell myself I am going to shoot more but sometimes I just feel it slows me down. The results from the lens are simply outstanding, however. I shot 2 rolls portra 160 + 1 through this camera and 1 roll of portra 400. I even added in another element of experimentation and opened the film back when I finished the roll, before rewind. I LOVE the results. </p>
<p>3. Nikon Fm3a + Nikkor 50mm F1.2 ai-s - My favorite 35mm camera, and the cam I'd keep if I could only have one. During shoots like this, I typically use the nikon as either an experimental camera or close up camera. I shot kodak gold 200 in this cam. The lens tends to be much softer than my leica, so it's great for dreamy shots or injecting a bit of calculated imperfection into your images. </p>
<p>4. Contax 645 + 80mm F2 - I only shot this camera because It acted up on me in the prior shoot and I wanted to put a roll of Portra 400 through it to make sure it was still working. </p>
<p>5. Intrepid 4x5 Mkiii + Schneider symmar-s 210mm F5.6 - My first ever opportunity to shoot large format film portraits of a wedding couple did not disappoint. I shot 6 images and got 3 that I absolutely adore. Not bad for my first go around. Developed and scanned myself. Ilford Hp5 (i prefer tri-x but this is what I had around)</p>
<p><img alt="large format black and white film portrait of bride and groom in charleston sc outdoor studio backdrop" src="https://briandsmithphotography.com/static/media/uploads/blog/studio/sabine-kris/2006-charleston-sc-outdoor-studio-bride-and-groom-portraits-kodak-film-00056_web.jpg" width="600"/></p>
<p><img alt="light leak 35mm film portrait of bride and groom in charleston wedding shot with leica m-a" src="https://briandsmithphotography.com/static/media/uploads/blog/studio/sabine-kris/2006-charleston-sc-outdoor-studio-bride-and-groom-portraits-kodak-film-00025_web.jpg" width="600"/></p>
<p></p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://ruffledblog.com/autumn-engagement-session/" target="_blank" title="https://ruffledblog.com/autumn-engagement-session/"></a></span></p>
<h2><span></span>Why You Should Consider Studio Portraits for your Charleston Wedding</h2>
<p>My pitch to couples for studio wedding portraiture is simple. You are likely going to get beautiful, traditional outdoor portraits at your wedding venue the day of your wedding, so why not mix it up and do your engagement photos, wedding day portraits, or couples session in studio. It's an oppportunity to strip away the distractions and extraneous elements. It's an opportunity to slow down and create something deconstructed and beautiful. My Charleston SC portrait studio, Studio Sixty Reid, focuses on creating experimental works, well styled, yet simple in their ultimate goal of showcasing you without any other distractions. Studio portraiture is classic. It's timeless. It's artistic and will never go out of style. No two results can ever be similar because when you strip away the beautiful venue, or the crowded downtown Charleston streets, what's left is only you, your love, and your style. </p>
<h3>When should you schedule your Charleston studio wedding portraits</h3>
<p>If you don't wish for one another to see your wedding attire before the wedding, you can schedule them after ward. Doing the wedding session in studio after your actual wedding day is a great way to focus less on portraiture the day of your wedding, meaning you can enjoy more of the spontaneity and cocktail hour. It's also a wonderful excuse to get dressed up in your wedding dress once more. If you wish to do them before hand, but still are unsure about seeing eachother's dress and suit for the wedding day, pick up a second wedding outfit. Maybe a bold suit, or a more playful dress. Alternatively, you could do the opposite and make it the most regal, black tie, over the top styled affair in contrast to a more understated wedding. Nothing is off limits. I help with coordination, styling, and set design to make it a truly one of a kind portrait experience. Studio bride and groom, bride and bride, groom and groom sessions make for a wonderful 1 year wedding anniversary celebration as well. </p>
<p><img alt="like leak 35mm film bridal portrait on kodak portra 400 film with close up red lipstich and bridal bouquet shot on leica m-a" src="https://briandsmithphotography.com/static/media/uploads/blog/studio/sabine-kris/2006-charleston-sc-outdoor-studio-bride-and-groom-portraits-kodak-film-00042_web.jpg" width="600"/></p>
<p></p>
<h2>Why You Should Hire Me as Your Charleston Film Wedding Photographer</h2>
<p>You won't find another photographer, destination or in my hometown of Charleston SC that challenges himself more or pushes his creativity further than I do. I have an appreciation for the timeless and the classic, but strongly believe the great art is the most timeless of all and echo that in the amount of experimentation I do in my work as a destination wedding and portrait photographer. Humbly speaking, I'm the hardest working wedding photographer you'll meet. I have a style that transcends Charleston, SC and have received nationwide recognition for my film work because of it. Ask yourself if you want your wedding photos to look like every one elses, perfect curated perfection, or if you want an artful story to be told. If the latter has your heart, then it's likely that you'll have mine. </p>
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<p></p>
<p><span>If you are inspired by what you read, I'd love to invite you to reach out about the photography services I offer. My guarantee is that you won't find a photographer that cares more about you and your story than I. I'm endlessly passionate about telling stories on film and pushing the boundaries of art in editorial, lifestyle and portrait photography. I operate a photography studio in Charleston SC and Traverse City Michigan. I'd be thrilled to work for you and document your story, wedding or business in Charleston South Carolina, Northern Michigan, or any destination abroad. LGBTQ supporter and firm believer in the cause for all races to fight for equal rights. </span></p>
<p><span>If you'd like more info about this post, would just like to chat, or are ready to book, reach out to me by visiting my contact page here</span><span>!</span></p>
<h3><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span><a href="http://briandsmithphotography.com/contactpage/" title="http://briandsmithphotography.com/contactpage/">Contact Film Wedding and Portrait Photographer Brian D Smith Photography</a></span></span></h3>Film Bridal Portraits and a Claire Pettibone Gown in an Outdoor Portrait Studio2020-11-11T10:50:36+00:002024-03-28T14:16:54+00:00adminhttps://briandsmithphotography.com/blog/author/admin/https://briandsmithphotography.com/blog/film-bridal-portraits-and-a-claire-pettibone-gown-in-an-outdoor-portrait-studio/<h2>About the Whimsical Film Bridal Portraits at Charleston's Studio Sixty Reid</h2>
<p>This was my second time constructing an outdoor studio at the old location of my Charleston portrait photography studio - Studio Sixty Reid. This go around, I wanted to do something bridal, shoot it all on film, and use this whimsical <a href="https://clairepettibone.com/products/marie-gown" target="_blank" title="https://clairepettibone.com/products/marie-gown">Victorian wedding gown (Marie) from Claire Pettibone</a>. Kyleigh modeled the gown with grace and the whimsical, fashion forward flair that is a staple of my <a href="https://briandsmithphotography.com/portraiture/studio-portraits/#studio-bridal-portraits" target="_blank" title="https://briandsmithphotography.com/portraiture/studio-portraits/#studio-bridal-portraits">studio bridal portraiture</a>. </p>
<p><img alt="35mm film double exposure on kodak gold 200 of charleston bride in outdoor studio" src="https://briandsmithphotography.com/static/media/uploads/blog/studio/2006-kyleigh-double-exposure-35mm-film-roll-charleston-bridal-claire-pettibone-00006_web.jpg" width="600"/></p>
<h3>Photographing Portraits in an Outdoor Studio</h3>
<p>The oudoor studio is a pretty simple concept, and simple in construction. The idea came to me for an outdoor backdrop that belnds into the surrounding foliage, all the while still looking slightly out of place as an entity in nature. The studio is erected from a simple set of backdrop stands and a Savage Universal dark grey muslin cloth backdrop on the ground and some linen curtains I found at Ikea in the spare parts bin. That's it!</p>
<p><img alt="contax 645 film portrait of a bride in an outdoor portrait studio in charleston sc on kodak portra 800" src="https://briandsmithphotography.com/static/media/uploads/blog/studio/2006-charleston-studio-bridal-portrait-south-carolina-wedding-photography-00008_web.jpg" width="600"/></p>
<h3>Equipment, Cameras and Film Stocks Used </h3>
<p>I shot the entire series on film using a few cameras. For 35mm, I used my trusty Nikon Fm3a loaded with my favorite color 35mm stock, Kodak Gold 200. For medium format, I shot 1 roll of Kodak Portra 800, my favorite medium format color stock, through my Contax 645 (<a href="https://briandsmithphotography.com/blog/contax-645-medium-format-film-camera-review-for-weddings-and-portraits/" target="_blank" title="https://briandsmithphotography.com/blog/contax-645-medium-format-film-camera-review-for-weddings-and-portraits/">review here</a>). I also shot a roll of Kodak T-Max 400 120 film through my Hasselblad 202FA and FE 110mm F2 (<a href="https://briandsmithphotography.com/blog/hasselblad-202fa-film-camera-review-for-portraits-and-weddings/" target="_blank" title="https://briandsmithphotography.com/blog/hasselblad-202fa-film-camera-review-for-portraits-and-weddings/">Review of both here</a>). </p>
<p>Hasselblad 202FA + T-Max 400</p>
<p><img alt="kodak t-max 400 black and white 120 film portrait of charleston bride in outdoor portrait studio in victorian wedding dress" src="https://briandsmithphotography.com/static/media/uploads/blog/studio/2006-charleston-studio-bridal-portrait-south-carolina-wedding-photography-00018_web.jpg" width="600"/></p>
<p>Nikon Fm3a and Kodak Gold 200</p>
<p><img alt="bridal portrait by film wedding photographer brian d smith in charleston sc on kodak gold 200 35mm" src="https://briandsmithphotography.com/static/media/uploads/blog/studio/2006-charleston-studio-bridal-portrait-south-carolina-wedding-photography-00039_web.jpg" width="600"/></p>
<p>Contax 645 + Kodak Portra 800</p>
<p><img alt="studio bridal portrait with victorian dress on kodak portra 800 120 film" src="https://briandsmithphotography.com/static/media/uploads/blog/studio/2006-charleston-studio-bridal-portrait-south-carolina-wedding-photography-00007_web.jpg" width="600"/></p>
<p>I even shot some large format film and developed and scanned it myself. The result was my favorite bridal portrait EVER! Intrepid Mkiii 4x5 and Schneider 210mm F5.6</p>
<p><img alt="large format film bridal portrait with intrepid mkiii black and white film photo of bride in charleston sc" src="https://briandsmithphotography.com/static/media/uploads/blog/studio/2006-kyleigh-charleston-sc-backyard-studio-bridal-large-format-tri-x-film-00005_web.jpg" width="600"/></p>
<h2>35mm Film Double Exposure Bridal Portraits </h2>
<p>One of my favorite personal experiments in film is shooting a roll of film twice (<a href="https://briandsmithphotography.com/blog/how-to-twice-exposed-roll-of-35mm-film/" target="_blank" title="https://briandsmithphotography.com/blog/how-to-twice-exposed-roll-of-35mm-film/">How To Here</a>). The process requires me to shoot through a roll of 35mm film once, this time with the subject being clouds and sky, then I wind it up, reload it and shoot through it again with portraiture. The results this time were absolutely fantastic and resulted in, again, one of my favorite bridal portraits ever (see top image). I initially shot through the film roll in my Nikon fm2n then the second go around in the nikon fm3a. The film used was kodak gold 200. </p>
<p><img alt="double exposure on 35mm kodak gold 200 film of bride and clouds in charleston sc photography studio" src="https://briandsmithphotography.com/static/media/uploads/blog/studio/2006-kyleigh-double-exposure-35mm-film-roll-charleston-bridal-claire-pettibone-00013_web.jpg" width="600"/></p>
<p><img alt="double exposure film bridal portrait on 35mm kodak gold 200 of charleston bride close up on red lipstick" src="https://briandsmithphotography.com/static/media/uploads/blog/studio/2006-kyleigh-double-exposure-35mm-film-roll-charleston-bridal-claire-pettibone-00011_web.jpg" width="600"/></p>
<p></p>
<h2>Portrait Photography Studio Locations - Studio Sixty Reid</h2>
<h3>Charleston SC Photography Studio</h3>
<p>I own and operate a portrait photography studio in Charleston, SC. Charleston South Carolina is the birthplace of my photography business and where I discovered and refined my love for studio portraiture. Studio Sixty Reid, named after a location where I created some of my favorite early portrait work, is a natural light and flash photography portrait studio right in the heart of Downtown Charleston. The studio is in a prime location, just a short walk from bustling king street and features solid color seamless backdrops, clean white walls, a mid century styled section for lifestyle photography shoots and enough space to create custom sets for your portrait and editorial photography projects. </p>
<h3>Northern Michigan Photography Studio - Traverse City</h3>
<p>I spend most of my Summer in Northern Michigan, 45 minutes south of Traverse City. I run an in home studio, under the same name of Studio Sixty Reid, in my lakefront family cottage. The studio features natural light and flash photography capabilities and has beautiful lake front views in the small town of Bear Lake Michigan. My Bear Lake studio is where I first set up a portrait studio, and first developed my love for flash photography and shooting film with strobes. </p>
<h2>Learn more about Brian D Smith Film Wedding Photographer and Studio Portrait Photography</h2>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://briandsmithphotography.com/portraiture/studio-portraits/" target="_blank" title="https://briandsmithphotography.com/portraiture/studio-portraits/">Brian D Smith Photography Studio Portrait Portfolio and Information</a></span></p>
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<p><span></span><em>FROM BRIAN D SMITH PHOTOGRAPHY</em></p>
<p><span>If you are inspired by what you read, I'd love to invite you to reach out about the portrait photography studio services I offer. I have poratrait studio locations in Charleston SC and Traverse City Michigan. My guarantee is that you won't find a photographer that cares more about you and your story than I. I'm endlessly passionate about telling stories on film and pushing the boundaries of art in portrait photography. I'd be thrilled to work for you and tell your story through intentional and creative portraiture. I photograph Branding Portraits, Bridal and Wedding Portraits, Heirloom Portraits, Boudoir, and Creative / Editorial Portraiture and Fashion in studio. I celebrate all people, LGBTQ and straight. I celebrate all races and backgrounds, and there isn't a soul in this world that doesn't have an inspiring story to be told. </span></p>
<p><span>If you'd like more info about this post, would just like to chat, or are ready to book, reach out to me by visiting my contact page here</span><span>!</span></p>
<h3><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span><a href="http://briandsmithphotography.com/contactpage/" target="_blank" title="http://briandsmithphotography.com/contactpage/">Contact Studio Portrait Photographer Brian D Smith Photography</a></span></span></h3>Hasselblad 202FA Film Camera Review For Portraits and Weddings2020-09-06T16:43:40+00:002024-03-28T17:58:33+00:00adminhttps://briandsmithphotography.com/blog/author/admin/https://briandsmithphotography.com/blog/hasselblad-202fa-film-camera-review-for-portraits-and-weddings/<h2>Hasselblad 202FA Medium Format Film Camera System Overview</h2>
<p>The Hasselblad 202FA is a focal plane shutter medium format film camera from Hasselblad. It's designed and built with the same ergonomics as the classic Hasselblad, modular, square body camera system but with the addition of a few extra electronic bits. The 202FA features a focal plane shutter, as apposed to the traditional leaf shutter that is incorporated into the lenses of the 500 series cameras. The focal plane shutter has the benefit of a faster shutter speed, but most importantly it allows for the design of faster lenses since you don't have to incorporate a shutter into the design. This was my main reason for purchasing the 202FA camera. I wanted to shoot the legendary Hasselblad FE 110mm F2 lens. The 202FA is one of a few cameras in the focal plane shutter line from Hasselblad. Hasselblad first introduced the focal plane shutter in a 2000 series, but most people avoid those cameras for their poor build and lack of features. The 202FA sits ahead of the 2000 series, but slightly below the top of the line 203FE and 205TCC/FCC cameras. The features are similar among the 4 cameras, but the 202FA has a 1/1000th max shutter whereas the others have a 1/2000. There are other features that differ between the cameras, but none that were a deal breaker for me. So, I decided to save a bit of money (about $500 or so) and go with the 202FA. If I had found a good deal on a 203FE, I would have bought it just for the extra stop of shutter speed. </p>
<p><img alt="hasselblad 202fa film camera product photography in charleston sc studio on tan savage seamless paper backdrop" src="https://briandsmithphotography.com/static/media/uploads/blog/fortogs/hasselblad%20202fa/2008-hasselblad-202fa-100mm-f2-film-camera-review-brian-d-smith-photography-00003_web.jpg" width="600"/></p>
<p>The legendary, FE 110mm F2</p>
<p><img alt="hasselblad FE 110mm F2 medium format film lens studio porduct photograph in charleston sc" src="https://briandsmithphotography.com/static/media/uploads/blog/fortogs/hasselblad%20202fa/2008-hasselblad-202fa-100mm-f2-film-camera-review-brian-d-smith-photography-00008_web.jpg" width="600"/></p>
<h3>Hasselblad 202FA Camera Specifications</h3>
<p>I won't go into crazy detail about specs or minute details of the camera's operation, as I mostly care about real world experiences, pros and cons, and image quality. </p>
<ol>
<li>1/1000s Top Shutter Speed</li>
<li>Interchangeable Film Backs, E12 and E24</li>
<li>In camera TTL metering</li>
<li>Interchangeable Lenses</li>
<li>Multi-Exposure Mode (infinite). A decouple lever to disengage the film advance from the shutter cock.</li>
<li>Flash sync at 1/90s, and TTL capabilities with dedicated hasselblad flash units. </li>
<li>Aperture Priority</li>
<li>Full Manual Operation</li>
<li>Manual Focus</li>
<li>Self Timer</li>
<li>Manual Film ISO Setting on Back</li>
<li>Comes with the Hasselblad Acute Matte D bright screen</li>
<li>Takes Hasselblad FE lenses. All of the standard hasselblad focal lengths, but the FE lenses are 1 stop faster</li>
<li>Can use Hasselblad CF and CFi lenses but only in stopped down mode. You cannot use the leaf shutter of the lens like you can on the 203FE</li>
</ol>
<p><img alt="hasselblad 202fa medium format camera system in pieces in studio on tan seamless" src="https://briandsmithphotography.com/static/media/uploads/blog/fortogs/hasselblad%20202fa/2008-hasselblad-202fa-100mm-f2-film-camera-review-brian-d-smith-photography-00006_web.jpg" width="600"/></p>
<p><img alt="hasselblad 202fa dials and exposure adjustment buttons in studio" src="https://briandsmithphotography.com/static/media/uploads/blog/fortogs/hasselblad%20202fa/2008-hasselblad-202fa-100mm-f2-film-camera-review-brian-d-smith-photography-00004_web.jpg" width="600"/></p>
<p><img alt="hasselblad 202fa medium format film camera with FE 100mm F2 lens in studio" src="https://briandsmithphotography.com/static/media/uploads/blog/fortogs/hasselblad%20202fa/2008-hasselblad-202fa-100mm-f2-film-camera-review-brian-d-smith-photography-00005_web.jpg" width="600"/></p>
<p><img alt="exposure adjustments and controls of hasselblad 202fa medium format focal plane shutter camera system" src="https://briandsmithphotography.com/static/media/uploads/blog/fortogs/hasselblad%20202fa/2008-hasselblad-202fa-100mm-f2-film-camera-review-brian-d-smith-photography-00001_web.jpg" width="600"/></p>
<p>It's just as beautiful as every other hasselblad camera but with just a bit of modern lines and controls. Shown here is the 202FA with the 45 degree prism finder, FE 110mm F2 lens and E12 back. </p>
<p><img alt="a studio product shot of the hasselblad 202fa with 110mm F2 lens in charleston sc" src="https://briandsmithphotography.com/static/media/uploads/blog/fortogs/hasselblad%20202fa/2008-hasselblad-202fa-100mm-f2-film-camera-review-brian-d-smith-photography-00002_web.jpg" width="600"/></p>
<h3>Prism and Waist Level Finders for the Hasselblad 202FA</h3>
<p>The 45 degree prism is removable and can be swapped out for the traditional hasselblad waist level finder, 90 degree prism finder or even metered prism finders....which is strange because the camera already has TTL metering and a readout right above the matte screen that is visible through the prism. I bought the camera with the 45 degree PM5 finder but quickly ordered the PM90, non metered, finder. The downside to using angled finders is that they force your perspective to be a bit lower for portraiture. I shoot a lot of close up portraits, and this 'nose up' perspective is generally considered unflattering. I ordered the PM90 prism so that I could shoot at a higher, more flattering perspective. I will say, however, that Hasselblad cameras are ergonomically terrible when using a 90 degree finder. A lot of the rotational resistance and stability from holding a hasselblad comes from pressing the camera into your palm, both when looking through the viewfinder and when depressing the shutter on the front of the body. When you are using a 90 degree finder, the camera tends to sit less cradeled in your palm and and pressing the shutter button can often cause the camera to want to move. I still use the 90 degree finder, but am just a little more careful about how i grip the camera. The PM5, 45 degree, finder is significantly more ergonomically friendly. </p>
<p></p>
<p>IMPORTANT: If you are going to buy this camera, make sure it comes with a waist level finder. WLFs are nearly impossible to find for these cameras and when you do find one, expect to pay around $600 for one. I assumed that a normal WLF would fit from a 500 series onto my 202FA when I bought it, but I quickly realized that there is a cutout on the front of the prism mounting channel where the metering readout slides into so that it is visible in the prism and the WLF that comes with the camera. You can identify the meter window WLFs by 2 blue lines, same with all prisms for the system, on the side of the unit. They are often called "blue line" finders. I didn't want to spend the money, so I painstakingly modified the 500 series WLF I purchased off ebay with a dremel tool. It was quite difficult to get the size and cuts right and it still doesn't sit perfect as there are other slight design changes to the mounting tracks on blue line finders.</p>
<p></p>
<p>Another important note to mention with waist level finders on the 200 series cameras is that the meter display will read upside down. This is because it is meant to be used with a prism which is flipping, 180 degrees, what is coming through its mount and into what you are seeing through the eyepiece. It's a bit annoying and you wouldn't think so, but it is actually quite hard to read shutter speeds upside down, particularly 5s and 2s since they look like one another inverted. </p>
<p><img alt="hasselblad e12 film back with darkslide in studio on tan seamless paper" src="https://briandsmithphotography.com/static/media/uploads/blog/fortogs/hasselblad%20202fa/2008-hasselblad-202fa-100mm-f2-film-camera-review-brian-d-smith-photography-00007_web.jpg" width="600"/></p>
<p></p>
<h3>Hasselblad 202FA Lens Options - FE Lenses</h3>
<p>The 200 series cameras take a new series of lenses, designated FE. Most of the Hasselblad FE lenses are most easily noticeable by their 1 stop faster aperture, except for the 80mm which still remains at F2.8 maxium aperture. You can tell the FE lenses apart in pictures by 2 blue lines on the side of the lens, just as the prism finders have. I own the 50mm F2.8, 80mm F2.8, 110mm F2 and 150mm F2.8. All lenses except the 110mm F2 came with the camera. All I really wanted for the camera was the 50mm and 110mm. I told myself I would sell the other two as soon as I got the camera. I decided to hold onto the 80mm, because it's such a good do it all lens, especially when the 110 is too long. I will most likely sell the 150, however. I just don't often find a need for it. </p>
<ol>
<li>Zeiss FE 50mm F2.8 Distagon</li>
<li>Zeiss FE 80mm F2.8 Planar</li>
<li>Zeiss FE 110mm F2 Planar</li>
<li>Zeiss FE 150mm F2.8 Sonnar</li>
<li>Zeiss FE 250mm F4 Tele-Tessar</li>
<li>Zeiss FE 350mm F4 Tele-Tessar</li>
</ol>
<p><img alt="hasselblad FE 110mm fe lens side view with blue lines" src="https://briandsmithphotography.com/static/media/uploads/blog/fortogs/hasselblad%20202fa/2008-hasselblad-202fa-100mm-f2-film-camera-review-brian-d-smith-photography-00009_web.jpg" width="600"/></p>
<p></p>
<p>Here are two examples of where the two lenses I primarily use for the Hasselblad 202FA really shine</p>
<h4>Hasselblad Planar FE 110mm F2 Lens for 200 Series Cameras</h4>
<p>The 110mm F2 lens is legendary for its ultra shallow depth of field. As far as I know, it is the shallowest DOF lens for a medium format camera system. The mamiya 80mm F1.9 is faster, but given the Hasselblad's longer focal length, it has a significantly shallower DOF. The DOF is so shallow and the focal plane is so flat that it renders close to large format. When I am shooting this lens, I am shooting it at F2 at least 80% of the time. It's super sharp at F2 and only suffers from slight vignetting in the corners. Otherwise, you can just shoot at F2 all day long. You do have to be really careful with focusing, which isn't always the easiest thing to do on a hasselblad. </p>
<p><img alt="hasselblad fe 110mm f2 planar lens bokeh for 200 series cameras" src="https://briandsmithphotography.com/static/media/uploads/blog/fortogs/hasselblad%20202fa/2006-sally-backyard-charleston-studio-kodak-portra-800-hasselblad-202fa-film-portrait-00002_web.jpg" width="600"/></p>
<p>As you can see in the image, above, the bokeh of the lens is really beautiful and not at all distracting when shot wide open. The bokeh is pleasantly circular, with just a touch of hexagonal shape from the large aperture blades. It's also really really sharp in the center. It doesn't have the surreal rendering of the Zeiss 80mm F2 for the Contax 645 system - <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://briandsmithphotography.com/blog/contax-645-medium-format-film-camera-review-for-weddings-and-portraits/" target="_blank" title="https://briandsmithphotography.com/blog/contax-645-medium-format-film-camera-review-for-weddings-and-portraits/">Contax 645 Review</a><a href="https://briandsmithphotography.com/blog/contax-645-medium-format-film-camera-review-for-weddings-and-portraits/" target="_blank" title="https://briandsmithphotography.com/blog/contax-645-medium-format-film-camera-review-for-weddings-and-portraits/"> Here</a></span>. Honestly, the Zeiss 80 at times appears to have a shallower depth of field because it has such creamy, blended bokeh and the focal plane isn't perfectly flat, but if you want that large format rendering then the Hasselblad Planar FE 110mm F2 lens is the only way to go in medium format film. </p>
<h4>Zeiss Distagon FE 50mm F2.8 Wide Angle Lens for Hasselblad 200 Series</h4>
<p>This is the other legendary lens for the Hasselblad 200 series medium format film cameras. Nearly everyone who shoots medium format film knows of the Hasselblad 50mm distagon lens design, the F4 version for the 500 series cameras. It's a storied lens with beautiful rendering and very little distortion. The FE 50mm F2.8 lens is stellar...nearly flawless. The lens has 4 floating elements so distortion is nearly non-existent. It's the most beautiful wide angle lens I have ever used, having about a 28mm lens equivalent on 35mm full frame cameras. I tend to never shoot 35mm. It's a relatively boring focal length for me. I always gravitate toward 50mm equivalent, and if I go wide, I tend to go really wide. </p>
<p><img alt="hasselblad FE 50mm f2.8 engagement portrait from hasselblad 202fa on chalmers st in charleston sc" src="https://briandsmithphotography.com/static/media/uploads/blog/fortogs/hasselblad%20202fa/2002-nash-amy-charleston-downtown-february-engagement-photos-film-00046_web.jpg" width="600"/></p>
<p>I haven't used the 50mm nearly as much as I would like to. I want to take it traveling with me and use it more for scene setting portraits at weddings, but the lens is SO heavy. It weighs nearly 5 pounds. It's exhausting to carry around. I don't think I could ever use it as a dedicated lens on the camera because it would make my neck and shoulders so sore at a wedding or portrait shoot. </p>
<p></p>
<h2>Hasselblad 202FA Medium Format Film Camera for Wedding Photography</h2>
<h3>Shooting Manual Focus Film at Weddings</h3>
<p>Honestly, it isn't easy manual focusing at weddings. Even when you take your time, there is still that ever existing pressure of the schedule or timeline weighing on you and I find that my hit percentage for manual focus is much lower at weddings than it would be during a portrait or studio shoot. That being said, I would rather miss by my own mistake than relying on finicky AF systems of film cameras. I also enjoy the process of slowing down at weddings. </p>
<p><img alt="bokeh of hasselblad 110mm f2 with bridal portrait holding bouquet in northern michigan at aurora cellars" src="https://briandsmithphotography.com/static/media/uploads/blog/fortogs/hasselblad%20202fa/2007-michigan-bridal-editorial-aurora-cellars-film-wedding-photographer-brian-d-smith-00089_web.jpg" width="600"/></p>
<p>I also think that square format is something so timelessly cool and there is something to be said for a format and look that not many other wedding photographers pursue. I think using the Hasselblad is a good way to make my work stand out, with the unique 6x6 negatives. </p>
<p><img alt="bride and groom portrait in an outdoor studio with savage muslin backdrop taken with 202fa hasselblad" src="https://briandsmithphotography.com/static/media/uploads/blog/fortogs/hasselblad%20202fa/2006-charleston-sc-outdoor-studio-bride-and-groom-portraits-kodak-film-00061_web.jpg" width="600"/></p>
<p><img alt="bride and groom film portrait with pink flowers in west michigan wedding on hasselblad and kodak film" src="https://briandsmithphotography.com/static/media/uploads/blog/fortogs/hasselblad%20202fa/2006-felt-mansion-michigan-wedding-editorial-film-photography-brian-d-smith-00111_web.jpg" width="600"/></p>
<h3>Speed and Usability of the Hasselblad for Wedding Photography</h3>
<p>Honestly, this is the only area where I would ding the Hasselblad for being a great medium format film camera for wedding photographers. You really have to be diligent and make sure you don't run out of film near a critical moment because winding and changing the film is not a fast process. I definitely recommend having a spare back or two for quick swapping. It isn't particularly hard to load the camera...honestly, it's quite a nice experience, but it isn't nearly as fast as a auto camera. If I am shooting the hasselblad 202FA at a wedding, I typically have an auto film camera on me as well, like my Canon EOS 1V. It takes a lot of practice to be comfortable with the Hasselblad as a primary wedding film camera, but it is doable if you commit to loving the process of slowing down. This is what I have done, but I do stress that you should have a backup camera of some sort that is very quick to load. The square format, though...it's just cool. </p>
<p><img alt="black and white film wedding portrait on hasselblad with bride and groom standing beneath tree at felt mansion" src="https://briandsmithphotography.com/static/media/uploads/blog/fortogs/hasselblad%20202fa/2006-felt-mansion-michigan-wedding-editorial-film-photography-brian-d-smith-00087_web.jpg" width="600"/></p>
<p></p>
<h3>Additional wedding photography information and Hasselblad 202FA images on the site</h3>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://briandsmithphotography.com/weddings/" target="_blank" title="https://briandsmithphotography.com/weddings/">Film Wedding Photography by Brian D Smith</a></span></p>
<h2>Review - Photographing Portraits with the Hasselblad 202FA Film System</h2>
<h3>Why the Hasselblad is my Favorite Film Portrait Camera</h3>
<p>Nobody shoots film regularly and isn't intrigued by the square format, and particularly the Hasselblad system. It's a legendary camera, and almost every famous film photographer in history used it in some fashion in their work. I initially started by purchasing a Hasselblad 500 c/m and fell in love with the top down viewfinder and the classic approach to photography that the system seemed to coerce me into. It was never my end goal, however. I wanted the focal plane system, so as soon as I scored my 202FA, I sold the 500 c/m and then I really fell in love with Hasselblad. I think there is something huge to be said about the camera that feels cool, the camera that wills you to go out and shoot more. That is the hasselblad for me. I feel so connected to the process, to the bright viewfinder, to the manual focus lenses, to the hand crank to advance the film. I genuinely feel like this connectedness makes me a better portrait photographer. The other main reason is the lens selection. I bought this camera, intentionally, for the lenses. The lenses are unlike none I have ever used and that is enough to justify a camera...much like the Contax. However, if I was only allowed to have 1 camera for the rest of my life, it would be an easy decision picking the Hassy over the Contax 645. </p>
<p><img alt="kodak t-max 400 portrait in an outdoor studio of sad girl on black and white film" src="https://briandsmithphotography.com/static/media/uploads/blog/fortogs/hasselblad%20202fa/2006-sally-charleston-sc-self-developed-black-and-white-film-hasselblad-studio-portraits-00023_web.jpg" width="600"/></p>
<h3>Shooting a Hasselblad 202FA Film Camera in Studio</h3>
<p>The hasselblad is also my go to film camera for studio work that is LED lit or naturally lit. I still use the <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://briandsmithphotography.com/projects/fall-themed-fashion-shoot-in-studio-with-strobes-on-film/" target="_blank" title="https://briandsmithphotography.com/projects/fall-themed-fashion-shoot-in-studio-with-strobes-on-film/">contax 645 for studio strobe work</a></span>. I find that subjects seem to connect better with a familiar camera and one that is maybe less "technical" looking like a modern AF film camera or digital camera might be. When all of the other movements involved with the shot are slower and more thought out, I find that I am more patient waiting on that exact moment where the subject's expression is what I want. The only downside to shooting a Hasselblad as a studio portrait camera is that it can be hard to focus in dim lighting. My 500 c/m, without the bright screen was so difficult to focus in studio settings (light reference, ISO 400, F2.8, 1/60). I missed focus about 40% of the time with my 500 c/m. With the bright screen and proper split prism of the Acute Matte D focusing screen, my percentage is much higher. That being said I still miss...maybe 3 shots per roll of 12. It's just one of the quirks of the camera that I deal with because I love the process and results so much. </p>
<p><img alt="studio portrait of artist holding paint brush and easel on kodak film with hasselblad 202fa" src="https://briandsmithphotography.com/static/media/uploads/blog/fortogs/hasselblad%20202fa/2005-film-chelsea-green-cmi-charleston-sc-studio-portraits-branding-00003_web.jpg" width="600"/></p>
<p>I even use the camera when I shoot fashion work. It's just such a joy to use and I'm often okay with a bit of motion blurr and out of focus images that a slower camera like the hasselblad can be susceptible to. </p>
<p><img alt="fashion portrait on kodak portra 800 film with hasselblad 202fa of girl in bandana top and black jeans" src="https://briandsmithphotography.com/static/media/uploads/blog/fortogs/hasselblad%20202fa/2006-glennon-charleston-hasselblad-kodak-film-portraits-p800-00004_web.jpg" width="600"/></p>
<h3>Viewing the World Through a Waist Level Finder is Magical</h3>
<p>If you've never used a WLF, waist level finder film camera like a Hasselblad or TLR...go out and do it now. It's hard to explain just how enjoyable it is. There is a presence to the viewfinder. Colors are vibrant and light is beautiful. Subjects seem to exist in your camera. That's why I own a WLF for my Hasselblad 202FA, even though a prism finder is better for portrait work because it puts the perspective closer to subject eye level. I use my WLF when I am doing more documentary work, like photographing my family. This film portrait of my family on vacation was shot on Portra 800 film. You can see all of those film documentary portraits, <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://briandsmithphotography.com/weekly/07-04-20/" target="_blank" title="https://briandsmithphotography.com/weekly/07-04-20/">here</a></span>. </p>
<p><img alt="Kodak portra 800 film shot of family in water in northern michigan with giant boat tube" src="https://briandsmithphotography.com/static/media/uploads/blog/fortogs/hasselblad%20202fa/2007-bear-lake-michigan-family-kodak-gold-portra-800-film-00028_web.jpg" width="600"/></p>
<p></p>
<h2>Cons and Downsides of the Hasselblad 200 Series Film Cameras</h2>
<p>Really, the only thing that would ever keep me from buying into the 200 system from Hasselblad, or using it as my primary medium format film camera is the price and the lack of repairability of the shutter. It's an expensive system to buy into, bodies alone cost upwards of $2000 and that is if you can find one. Most for sale on ebay are buy it now auctions from Japan with inflated prices. The biggest downside, however, is that the silk focal plane shutters cannot be repaired, so you'll just have a brick of a body. If you don't mind just continuously buying new bodies when they inevitably fail then this won't be a problems. However, the cameras will get harder and harder to find and more expensive because of it. </p>
<p></p>
<p><img alt="black and white film portrait of girl laughing in outdoor studio taken on hasselblad 202fa and 110mm f2 lens" src="https://briandsmithphotography.com/static/media/uploads/blog/fortogs/hasselblad%20202fa/2006-glennon-self-developed-film-black-and-white-kodak-trix-charleston-00009_web.jpg" width="600"/></p>
<h2>Why You Should buy a Hasselblad 202FA - One Reason</h2>
<h3>The FE 110mm F2 Lens is One of the Greatest Medium Format Film Lenses Ever</h3>
<p>The 110mm Planar F2 lens is just surreal...literally surreal. It so nearly obtains that large format surreal rendering, that it almost convinced me to sell my 4x5 camera. The focal plane is so razor flat and the rendering is so pleasant. It's just a dream lens and the only way to shoot it is to buy a 200 series camera or find one that was strangely adapted to a Pentax 67 or digital camera. I wrote a detailed review of that lens, <a href="https://briandsmithphotography.com/blog/hasselblad-fe-110mm-f2-planar-medium-format-film-lens-review/" target="_blank" title="https://briandsmithphotography.com/blog/hasselblad-fe-110mm-f2-planar-medium-format-film-lens-review/">here</a>.</p>
<p><img alt="shallow depth of field film portrait from hasselblad 202fa and 110mm f2 lens of girl on stool in fall" src="https://briandsmithphotography.com/static/media/uploads/blog/fortogs/hasselblad%20202fa/2005-charleston-fashion-portraits-kodak-tmax-400-film-hasselblad-202fa-12_web.jpg" width="600"/></p>
<p></p>
<p>Thanks for reading my review of the Hasselblad 202FA medium format film camera system for weddings and portraits. I am an experienced film photographer, shooting all my work on film, and having shot most of the popular camera systems on the market. If you have any questions about the Hasselblad 200 series film cameras and my exerience as a wedding and portrait photographer, please reach out! Be sure to check out the rest of my blog for more camera reviews, galleries and other film photography work. </p>
<h2>More Camera Reviews, Photography Tips and Helpful Articles on the Blog</h2>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://briandsmithphotography.com/blog/category/forphotographers/" target="_blank" title="https://briandsmithphotography.com/blog/category/forphotographers/">For Photographers - Brian D Smith Photography Film and Education Blog</a></span></p>
<p></p>
<h2>Learn more about Film Photographer - Brian D Smith Photography</h2>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://briandsmithphotography.com/" target="_blank" title="https://briandsmithphotography.com/">Brian D Smith Portrait, Wedding, Editorial and Branding Photography</a></span></p>
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<p><span></span></p>
<p><span>If you are inspired by what you read, I'd love to invite you to reach out about the photography services I offer. My guarantee is that you won't find a photographer that cares more about you and your story than I. I'm endlessly passionate about telling stories on film and pushing the boundaries of art in editorial, lifestyle<span> </span>and portrait photography. I operate a photography studio in Charleston SC and Traverse City Michigan. I'd be thrilled to work for you and document your story, wedding or business in Charleston South Carolina, Northern Michigan, or any destination abroad. LGBTQ supporter and firm believer in the cause for all races to fight for equal rights. </span></p>
<p><span>If you'd like more info about this post, would just like to chat, or are ready to book, reach out to me by visiting my contact page here</span><span>!</span></p>
<h3><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span><a href="http://briandsmithphotography.com/contactpage/" title="http://briandsmithphotography.com/contactpage/">Contact Film Wedding and Portrait Photographer Brian D Smith Photography</a></span></span></h3>Family and 4th of July in Northern Michigan Documentary on Film2020-08-16T14:31:41+00:002024-03-28T11:52:12+00:00adminhttps://briandsmithphotography.com/blog/author/admin/https://briandsmithphotography.com/blog/07-04-20/<h2>4th of July Fun and Why I Document my Family on Film</h2>
<p>My family all gathers at our lake cottage in Bear Lake Michigan every year around 4th of July. My sister and her husband weren't able to join us this year, but with 2 nephews, it's always a rambunctious time and I always have plenty to photograph. I always photograph the family on film. When I shoot digital, I tend to shoot more and then the thought of editing all those images from scratch becomes so daunting and I never end up doing it. With film, I slow down, shoot more conciously and can 1 click edit the images when I get the film scans back. This year I brought out my favorite camera, my Hasselblad 202FA with a roll or two of Portra 800 film and my trusty old favorite Nikon FM3a with Kodak Gold 200. The presence of a 6x6 medium format image is hard to ignore and I just find it so visually pleasing. 35mm film just screams summer to me. It reminds me of childhood and carries a certain nostalgia with it. Film has a permanence about it which makes it the perfect medium for capturing something so fleeting as life. </p>
<p></p>
<p><img alt="documentary family photograph on a lake in michigan on kodak portra 800 film with hasselblad 202fa" src="https://briandsmithphotography.com/static/media/uploads/blog/weekly/2007-bear-lake-michigan-family-kodak-gold-portra-800-film-00028_web.jpg" width="600"/></p>
<h2>See More Weekly Documentary Projects and Lifestyle Photography</h2>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://briandsmithphotography.com/weekly/" target="_blank" title="https://briandsmithphotography.com/weekly/">Brian D Smith Photography Weekly Lifestyle Blog</a></span></p>
<h2>Learn more about Brian D Smith Photography</h2>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://briandsmithphotography.com/" target="_blank" title="https://briandsmithphotography.com/">Brian D Smith Portrait, Wedding, Editorial and Branding Photography</a></span></p>
<p>~~ ~~</p>
<p><span></span></p>
<p><span>If you are inspired by what you read, I'd love to invite you to reach out about the photography services I offer. My guarantee is that you won't find a photographer that cares more about you and your story than I. I'm endlessly passionate about telling stories on film and pushing the boundaries of art in editorial, lifestyle<span> </span>and portrait photography. I operate a photography studio in Charleston SC and Traverse City Michigan. I'd be thrilled to work for you and document your story, wedding or business in Charleston South Carolina, Northern Michigan, or any destination abroad. LGBTQ supporter and firm believer in the cause for all races to fight for equal rights. </span></p>
<p><span>If you'd like more info about this post, would just like to chat, or are ready to book, reach out to me by visiting my contact page here</span><span>!</span></p>
<h3><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span><a href="http://briandsmithphotography.com/contactpage/" title="http://briandsmithphotography.com/contactpage/">Contact Lifestyle<span> </span>Photographer Brian D Smith Photography</a></span></span></h3>Film Wedding Photography at West Michigan's Felt Mansion2020-08-04T10:22:44+00:002024-03-28T06:49:36+00:00adminhttps://briandsmithphotography.com/blog/author/admin/https://briandsmithphotography.com/stories/film-wedding-photography-at-west-michigans-felt-mansion/<h2>About the West Michigan Wedding Editorial at Felt Mansion</h2>
<p>Felt Mansion was the first stop for Emily of Connolly House Events and I on a 5 day road trip through Michigan, touring the most stand out wedding venues that the state has to offer. Emily and I both share a passion for elevating Michigan wedding style and fashion and when we had the opportunity to piece together an editorial on our road trip, we took the opportunity to showcase some fashionable Michigan love. A real couple, killer native Michigan florals, artful hair and makeup, a classic dress silhouette and brilliant vision came together on a sunny West Michigan evening. The result became some of my most effortlessly romantic bride and groom portraits to date - all shot on 35mm and medium format film. </p>
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<p><img alt="felt mansion wedding portrait photography by brian d smith photography with out of focus bride and groom on 35mm film" src="https://briandsmithphotography.com/static/media/uploads/blog/stories/connolly-felt/2006-felt-mansion-michigan-wedding-editorial-film-photography-brian-d-smith-00054_web.jpg" width="600"/></p>
<h3>The West Michigan Wedding Vendor Team</h3>
<p>Photography: <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://briandsmithphotography.com/" target="_blank" title="http://briandsmithphotography.com/">Brian D Smith Photography</a></span> / <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/briandsmithphotography/" target="_blank" title="https://www.instagram.com/briandsmithphotography/">https://www.instagram.com/briandsmithphotography/</a></span></p>
<p>Planning + Design: <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.connollyhouseevents.com/" target="_blank" title="https://www.connollyhouseevents.com/">Connolly House Events</a></span> / <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/connollyhouseevents/" target="_blank" title="https://www.instagram.com/connollyhouseevents/">https://www.instagram.com/connollyhouseevents/</a></span></p>
<p>Floral Design: <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.cassandjean.com/" target="_blank" title="https://www.cassandjean.com/">Cass and Jean Flower Co.</a></span> / <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/cass_and_jeanflowerco/" target="_blank" title="https://www.instagram.com/cass_and_jeanflowerco/">https://www.instagram.com/cass_and_jeanflowerco/</a></span></p>
<p>Venue: <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.feltmansion.org/" target="_blank" title="https://www.feltmansion.org/">Felt Mansion</a></span><span> </span>/ <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/eventsatfelt/" target="_blank" title="https://www.instagram.com/eventsatfelt/">https://www.instagram.com/eventsatfelt/</a></span></p>
<p>Hair + Makeup Artist: <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://wildemeraldbridal.com/" target="_blank" title="http://wildemeraldbridal.com/">Wild Emerald Bridal</a></span> / <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/wild.emerald.bridal/" target="_blank" title="https://www.instagram.com/wild.emerald.bridal/">https://www.instagram.com/wild.emerald.bridal/</a></span></p>
<p>Dress Boutique: <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://www.springsweet.com/bridal" target="_blank" title="http://www.springsweet.com/bridal">Spring Sweet Bridal</a></span> / <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/springsweetbridal/" target="_blank" title="https://www.instagram.com/springsweetbridal/">https://www.instagram.com/springsweetbridal/</a></span></p>
<p>Couple: <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/jess_brinks/" target="_blank" title="https://www.instagram.com/jess_brinks/">https://www.instagram.com/jess_brinks/</a></span> / <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/mynameisjaroldo/" target="_blank" title="https://www.instagram.com/mynameisjaroldo/">https://www.instagram.com/mynameisjaroldo/</a></span></p>
<h3>About The Michigan Wedding Couple</h3>
<p>Jessica and Jared met while studying at the IIT Institute of Design in Chicago. Both are charasmatic, ethusiastic entrepreneurs - their first extensive formal encounter being at a mentorship program for creative minds in business at the college. Jessica is sophisticated and classic. Jared is a renaissance type man. They are a power couple in the most figurative sense of the phrase. Most importantly, they genuinely love eachother and in an outwardly expressive way. They are quiet in demeanor and expressions of affection but I felt every pause, every whisper and every gaze come through in the imagery. There is a quiet poeticism to their love, and I'm not sure I've ever seen it so well reflected in photographs as I did in this michigan wedding editorial. Love is bountiful and plentiful in the world, but it is a rare thing to find a love with such a deep sense of affection and appreciation for one another. This editorial just happened to correspond with the 1 year anniversary of their wedding and I'm so happy to capture their love still going strong after this trip around the sun. I very much want to thank Jared and his affectionate little wing nut for being such cool, romantic souls. </p>
<p><img alt="bride and groom portrait on medium format kodak film at west michigan wedding venue felt mansion" src="https://briandsmithphotography.com/static/media/uploads/blog/stories/connolly-felt/2006-felt-mansion-michigan-wedding-editorial-film-photography-brian-d-smith-00046_web.jpg" width="600"/></p>
<p><img alt="35mm film photograph of bride and wedding dress at sunset at felt mansion by brian d smith photography" src="https://briandsmithphotography.com/static/media/uploads/blog/stories/connolly-felt/2006-felt-mansion-michigan-wedding-editorial-film-photography-brian-d-smith-00065_web.jpg" width="600"/></p>
<h2>Why I Love West Michigan Wedding Venue - Felt Mansion</h2>
<p>Felt Mansion is a dynamic wedding venue with rich history. In the 3 hours we were shooting, I never ran out of unique backdrops for portraits. The venue, itself, features beautiful architecture and a ceremony location the likes of which I have never seen. The grounds it sits on backs up to a sprawling golden grass field - my favorite nature marvel in all of Michigan. I longingly gaze out on its golden grass fields during my long car rides through the state and whenever I have the chance to photograph amongst them, I'm in a wedding photographer's paradise. The inside of the property is well curated and serves as a museum to the mansion's original state when it was a home to a welathy investor - before being gifted to the state. Felt Mansion brilliantly combines historic, romantic architecture (almost remniscent of detroit) with the idyllic beauty of western and northern Michigan, all in one wedding venue. I could photograph here for hours and never get bored of the scenery and never run out of new spots to photograph...and we didn't even have the chance to photograph inside! </p>
<p>If you'd like to see a detailed tour of the interior and exterior of the property, and a tour of all my favorite Michigan wedding venues, check out Connolly House Events and I's blog post from our <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://briandsmithphotography.com/blog/5-days-and-a-tour-of-michigans-best-wedding-venues/" target="_blank" title="https://briandsmithphotography.com/blog/5-days-and-a-tour-of-michigans-best-wedding-venues/">5 Day Road Trip To the Best Michigan Wedding Venues</a></span>.</p>
<p><img alt="black and white film portrait of bride and groom at felt mansion wedding by brian d smith photography on hasselblad and kodak t-max 400" src="https://briandsmithphotography.com/static/media/uploads/blog/stories/connolly-felt/2006-felt-mansion-michigan-wedding-editorial-film-photography-brian-d-smith-00011_web.jpg" width="600"/></p>
<h2>Why You Should Hire Me For Your Felt Mansion Wedding</h2>
<p>I like to let the images speak for themselves. In my blogpost about <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://briandsmithphotography.com/blog/5-days-and-a-tour-of-michigans-best-wedding-venues/" target="_blank" title="https://briandsmithphotography.com/blog/5-days-and-a-tour-of-michigans-best-wedding-venues/">Michigan's Best Wedding Venues</a></span>, I touched on all the beautiful styling details and history of the venue that I loved. I love that it stands for something greater than just a venue to make a profit. It stands for preservation and history and I think that is such a romantic backdrop for something as timeless as marriage. I'm genuinely proud of the images we created here. I'm proud of this team and I think they are my most romantic couple's portraits to date. The venue let me inspired and I think it shines through in the images and I'd love to see what I can create for you at your wedding. I still feel like there are so many spots on the property that I have yet to explore. I shoot entirely on film, 35mm and medium format. It's the perfect medium for showcasing that beautiful, golden Michigan light. Most importantly, no one will work harder to tell your story in a unique way that showcases who you are in the greater context of this property. Art through storytelling is always most important to me when photographing anything and I promise you we will create something equally beautiful as these images, but alltogether, entirely different. Importantly, I am committed to any kind of love and any love story. I celebrate all couples, LGBTQ, all races, all religions and believe so deeply in the right of everyone to pursue happiness and love to their fullest extent. </p>
<p><img alt="felt mansion wedding portrait on 35mm film by michigan wedding photographer brian d smith of couple in golden field" src="https://briandsmithphotography.com/static/media/uploads/blog/stories/connolly-felt/2006-felt-mansion-michigan-wedding-editorial-film-photography-brian-d-smith-00056_web.jpg" width="600"/></p>
<h3>Felt Mansion Ceremony Locations</h3>
<p>Here are the two most popular ceremony locations at Felt Mansion, West Michigan wedding venue. The first location is a long walkway out to a circular platform surrounded by a reflecting pond. The beautiful evergreen backing, pink flowers greeting you at the entrance to the pool, and long isolated walkway make this such a unique spot to say I do in Michigan.</p>
<p><img alt="wedding ceremony location at felt mansion in west michigan of bride and groom on medium format film with pink flowers" src="https://briandsmithphotography.com/static/media/uploads/blog/stories/connolly-felt/2006-felt-mansion-michigan-wedding-editorial-film-photography-brian-d-smith-00111_web.jpg" width="600"/></p>
<p>The second location features an adorable white church atop a small hill facing West Michigan's gorgeous, golden grass fields. </p>
<p><img alt="bride and groom in front of church ceremony location at felt mansion best michigan wedding venue by brian d smith photography" src="https://briandsmithphotography.com/static/media/uploads/blog/stories/connolly-felt/2006-felt-mansion-michigan-wedding-editorial-film-photography-brian-d-smith-00097_web.jpg" width="600"/></p>
<p>Check out these amazing florals! Wild Flowers local to West Michigan, too.</p>
<p><img alt="michigan florist bouquet with wild flowers on 35mm film by brian d smith" src="https://briandsmithphotography.com/static/media/uploads/blog/stories/connolly-felt/2006-felt-mansion-michigan-wedding-editorial-film-photography-brian-d-smith-00009_web.jpg" width="600"/></p>
<p>Michigan light and film go so perfectly together with timeless, affectionate love. </p>
<p><img alt="michigan wedding photographer portrait on medium format film at felt mansion by brian d smith photography" src="https://briandsmithphotography.com/static/media/uploads/blog/stories/connolly-felt/2006-felt-mansion-michigan-wedding-editorial-film-photography-brian-d-smith-00080_web.jpg" width="600"/></p>
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<p><span></span><em>FROM BRIAN D SMITH PHOTOGRAPHY</em></p>
<p><span>If you are inspired by what you read, I'd love to invite you to reach out about the wedding photography services I offer. My guarantee is that you won't find a photographer that cares more about you and your story than I. I'm endlessly passionate about telling stories on film and pushing the boundaries of art in wedding photography. I'd be thrilled to work for you and document your wedding and tell your unique story with an artful eye. I celebrate all couples, LGBTQ and straight. I celebrate all races and backgrounds, and there isn't a soul in this world that doesn't have an inspiring story to be told. </span></p>
<p><span>If you'd like more info about this post, would just like to chat, or are ready to book, reach out to me by visiting my contact page here</span><span>!</span></p>
<h3><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span><a href="http://briandsmithphotography.com/contactpage/" title="http://briandsmithphotography.com/contactpage/">Contact Brian D Smith Photography</a></span></span></h3>Destination Engagement Session at Middleton Place in Charleston SC2020-07-09T09:30:51+00:002024-03-28T11:21:37+00:00adminhttps://briandsmithphotography.com/blog/author/admin/https://briandsmithphotography.com/stories/destination-engagement-session-at-middleton-place-in-charleston-sc/<h2>About the Engaged Couple - Katy and Ryan</h2>
<p>I can't speak highly enough of Katy and Ryan. My career as a Charleston wedding photographer is young, and anyone with any honesty will tell you that the moments when you find your ideal client are rare - especially early on. From the moment I spoke with Katy on the phone she mentioned her love for my film work, her love for the imperfect and artistic and her appreciation for me having my own unique style and voice. Oh...and she wanted me to shoot polaroids at her wedding and was looking into Super 8 film videographers, which if you know me you know that tugs at my heart. The wedding industry can be filled with polished perfection and idealized fairytales and any time I connect with someone that appreciates the imperfections in storytelling, I know we're connected on something deeper. </p>
<p><img alt="charleston sc engagement session portrait on kodak film with a hasselblad 202fa in front of inn" src="https://briandsmithphotography.com/static/media/uploads/blog/stories/katy-ryan/2006-katy-ryan-middleton-summer-charleston-engagement-session-kodak-film-00083_web.jpg" width="600"/></p>
<p>When someone puts that much faith and trust in what you do as a storyteller, artist and wedding photographer it allows you to let go of any inhibitions and thoughts of what you should create and produce the work you are inspired to do. This is the feeling I had with Katy and Ryan for their Charleston Engagement Session. So, I left my digital gear in the car and brought along 3 film cameras, medium format and 35mm, and went to work documenting a beautfiul story of two kind and cool people. </p>
<p><img alt="charleston engagement session at middleton place on 35mm film with bride in red sun dress and groom in blazerin " src="https://briandsmithphotography.com/static/media/uploads/blog/stories/katy-ryan/2006-katy-ryan-middleton-summer-charleston-engagement-session-kodak-film-00031_web.jpg" width="600"/></p>
<p><img alt="charleston engagement portrait on black and white kodak film at middleton place with a hasselblad 202fa" src="https://briandsmithphotography.com/static/media/uploads/blog/stories/katy-ryan/2006-katy-ryan-middleton-summer-charleston-engagement-session-kodak-film-00014_web.jpg" width="600"/></p>
<p></p>
<h3>Their Destination Wedding Story and Why Charleston for Engagement Photos</h3>
<p>Katy and Ryan are getting married in Virginia, live in Indiana and drove all the way down to Charleston for their engagement session. We had been trying to plan the engagement photos for quite some time but travel restrictions with Covid kept putting a damper on that plan and causing flights to get cancelled. With the wedding tentatively scheduled a month and a half away, Katy and Ryan decided to pack up the car and make the long drive to Charleston - all just to have their engagement photos taken in my beautiful hometown :). We were undecided on location, leaning towards downtown, until Katy messaged me that they were staying at the beautiful Middleton Place Inn. She loved the property so much, so we decided to do the whole shoot at Middleton. This was perfect for me because Middleton is my favorite venue. </p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://briandsmithphotography.com/stories/colorful-fall-middleton-place-destination-wedding-in-charleston-sc/" target="_blank" title="https://briandsmithphotography.com/stories/colorful-fall-middleton-place-destination-wedding-in-charleston-sc/">Fall Middleton Place Wedding in Charleston SC</a></span></p>
<p><img alt="destination wedding photographer engagement session portrait on kodak portra 800 film at Middleton Place " src="https://briandsmithphotography.com/static/media/uploads/blog/stories/katy-ryan/2006-katy-ryan-middleton-summer-charleston-engagement-session-kodak-film-00061_web.jpg" width="600"/></p>
<p><img alt="engagement photography by brian d smith photography at middleton place in charleston sc on kodak medium format film" src="https://briandsmithphotography.com/static/media/uploads/blog/stories/katy-ryan/2006-katy-ryan-middleton-summer-charleston-engagement-session-kodak-film-00104_web.jpg" width="600"/></p>
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<h3>Super 8 Film Surprise</h3>
<p>I had been pursuing super 8 for quite some time, but never quite managed to get a working camera. A few weeks before Katy and Ryan's engagement session, I received a camera from Germany. It appeared to be in working order, but I wasn't quite certain. I so badly wanted to surprise Katy with a little engagement short film shot on super 8 film. So, I brought the camera along, loaded up some black and white film and hoped for the best! Needless to say, she was thrilled and I was so filled with joy to give them this surprise. It turned out better than I ever could have imagined. </p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://vimeo.com/433233764" target="_blank" title="https://vimeo.com/433233764">Charleston SC Engagement Video on Super 8 Film</a></span></p>
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<h2>Why do I only shoot film for engagement sessions</h2>
<p>Engagement sessions are the perfect opportunity to experiment and to push the art of photography and storytelling. There is less pressure than a wedding day, and the relaxed schedule allows you to slow down and take your time creating. I push myself to shoot more and more film every day and with every story I tell as a wedding photographer, but sometimes the pace or conditions of a wedding day make digital the better option. Engagement sessions are the perfect opportunity for me to leave the digital gear at home and better myself as a film photographer so I can make my way toward the dream of shooting 100% film at weddings. There is in tangible, romantic quality to film. It feels permanent. It feels instant, much like the fleeting moments and subtle expressions of affection that make love so beautiful. </p>
<p><img alt="hasselblad portrait on kodak film of engaged couple in charleston south carolina at middleton place in hammock" src="https://briandsmithphotography.com/static/media/uploads/blog/stories/katy-ryan/2006-katy-ryan-middleton-summer-charleston-engagement-session-kodak-film-00131_web.jpg" width="600"/></p>
<h3>My Love For Black and White Film</h3>
<p>I just recently started developing my own black and white film and it rekindled my love for dramatic, black and white portraiture. I try to shoot at least one roll of Kodak Tri-x or T-max at every session. </p>
<p><img alt="black and white portrait of a bride on engagement session on kodak tmax 400 film with crazy bokeh" src="https://briandsmithphotography.com/static/media/uploads/blog/stories/katy-ryan/2006-katy-ryan-middleton-summer-charleston-engagement-session-kodak-film-00070_web.jpg" width="600"/></p>
<p><img alt="black and white film portrait of groom in charleston sc with hasselblad 202fa and 110mm F2 wide open" src="https://briandsmithphotography.com/static/media/uploads/blog/stories/katy-ryan/2006-katy-ryan-middleton-summer-charleston-engagement-session-kodak-film-00068_web.jpg" width="600"/></p>
<p>Also, black and white just can't be beat for movement and capturing pure feeling</p>
<p><img alt="motion blur film portrait in black and white at middleton place in charleston sc" src="https://briandsmithphotography.com/static/media/uploads/blog/stories/katy-ryan/2006-katy-ryan-middleton-summer-charleston-engagement-session-kodak-film-00125_web.jpg" width="600"/></p>
<p><img alt="black and white portrait of couple during engagement session on kodak film at middleton place in charleston sc" src="https://briandsmithphotography.com/static/media/uploads/blog/stories/katy-ryan/2006-katy-ryan-middleton-summer-charleston-engagement-session-kodak-film-00016_web.jpg" width="600"/></p>
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<h2>Learn more Film Wedding Photographer Brian D Smith Photography</h2>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://briandsmithphotography.com/portraiture/" target="_blank" title="https://briandsmithphotography.com/weddings/charleston-weddings/">Brian D Smith Photography Charleston Wedding Photography Portfolio and Information</a></span></p>
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<p><span></span></p>
<p><span>If you are inspired by what you read, I'd love to invite you to reach out about the photography services I offer. My guarantee is that you won't find a wedding photographer that cares more about you and your story than I. I'm endlessly passionate about telling stories on film and pushing the boundaries of art in editorial<span> </span>and portrait photography. I'd be thrilled to work for you and document your story, wedding or business in Charleston South Carolina, Northern Michigan, or any destination abroad.</span></p>
<p><span>If you'd like more info about this post, would just like to chat, or are ready to book, reach out to me by visiting my contact page here</span><span>!</span></p>
<h3><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span><a href="http://briandsmithphotography.com/contactpage/" title="http://briandsmithphotography.com/contactpage/">Contact Charleston Wedding Photographer Brian D Smith Photography</a></span></span></h3>Fashion Photography Editorial on a Single Roll of Black and White Film2020-06-14T18:01:40+00:002024-03-28T18:01:55+00:00adminhttps://briandsmithphotography.com/blog/author/admin/https://briandsmithphotography.com/blog/fashion-photography-editorial-on-a-single-roll-of-black-and-white-film/<h2>About the Charleston SC Fashion Editorial</h2>
<p>This fashion editorial was shot with my good friend, Glennon in bright high noon sun in Charleston South Carolina. Glennon paired a light blush blazer with some linen slacks for a formal, yet summer casual outfit. I shot most of the shoot on digital but ran through 1 roll of Kodak Trix 400 film with my Hasselblad. It's pretty rare that I get 12 successful images out of a roll of medium format film but every single one of these fashion portraits came out great, and really fit the vibe of the editorial well.</p>
<p><img alt="charleston sc fashion editorial portrait on black and white film of girl in womens blazer in dramatic sun" src="https://briandsmithphotography.com/static/media/uploads/blog/portraits/2005-glennon-black-and-white-film-fashion-portrait-charleston-00001_web.jpg" width="600"/></p>
<h2>Film Photography Equipment Used</h2>
<p>I used a single roll of Kodak Trix medium format film rated at 400 in my Hasselblad 202fa and 110mm F2 lens. This is my favorite portrait setup and works quite well for fashion, when shooting at slightly higher apertures. Most of these were shot at F5.6 or higher because of the high noon sun and bright reflections off the concrete. The camera has a top shutter speed of 1/1000s, so it can't quite keep up with the bright sun for shooting wide open. I also knew I didn't want to overexpose the film as I tend to prefer even exposure or underexposure in fashion photography. </p>
<p><img alt="editorial film portrait of womens fashion lookbook in charleston sc on black and white kodak trix film with a hasselblad 202fa" src="https://briandsmithphotography.com/static/media/uploads/blog/portraits/2005-glennon-black-and-white-film-fashion-portrait-charleston-00012_web.jpg" width="600"/></p>
<h2>Why Film For Fashion Editorial Photography</h2>
<p>Black and white film handles bright sun so well and is so forgiving for over and under exposure, making it the perfect medium for shooting in high noon sun, where the slightest change in angle can have a great influence on the shadows or highlights of an image. If film is underexposed in camera or developing, it is brought up to even exposure in scanning and the result is a slightly flatter image, that is still really beautiful and even sometimes preferred. You can see this effect in the banner image where I was shooting into the sun and it washed out the exposure a little bit and crushed the blacks of the image. I prefer to shoot film for all of my work. I like the process of it and feel like I get a higher percetage of good images. It isn't always the best option, but when you want a standout, killer portrait you can't beat film - especially black and white for fashion photography. </p>
<p><img alt="black and white film fashion portrait of girl in womens blazer and linen pants in charleston sc editorial feature" src="https://briandsmithphotography.com/static/media/uploads/blog/portraits/2005-glennon-black-and-white-film-fashion-portrait-charleston-00003_web.jpg" width="600"/></p>
<h2>Learn more about Brian D Smith Charleston Editorial Photography</h2>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://briandsmithphotography.com/portraiture/creative-editorial/" target="_blank" title="https://briandsmithphotography.com/portraiture/creative-editorial/">Brian D Smith Photography Creative and Editorial Portrait Information</a></span></p>
<p>~~ ~~</p>
<p><span></span></p>
<p><span>If you are inspired by what you read, I'd love to invite you to reach out about the photography services I offer. My guarantee is that you won't find a photographer that cares more about you and your story than I. I'm endlessly passionate about telling stories on film and pushing the boundaries of art in editorial<span> </span>and portrait photography. I'd be thrilled to work for you and document your story, wedding or business in Charleston South Carolina, Northern Michigan, or any destination abroad.</span></p>
<p><span>If you'd like more info about this post, would just like to chat, or are ready to book, reach out to me by visiting my contact page here</span><span>!</span></p>
<h3><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span><a href="http://briandsmithphotography.com/contactpage/" title="http://briandsmithphotography.com/contactpage/">Contact Charleston Editorial Photographer Brian D Smith Photography</a></span></span></h3>Charleston SC Studio Portrait Branding Photography - Reagan Events2020-04-26T22:04:26+00:002024-03-28T16:34:42+00:00adminhttps://briandsmithphotography.com/blog/author/admin/https://briandsmithphotography.com/blog/charleston-sc-studio-portrait-branding-photography-reagan-events/<h2>About the branding portraits in Charleston SC</h2>
<p>I met Reagan from Reagan Events over some pastries and she expressed a sincere appreciation for my dramatic style of studio portraiture. She was in the process of hiring new associates and going through a re-brand that was monochrome themed. She approached me about photographing portraits for her Charleston wedding planner team in my Charleston SC photography studio. We put together a concept that was centered around expressive, character driven black and white portraiture - a style that I had developed a real knack for and something I approached like no other branding and portrait photographer in Charleston. </p>
<p><img alt="charleston sc wedding planner reagan events in brian d smith photography studio for branding portrait photography shoot in black and white film" src="https://briandsmithphotography.com/static/media/uploads/blog/studio/reagan-rebrand/1911-charleston-studio-portrait-wedding-planner-film-hasselblad-rebrand-black-white-00005_web.jpg" width="600"/></p>
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<h2>My approach as a studio portrait and branding photographer</h2>
<p>I've developed a unique ability to quickly bond with my portrait subjects. Being an introspective person has given me so much strength in being able to understand human emotion and connect with people as a result. I develop a quick connection with my portrait subject and guide them through a series of conversations and prompts to generate geuine, and wide-ranging expression. I truly shine in this environment and am able to produce portraiture that shows the depth and breadth of someone's character. Reagan and I spent an afternoon conversing and photographing in my Charleston South Carolina portrait studio, planning and coordinating multiple outfits to fit her newly renovated brand. My approach is always the same, regardless of subject. I want to create purpose driven portraiture that shows their true character and markets that character in a way that is reflective of their brand and ideal client. There are no headshots with Brian D Smith Photography - only soulful, character driven portraiture. </p>
<p><img alt="brian d smith photography character branding portrait in charleston south carolina studio grid of film portraits" src="https://briandsmithphotography.com/static/media/uploads/blog/studio/reagan-rebrand/00007-1911-charleston-studio-portrait-wedding-planner-film-hasselblad-rebrand-black-white-00020_web_web.jpg" width="600"/></p>
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<h3>Branding portraiture for an entire team</h3>
<p>Regan brought along her entire wedding planning team, including her associates Hannah and Scout to give her brand a cohesive look for their about page portraits. My branding portraiture in Charleston SC is for individuals, creatives, and entire teams of business owners and entrepreneurs looking for a cohesive, art forward and expressive identity to represent their brand. </p>
<p><img alt="charleston wedding planner team branding portrait by brian d smith photography" src="https://briandsmithphotography.com/static/media/uploads/blog/studio/reagan-rebrand/2001-hannah-reagan-events-charleston-wedding-planner-team-rebrand-portraits-studio-black-white-00011_web.jpg" width="600"/></p>
<p><img alt="branding portrait session in a charleston south carolina photography studio on black and white film" src="https://briandsmithphotography.com/static/media/uploads/blog/studio/reagan-rebrand/2001-scout-reagan-events-charleston-wedding-planner-team-rebrand-portraits-studio-black-white-00022_web.jpg" width="600"/></p>
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<p><img alt="branding portrait in studio with charleston sc wedding planner with black and white re-brand style with black pants and cream sweater" src="https://briandsmithphotography.com/static/media/uploads/blog/studio/reagan-rebrand/1911-charleston-wedding-planner-reagan-barnes-studio-black-and-white-portraits-sweater-cape-00033_web.jpg" width="600"/></p>
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<p>Make sure to check out Reagan Events! She's a top tier wedding planner in Charleston SC and has a love for NYC, high fashion inspired soirees. She's a wonderful person, incredibly talented and you should get to know her!</p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://reaganevents.com/" target="_blank" title="https://reaganevents.com/">Reagan Events - Charleston Wedding Planner</a></span></p>
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<h2>Learn more about Brian D Smith Portrait Photography</h2>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://briandsmithphotography.com/portraiture/" target="_blank" title="https://briandsmithphotography.com/portraiture/">Brian D Smith Photography Portrait Portfolio and Information</a></span></p>
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<p><span>If you are inspired by what you read, I'd love to invite you to reach out about the photography services I offer. My guarantee is that you won't find a photographer that cares more about you and your story than I. I'm endlessly passionate about telling stories on film and pushing the boundaries of art in editorial<span> </span>and portrait photography. I'd be thrilled to work for you and document your story, wedding or business in Charleston South Carolina, Northern Michigan, or any destination abroad.</span></p>
<p><span>If you'd like more info about this post, would just like to chat, or are ready to book, reach out to me by visiting my contact page here</span><span>!</span></p>
<h3><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span><a href="http://briandsmithphotography.com/contactpage/" title="http://briandsmithphotography.com/contactpage/">Contact Portrait Photographer Brian D Smith Photography</a></span></span></h3>February Downtown Charleston Engagement Session on Film2020-02-24T11:52:12+00:002024-03-28T10:30:04+00:00adminhttps://briandsmithphotography.com/blog/author/admin/https://briandsmithphotography.com/stories/february-downtown-charleston-engagement-session-on-film/<p>Meeting this couple comes with a funny little story. I was at a coffee shop with my dog and Nash and Amy were actually there meeting with another photographer to discuss their upcoming wedding. The meeting ended and as the other photographers were exiting a young boy sprinted by the coffee shop and Oliver, my beloved Aussie, barked at the boy. Nash, who was standing right next to me, muttered "your dog doesn't seem to like our wedding photographers". My response was "you know what, no he doesn't, let's chat". The rest is history. Nash, Amy and I hit it off and here I am taking their engagement photos in preperation for their wedding at the Thomas Bennet House later this year. </p>
<p><img alt="charleston alley engagement photos photography kodak film portra 800 hasselblad 202fa 110mm F2 " src="https://briandsmithphotography.com/static/media/uploads/blog/stories/1%20gen/2002-nash-amy-charleston-downtown-february-engagement-photos-film-00032_web.jpg" width="600"/></p>
<p>We absolutely hit it off once more during their engagement photos and what resulted were some of the most joyous, and easy going engagement photos I've taken yet. All shot on a mix of 35mm and medium format film, in beautiful downtown Charleston. The photos were taken at Philidelphia Alley, Chalmers Street, Rainbow Row and The Battery on East Bay. I can't wait to see these two hitched on May 2 2020, and see what magic we can create once again. Charleston South Carolina is full of beautiful wedding and engagement photo opportunities. There is a reason it is the number 1 wedding destination in the United States. </p>
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<p> </p>First Roll Hasselblad H12019-07-16T16:39:58+00:002024-03-28T11:12:24+00:00adminhttps://briandsmithphotography.com/blog/author/admin/https://briandsmithphotography.com/blog/first-roll-hasselblad-h1/<h2 style="text-align: center;"><strong>*FIRST ROLL*</strong></h2>
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<p>My first roll of film shot through my Hasselblad H1. All images shot on Kodak Portra 400 film with the 80mm F2.8 lens. I boguht this camera to be my primary wedding film camera. </p>
<p></p>Local Fall Florals and a Michigan Bride - Styled Shoot2019-01-15T11:39:35+00:002024-03-28T16:59:40+00:00adminhttps://briandsmithphotography.com/blog/author/admin/https://briandsmithphotography.com/stories/sleeping-bear-national-lakeshore-michigan-fall-floral-bridal/<p>There isn't much I love more than a Michigan Fall. The colors, the smells and the light all come together to provide a sense of peace and calm. I spent my 2018 summer up in Michigan, living out of my family's small lakeside cottage, photographing weddings. Northern Michigan is special to me for so many reasons, but the fall is nearly indescribable. I wanted to create an homage to the feeling of a Michigan fall with a styled bridal shoot. </p>
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<p>MODEL: Samantha, Insta @daisyraetravel | FLORALS: Derek at The Floral Underground, Insta @floralunderground, <a href="https://floralunderground.com/" target="_blank">https://floralunderground.com/</a> </p>
<p>DRESS BOUTIQUE: One Oak Bride, Insta @oneoakbride, <a href="http://oneoakbride.com/">http://oneoakbride.com/</a> | DRESS: Kim from @truvellebridal, <a href="https://truvelle.com/">https://truvelle.com/</a></p>
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<p><img alt="fall-michigan-ring-sun-flare-florals-sony-a7iii-model-bridal-styled" src="https://briandsmithphotography.com/static/media/uploads/blog/projects/sam-fall-floral/1809-michigan-sam-fall-film-field-styled-bridal-56_web.jpg" width="400"/></p>
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<p>I met Sam, the model, on facebook and worked on two projects with her, all in the same day. We were photographing for 8 hours that day and she could not have been better to work with. We bonded over music tastes and a love for travel, and I cannot wait to reconnect with her when I return to Michigan for the 2019 summer. The flowers are from The Floral Underground, a traverse city based floral designer. I found Derek and his company on facebook, as well, and instantly knew he was the right fit. He had a background in competitive floral design, and I knew he would be able to take a vision and run with it. His knowledge of local michigan florals was exactly what I needed. He did justice to the beauty of Michigan's historic lakeshore, and exceeded my every expectation. The gorgeous dress and silk shawl came from the wonderful folks at One Oak Bride in downtown Traverse City. Annie and Renee are wonderful people, and they've curated a lovely boutique environment fitting for one of, if not the most, importrant decision of a Bride's wedding planning. I cannot recommend their boutique or their services enough. </p>
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<p><img alt="kodak-ektar-michigan-fall-lakeshore-styled-bridal-film-gf670" src="https://briandsmithphotography.com/static/media/uploads/blog/projects/sam-fall-floral/1809-michigan-sam-fall-film-field-styled-bridal-46_web.jpg" width="400"/></p>
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<p>This shoot produed one of my happiest experiments in film to date, and probably my favorite results from film to date. I shot a roll of 15 year expired Kodak Ektachrome E100SW through my trusty Canon Eos 1V. I had never shot color positive (reversal) film before, let alone something 15 years expired. The results blew me away. There was a orange/golden warmth to the images that I've never before seen in a film stock. It perfectly captured the glow of a fall sunset, and lit Sam's hair with the most beautiful shades of gold. I am going to write a full blog post on my experiences with this film stock soon. </p>
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<p><img alt="kodak-e100sw-ektachrome-expired-film-35mm-fall-michigan-empire" src="https://briandsmithphotography.com/static/media/uploads/blog/projects/sam-fall-floral/1809-michigan-sam-fall-film-field-styled-bridal-50_web.jpg" width="400"/></p>
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<p>I hope these images provide you a sense of Michigan's beauty, but as I tell everyone that asks - "you just have to see it"</p>