Blog | Mezzaninehttps://briandsmithphotography.com/blog/2024-03-28T23:02:13+00:00BlogCharleston SC Studio Portrait Branding Photography - Reagan Events2020-04-26T22:04:26+00:002024-03-28T22:36:46+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>Colorful Fall and Golden Hour Portraits in Charleston's Hampton Park2019-12-17T17:30:44+00:002024-03-28T18:27:10+00:00adminhttps://briandsmithphotography.com/blog/author/admin/https://briandsmithphotography.com/blog/colorful-fall-and-golden-hour-portraits-in-charlestons-hampton-park/<p>Fall colors in Charleston South Carolina's Hampton Park are hard to beat. These dreamy portraits were photographed at golden hour, capturing all of the beautiful fading light and season during the transition to winter. </p>Vintage Fashion in Ashevilles RIver Arts District2019-11-18T16:38:24+00:002024-03-28T18:27:42+00:00adminhttps://briandsmithphotography.com/blog/author/admin/https://briandsmithphotography.com/blog/vintage-fashion-in-ashevilles-river-arts-district/<p>Vintage fashion portraits in the grungy Asheville River Arts District. Split toning gives the images a vintage feel, similar to old Kodak Kodachrome slide film. Shot on Sony a7iii and Leica 50mm Summilux asph</p>Shooting Outdoor Fashion Portraits Against a Seamless Paper Backdrop in Asheville2019-11-18T16:20:54+00:002024-03-28T19:38:28+00:00adminhttps://briandsmithphotography.com/blog/author/admin/https://briandsmithphotography.com/blog/asheville-river-arts-outdoor-backdrop-fashion-on-film/<p>A fashion portrait sequence in Asheville's River Arts district shot against a Savage Mocha Seamless backdrop. Images were shot on a sony a7iii and Leica M-A with a Leica Summilux 50 F1.4 and Kodak Gold 200 film.</p>Black and White Studio Expression Portraits in Charleston South Carolina2019-11-04T17:36:16+00:002024-03-28T18:31:07+00:00adminhttps://briandsmithphotography.com/blog/author/admin/https://briandsmithphotography.com/blog/black-and-white-studio-expression-portraits-in-charleston-south-carolina/<p>A sequence of black and white film portraits on a Hasselblad 500 c/m and Kodak T-Max 400 film showing the range of the subject's emotions in this Charleston South Carolina Studio session. </p>Charleston Street Portraits with the Sony a7iii Leica Summilux 50 Voigtlander VME2019-10-13T13:09:05+00:002024-03-28T18:37:31+00:00adminhttps://briandsmithphotography.com/blog/author/admin/https://briandsmithphotography.com/blog/10-10-19/<p>Testing out the Leica Summilux 50mm F1.4 asph on my Sony a7iii with the Voigtlander VM-E close focus adapter - Quick portraits of friends at golden hour in Charleston, SC. </p>Marilyn Monroe Inspired Black and White Film Studio Portraits2019-10-01T16:04:16+00:002024-03-28T19:20:33+00:00adminhttps://briandsmithphotography.com/blog/author/admin/https://briandsmithphotography.com/blog/marilyn-monroe-inspired-black-and-white-film-studio-portraits/<p>A black and white portrait, expression sequence shot on pushed kodak Tri-x medium format film. Through a Zeiss Ikon Ikoflex TLR. The film was metered at 640 and pushed 1 stop. </p>Summer Family Sunset Beach Portraits in Frankfort Michigan2019-09-30T21:54:48+00:002024-03-28T23:02:13+00:00adminhttps://briandsmithphotography.com/blog/author/admin/https://briandsmithphotography.com/blog/summer-family-sunset-beach-portraits-in-frankfort-michigan/<p>The Kennedy family were visiting Northern Michigan, and when the entire family is together on such a rare occasion, what better way to remember the time together than with some family portraits? They contacted me and were totally open to location suggestions. Being a 20 minute drive from Frankfort Michigan, I knew very well of its beauty as the sun sets over the water. It's such a dynamic location, as well, with a beautiful mix of sand dunes, tall grass and lake front views. Plus, the beach gives the kids something to do and is a wonderful way to make the session fun. This family was a joy to work with, and it is certainly reflected in the pictures. </p>Timeless Charleston South Carolina Studio Bridal Portraits on Film2019-09-16T14:56:06+00:002024-03-28T18:22:11+00:00adminhttps://briandsmithphotography.com/blog/author/admin/https://briandsmithphotography.com/blog/timeless-charleston-south-carolina-studio-bridal-portraits-on-film/<p>Wedding trends come and go, but the underlying love that binds the celebrations and brings a couple together is timeless. Studio Bridal portraits are a reflection of something timelessly beautiful. At best, they are elegant and simple, but with nuances of chaos and touches of refinement. Much like life and love, they reflect something perfectly imperfect. 100 Years from now, the studio bridal portrait will wear as well as a Rembrandt. It will stand the trends of time and serve as an ode to the beauty of the classic bride. This shoot featured 4 distinct dresses from a gown boutique in downtown Charleston, SC and 4 different models. The goal was cohesiveness with uniqueness, all shot on the timeless medium of film. The project was divided into two distinct sets; a soft and pale/earth toned backdrop with minimalist florals and a touch of chaos in the torn paper, the other a classic grey backdrop shot in black and white. The end product is a classically beautiful set of portraits with a touch of grain and grit. </p>
<p>These gorgeous, quiet, and timeless film bridal portraits featured on The White Wren Blog today, here <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://whitewren.com/charleston-white-room-studio-bridal/" target="_blank" title="https://whitewren.com/charleston-white-room-studio-bridal/">Timeless Charleston Film Bridal Portraits</a></span></p>
<p><img alt="charleston film bridal portrait wedding studio bridal african american orange white kodak portra 800 contax 645" src="https://briandsmithphotography.com/static/media/uploads/blog/stories/white-room/1906-white-room-charleston-wedding-bridal-studio-portraits-film-00016.jpg" width="600"/></p>
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<h3>Special thanks to the team!</h3>
<p>Venue: The White Room Style | <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.thewhiteroom.style/" target="_blank" title="https://www.thewhiteroom.style/">The White Room Style Charleston</a></span> | <a href="https://www.instagram.com/thewhiteroomstyle/" target="_blank" title="https://www.instagram.com/thewhiteroomstyle/">https://www.instagram.com/thewhiteroomstyle/</a></p>
<p>Gown Boutique: Magnolia Bride Charleston | <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.magnoliabridechs.com/" target="_blank" title="https://www.magnoliabridechs.com/">Magnolia Bride Charleston</a></span> | <a href="https://www.instagram.com/magnoliabridechs/" target="_blank" title="https://www.instagram.com/magnoliabridechs/">https://www.instagram.com/magnoliabridechs/</a></p>
<p>HMUA: Salon Alexandria | <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.salonalexandria.com/" target="_blank" title="https://www.salonalexandria.com/">Salon Alexandria</a></span> | <a href="https://www.instagram.com/salonalexandria843/" target="_blank" title="https://www.instagram.com/salonalexandria843/">https://www.instagram.com/salonalexandria843/</a></p>
<p>Florals: Petaloso | <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.wearepetaloso.com/" target="_blank" title="https://www.wearepetaloso.com/">Petaloso</a></span> | <a href="https://www.instagram.com/wearepetaloso/" target="_blank" title="https://www.instagram.com/wearepetaloso/">https://www.instagram.com/wearepetaloso/</a></p>
<p>Photography: Brian D Smith | <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://briandsmithphotography.com/" target="_blank" title="http://briandsmithphotography.com/">Brian D Smith Photography</a></span> | <a href="https://www.instagram.com/briandsmithphotography/" target="_blank" title="https://www.instagram.com/briandsmithphotography/">https://www.instagram.com/briandsmithphotography/</a></p>
<p>Model 1: Hannah Torris | <a href="https://www.instagram.com/hannah_torris/" target="_blank" title="https://www.instagram.com/hannah_torris/">https://www.instagram.com/hannah_torris/</a><br/>Model 2: Jesse Leez | <a href="https://www.instagram.com/jesse_leez/" target="_blank" title="https://www.instagram.com/jesse_leez/">https://www.instagram.com/jesse_leez/</a><br/>Model 3: Alexa Jane Walter | <a href="https://www.instagram.com/alexajanewalter/" target="_blank" title="https://www.instagram.com/alexajanewalter/">https://www.instagram.com/alexajanewalter/</a><br/>Model 4: Chelsea C Scott | <a href="https://www.instagram.com/chelseacscott/" target="_blank" title="https://www.instagram.com/chelseacscott/">https://www.instagram.com/chelseacscott/</a></p>
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<p>I couldn't have said it any better than The White Wren, themselves: "<span>but this session is a little more adventurous for the modern bride. We love the paired use of hats with some of these looks, making it a little more than the usual bridal portrait while still remaining classic and timeless!". Studio bridal portraits are timeless and echo an era of refined, quiet beauty. Today they are less common, and are a unique offering for your wedding portraits. These portraits, however, will never go out of style. </span></p>
<p><span><img alt="charleston studio bridal portrait contax 645 ilford delta 3200 film" src="https://briandsmithphotography.com/static/media/uploads/blog/stories/white-room/1906-white-room-charleston-wedding-bridal-studio-portraits-film-00029.jpg" width="600"/></span></p>
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<p><span>Special thanks to this wonderful lady, Alex, for hosting us in her beautiful and versatile space!</span></p>
<p><span><img alt="studio portrait the white room style alex kodak portra 800 film contax 645" src="https://briandsmithphotography.com/static/media/uploads/blog/stories/white-room/1906-briandsmith-white-room-studio-bridal-alex-2_web.jpg" width="600"/></span></p>
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<h3><span>Enjoy these timeless looks, and try something different for your bridal portraits!</span></h3>
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<p><span></span></p>Two Light Studio Fashion Portraits on Olive Seamless2019-09-03T13:04:11+00:002024-03-28T22:48:16+00:00adminhttps://briandsmithphotography.com/blog/author/admin/https://briandsmithphotography.com/blog/two-light-studio-fashion-portraits-on-olive-seamless/<p>One Godox AD600 camera left with a 48" Wescott softbox to create broad and soft shadow definition and to wrap around a bit to the side as a kicker in the hair. A smaller 28" softbox with two Godox AD200 lights was placed camera right to serve as a key light on the face for broad and short lighting. Shot with Sony a7iii, Canon 85mm F1.2LII and Metabones V. </p>Two Light Studio Fashion Portraits on Ultramarine Seamless2019-09-03T11:33:22+00:002024-03-28T20:56:44+00:00adminhttps://briandsmithphotography.com/blog/author/admin/https://briandsmithphotography.com/blog/two-light-studio-fashion-portraits-on-ultramarine-seamless/<p>Fashion portraits in the Brian D Smith Photography studio with a two light setup. One Godox AD600 with 48" wescott softbox and a twin AD200 setup with a 28" softbox as key directed on the subject face, camera right. Shot on Sony a7iii, metabones V and adapted Canon 85mm F1.2L II</p>Family Portraits at Northern Michigan's Point Betsie Lighthouse2019-08-23T19:55:38+00:002024-03-28T18:24:06+00:00adminhttps://briandsmithphotography.com/blog/author/admin/https://briandsmithphotography.com/blog/point-betsie-northern-michigan-family-portraits-sunset/<p>Northern Michigan has no shortage of beautiful locations for family portraits. When Kate reached out to me about photographing her family at Point Betsie Lighthouse, I couldn't say yes quick enough. It's one of my favorite locations, situated just off Michigan's famous M22 loop. Just 30 minutes from my family cottage, it's a place I have visited many times. This was my first time photographing a family at the location and I'm thrilled with the results! For more information about the Point Betsie Lighthouse, check out the information below. </p>
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<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.pointbetsie.org/" target="_blank" title="https://www.pointbetsie.org/">Point Betsie Lighthouse</a></span></p>
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<p>The location features stunning ocean views, and a gorgeous red roof barn with a historic lighthouse attached. Sandy beaches and gorgeous sun reflecting off the water make this one of Northern Michigan's most scenic locations, perfect for capturing family memories. </p>
<p><img alt="point betsie family black and white candid photographer northern michigan portraits" src="https://briandsmithphotography.com/static/media/uploads/blog/blog/1908-point-betsie-lighthouse-michigan-family-portraits-beach-38_web.jpg" width="600"/></p>
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<p></p>Vintage Olive and Earth Toned Fashion Studio Portraits2019-08-23T09:39:16+00:002024-03-28T18:30:06+00:00adminhttps://briandsmithphotography.com/blog/author/admin/https://briandsmithphotography.com/blog/earth-toned--michigan-studio-fashion-portraits-olive-seamless/<p>Earth toned fashion portraits with two female models in studio. An olive and earth toned color scheme, remeniscent of the 60s with an album cover feel. This fashion series was shot in studio with a two light and single reflector setup. Godox AD600, AD200, Wescott Rapidbox 48" and 36" softbox.</p>Dramatic Hollywood Style Strobe Lighting in Studio2019-08-01T15:19:22+00:002024-03-28T18:22:33+00:00adminhttps://briandsmithphotography.com/blog/author/admin/https://briandsmithphotography.com/blog/dramatic-hollywood-style-strobe-lighting-in-studio/<p>Dramatic hollywood style studio lighting setups created with a Godox AD600 and AD200 strobes with Wescott 48" octabox and a 26" octabox. Multiple lighting scenarios, all focusing on slimming the face and creating drama with shadows. </p>Split Toned Portraiture Using LED and Natural Light in Studio2019-08-01T15:05:11+00:002024-03-28T22:24:02+00:00adminhttps://briandsmithphotography.com/blog/author/admin/https://briandsmithphotography.com/blog/split-toned-portraiture-using-led-and-natural-light-in-studio/<p>Split toned orange and blue portraits were created using a constant LED light with an orange gel, and natural light coming in from a window to fill the shadows with a blue hue. White balance was set to slightly cooler than the temp of the LED light. </p>35mm Film Style Natural Light Portraits in Studio2019-08-01T14:49:42+00:002024-03-28T19:35:27+00:00adminhttps://briandsmithphotography.com/blog/author/admin/https://briandsmithphotography.com/blog/35mm-film-style-natural-light-portraits-in-studio/<p>Emulating the style of 35mm film with a sony A7iii and adapted Canon 50mm 1.2L using natural window light against a grey savage seamless paper backdrop</p>Calvin Klein Style Fashion Portraiture in Studio2019-08-01T14:44:47+00:002024-03-28T18:29:56+00:00adminhttps://briandsmithphotography.com/blog/author/admin/https://briandsmithphotography.com/blog/calvin-klein-style-fashion-portraiture-in-studio/<p>Matte editing and a single Godox AD600 strobe with Wescott 48" softbox create a simple fashion, advertisement style portrait spread similar to the famous Calvin Klein branding</p>Soft Dutch Rembrandt Style Strobe Lighting for Elegant Studio Portraits2019-08-01T14:36:16+00:002024-03-28T18:45:10+00:00adminhttps://briandsmithphotography.com/blog/author/admin/https://briandsmithphotography.com/blog/soft-dutch-rembrandt-style-strobe-lighting-for-elegant-studio-portraits/<p>Elegant portraits with a single Godox AD600 strobe and 48" wescott octabox for soft, rembrandt style dutch lighting against a dark grey seamless paper backdrop</p>Creative Motion Portraits in Studio with Riley2019-07-28T20:58:40+00:002024-03-28T20:13:44+00:00adminhttps://briandsmithphotography.com/blog/author/admin/https://briandsmithphotography.com/blog/creative-motion-portraits-in-studio-with-riley/<p>Motion portraits with Riley Barnett by Bear Lake Michigan studio photographer, Brian D Smith Photography</p>Why Studio Bridal Portraits will Never Go Out of Style2019-07-07T11:50:26+00:002024-03-28T18:29:23+00:00adminhttps://briandsmithphotography.com/blog/author/admin/https://briandsmithphotography.com/stories/why-studio-bridal-portraits-will-never-go-out-of-style/<p>Wedding trends come and go, but the underlying love that binds the celebrations and brings a couple together is timeless. Studio Bridal portraits are a reflection of something timelessly beautiful. At best, they are elegant and simple, but with nuances of chaos and touches of refinement. Much like life and love, they reflect something perfectly imperfect. 100 Years from now, the studio bridal portrait will wear as well as a Rembrandt. It will stand the trends of time and serve as an ode to the beauty of the classic bride. </p>
<p><img alt="studio bridal portrait black and white film charleston wedding photographer trix kodak medium format film" src="https://briandsmithphotography.com/static/media/uploads/blog/stories/sam-michigan-studio/1809-sam-studio-film-bridal-michigan-p800-trix-42_web.jpg" width="600"/></p>
<p>Once commonplace in the wedding photography industry, studio bridal portraits fell by the wayside in favor of heavily styled, more instagram friendly wedding photos. Simplicity took a back seat to awe-inspiring mountaintops and sun drenched oak trees, and playfully in love couples. So, why would a bride want studio bridal portraits? Trends come and go. The most memorable photos are those that stand the test of time and look just as timelessly beautiful on the day of delivery as they do on your 25th wedding anniversary. I think the best portraits artists remove the distractions and the bells and whistles, and focus on conveying emotion from their subject. Studio bridal portraits can be dramatic, they can be playful, but they should always reflect the subject you are photographing. The emotion should be subtle and make the viewer pause and think about what the subject is feeling. The emotion is less obvious. It isn't as easy. In a world where everything is made easy and instant, I think this is a beautiful thing. </p>
<p><img alt="studio black and white film bridal portrait kodak tri x medium format film wedding charleston bride hasselblad H1 80mm" src="https://briandsmithphotography.com/static/media/uploads/blog/stories/sam-michigan-studio/1809-sam-studio-film-bridal-michigan-p800-trix-43_web.jpg" width="600"/></p>
<p>All of my bridal portraits are captured on film. I think film is the perfect medium form studio portraiture. It's immensely beautiful, but slightly imperfect. It reflects the real world and the people that exist in it. The consistent color and texture of the backdrop, especially, amplifies the grain and texture of the film emulsion. It creates a photo that feels tangible. I like to take this imperfect rendering a step further and use another favorite medium of mine, polaroids. Polaroids can be wildly unpredicatble, but when they hit, i'm continuously in awe of the feelings they elicit in me...instantaneously at that. </p>
<p><img alt="studio bridal polaroid originals black and white film wedding portrait bride sx-70" src="https://briandsmithphotography.com/static/media/uploads/blog/stories/sam-michigan-studio/1809-sam-studio-polaroid_web.jpg" width="600"/></p>
<p>I'll let the images speak the rest of the way, here on out. If you think studio bridal portraits might be for you, reach out to me and I'll tell you all about my love for the timeless tradition. Last but not least, these images were featured on one of my favorite film bridal blogs, The White Wren. </p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://whitewren.com/film-bridal-session-inspiration/" target="_blank" title="https://whitewren.com/film-bridal-session-inspiration/">The White Wren - Studio Bridal Inspiration on Film</a></span></p>
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