Blog | Mezzaninehttps://briandsmithphotography.com/blog/2024-03-29T13:46:22+00:00BlogCreating Moody Editorial Fashion Photography in my Charleston SC Backyard2020-07-13T17:16:25+00:002024-03-29T04:36:28+00:00adminhttps://briandsmithphotography.com/blog/author/admin/https://briandsmithphotography.com/blog/creating-moody-editorial-fashion-photography-in-my-charleston-sc-backyard/<h2>About the Moody Fashion Editorial</h2>
<p>Part creative outlet, part targeted marketing for fashion work. Glennon and I have collaborated quite a few times now. I trust her style and she trusts my vision and we have developed a really good working relationship for creating beautiful work with little planning. I had a backdrop setup that I wanted to explore more, and Glennon knows my vibe and style and brings clothes to match. We show up, we get a feel for the vibe, lighting and colors and get to work. I'm fairly handsoff when it comes to posing. I place the model in the good light and give her the space and freedom she needs to work. It is often the in between expressions that end up being my favorite. </p>
<p><img alt="charleston sc fashion editorial with outdoor studio and savage muslin backdrop of girl in black and white" src="https://briandsmithphotography.com/static/media/uploads/blog/projects/general/2006-glennon-wagner-charleston-backdrop-fashion-editorial-faded-pink-00021_web.jpg" width="600"/></p>
<h3>How would I describe fashion photography style</h3>
<p>I work two ways when approaching fashion photography and editorials. If the mood and setting calls for more posed shots, or dramatic lighting, or more heavily constructed sets, I will pose the model more strictly and be more dilligent with angles, lighting, etc.. For editorial projects like this, I construct a scene and let the model move through her poses and moods. The outcome is fashion photography with more of a story driven feel. You feel like you are moving with the model and experiencing her emotions, which I find often works really well to sell a style or vibe...especially when targeting the everyday consumer. It's dramatic but feels approachable. When I approach fashion photography this way, I feel like I am seeing into the model's soul. It's a window into their world. </p>
<h2>How I Create Fashion Editorials in my Charleston SC Backyard</h2>
<p>This setup is one I have used quite often, but I approach the fashion shoot in a different way each time. I construct an outdoor studio in the backyard of my Charleston SC Photography Studio blending a Savage Universal Muslin backdrop into the foliage of my environment. The result is something that feels constructed and editorial, but also natural and approachable. This has been my favorite method of creating lately - a juxtaposition between the natural and manmade. </p>
<h3>Equipment Used and Film Portraits</h3>
<p>I photographed this editorial using my Sony a7iii and adapted Leica Summilux-m 50mm F1.4 lens (my favorite digital combination). The majority of my work is shot on film but I like the affordability of digital, allowing me to shoot more and capture the in between moments, that I may have been hesitant to shoot on film. I shoot all manual focus which helps keep me connected to my work. The out of focus images, I find, end up adding to the mood and are often my favorites of the shoot. I always shoot for mood over perfection when I photograph anything: portraits, weddings, fashion photography, etc.. The backdrop is a 10'x24' dark grey muslin backdrop from Savage Universal. I even shot a roll of medium format kodak Portra 800 film through my Hasselblad 202FA and 110mm F2 lens. </p>
<p><img alt="medium format film portraits of girl in backyard fashion editorial in charleston sc wearing bandana top" src="https://briandsmithphotography.com/static/media/uploads/blog/projects/general/2006-glennon-charleston-hasselblad-kodak-film-portraits-p800-00001_web.jpg" width="600"/></p>
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<h3>Fashion Editorial Location</h3>
<p>This shoot was constructed outside of my Charleston South Carolina Portrait Studio. We shot starting around 6PM to get the beautiful sunset light fading in slightly over the backdrop. It creates this beautiful spotlight effect to separate the model from the backdrop and the light reflecting from the nearby houses helps to fill in the front side of the subject. </p>
<h2>Learn more about Brian D Smith Editorial Photography</h2>
<p>I have portrait studios in Charleston South Carolina and Traverse City Michigan, but am constantly traveling around the country and world in search of new faces and unique backdrops.</p>
<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 Editorial 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 Editorial Photographer Brian D Smith Photography</a></span></span></h3>Fashion Editorial in a Backyard Portrait Studio2020-07-02T12:51:27+00:002024-03-29T05:55:59+00:00adminhttps://briandsmithphotography.com/blog/author/admin/https://briandsmithphotography.com/blog/fashion-editorial-in-a-backyard-portrait-studio/<h2>How I Convert My Backyard into a Portrait Studio for a Fashion Editorial</h2>
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<p>I tried this portrait studio setup outdoors on a bit of a whim. I was tiring of shooting against seamless paper, so I tried my Savage Universal Muslin backdrop oudoors on a traditional backdrop stand. I placed the backdrop in multiple locations but didn't quite love it. It wasn't until I had the thought to blend it into the trees that I completely fell in love with it. Glennon brought over her own styling from her personal wardrobe and as always killed the mood and vibe in this vintage fashion editorial at my Charleston SC home. The warm clothes and skin tones pop against the cool greys and deep greens of the surrounding. </p>
<p><img alt="charleston sc fashion editorial in a backyard studio with savage universal dark grey muslin 10'x24' backdrop" src="https://briandsmithphotography.com/static/media/uploads/blog/projects/general/2006-glennon-wagner-charleston-backdrop-high-fashion-editorial-warmth-00011_web.jpg" width="600"/></p>
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<h2>Equipment Used</h2>
<p>I photographed this editorial using my Sony a7iii and adapted Leica Summilux-m 50mm F1.4 lens (my favorite digital combination). I tend to shoot most of my work on film, but have found this combination quite a joy to shoot and gets me close to the look of my film imagery. Sometimes I prefer digital for fashion work because it affords me the opportunity to shoot more to catch the imperfect and in between moments that often end up being my favorite. The backdrop is a 10'x24' dark grey muslin backdrop from Savage Universal. </p>
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<h2>Learn more about Brian D Smith Editorial Photography</h2>
<p>I have portrait studios in Charleston South Carolina and Traverse City Michigan, but am constantly traveling around the country and world in search of new faces and unique backdrops.</p>
<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 Editorial 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 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 Editorial Photographer Brian D Smith Photography</a></span></span></h3>Charleston South Carolina Portraits in an Outdoor Studio2020-06-18T21:38:41+00:002024-03-29T12:08:41+00:00adminhttps://briandsmithphotography.com/blog/author/admin/https://briandsmithphotography.com/blog/charleston-south-carolina-portraits-in-an-outdoor-studio/<h2>About The Vintage Fashion Portraits in Charleston SC</h2>
<p>I connected with Sally G Mahon, another talented Charleston photographer, on instagram when I posted looking for portrait subjects for a backyard studio concept I had dreamt up during another shoot. I photograph out of my home portrait studio in Charleston SC, but have long been inspired by images of backdrops being used for outdoor portraiture. I actually tried out a similar concept, using seamless paper, in an Asheville vintage fashion shoot a year prior. </p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://briandsmithphotography.com/projects/asheville-river-arts-outdoor-backdrop-fashion-on-film/" target="_blank" title="https://briandsmithphotography.com/projects/asheville-river-arts-outdoor-backdrop-fashion-on-film/">Vintage Asheville Fashion Portraits Outdoors with a Backdrop</a></span></p>
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<p>There is something beautiful about the juxtaposition of a clean, pressed backdrop against the chaos and organic beauty of nature and textures of mandmade constructions. I always try to challenge myself as a portrait photographer, incorporating fashion inspiration into my portrait work. These Charleston portraits came out so much more beautifully than I could have imagined, and I'm keen to try the setup again and keep pushing myself as a Fashion Portrait Photographer and Studio Photographer. </p>
<p><img alt="charleston sc outdoor backdrop portraits of girl in pink vintage dress with muslin fabric" src="https://briandsmithphotography.com/static/media/uploads/blog/portraits/2006-sally-mahon-outdoor-backdrop-vintage-style-portraits-charleston-00001_web.jpg" width="600"/> </p>
<p><img alt="charleston south carolina portrait photographer brian d smith photographs a girl in a vintage dress in an outdoor backdrop inspired portrait session" src="https://briandsmithphotography.com/static/media/uploads/blog/portraits/2006-sally-mahon-outdoor-backdrop-vintage-style-portraits-charleston-00002_web.jpg" width="600"/></p>
<h2>The Setup and Styling for my Portrait Photography Sessions</h2>
<p>Oftentimes, well nearly every time, my portrait photography sessions in Charleston SC and destination start with a vague concept or idea and blossom into a beautifully styled and collaboritive effort between me and the portrait subject. I think part of this has to do with me seeking out fashionable people to photograph, but a lot of it is making decisions on the fly with regards to colors and styling. The model sent me pictures of the dresses beforehand and after 3-4 setups with the backdrop, deciding on the one in the photographs, I knew the vintage pink dress would be the perfect contrast to the cool blue/grey of the Savage muslin backdrop. </p>
<p><img alt="charleston ss portraits against a savage universal muslin crushed backdrop by brian d smith photography" src="https://briandsmithphotography.com/static/media/uploads/blog/portraits/2006-sally-mahon-outdoor-backdrop-vintage-style-portraits-charleston-00010_web.jpg" width="600"/></p>
<p>I even shot some 4x5 film that I developed and scanned myself. You can check out those images in my blog post about my first time shooting 4x5 film and first experiences developing it myself. </p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://briandsmithphotography.com/blog/large-format-black-and-white-film-portraits-in-my-charleston-back-yard/" target="_blank" title="https://briandsmithphotography.com/blog/large-format-black-and-white-film-portraits-in-my-charleston-back-yard/">My First Experiences Shooting Large Format Film</a></span></p>
<p><img alt="4x5 film image of girl in charleston sc with vintage dress in front of savage universal muslin backdrop by brian d smith photography" src="https://briandsmithphotography.com/static/media/uploads/blog/portraits/2006-sally-mahon-4x5-kodak-tmax-100-film-portraits-intrepid-charleston-00001_web.jpg" width="600"/></p>
<p><img alt="charleston sc fashion and portrait photographer brian d smith photographs portraits in his home studio " src="https://briandsmithphotography.com/static/media/uploads/blog/portraits/2006-sally-mahon-outdoor-backdrop-vintage-style-portraits-charleston-00018_web.jpg" width="600"/></p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.levi.com/US/en_US/levis-vintage-clothing/levis-vintage-clothing-for-men/c/levi_clothing_men_vintage_clothing_us" target="_blank" title="https://www.levi.com/US/en_US/levis-vintage-clothing/levis-vintage-clothing-for-men/c/levi_clothing_men_vintage_clothing_us"></a></span></p>
<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></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 Portrait Photographer Brian D Smith Photography</a></span></span></h3>Vintage Levis Inspired Women's Fashion Lookbook2020-01-29T21:44:38+00:002024-03-28T18:27:07+00:00adminhttps://briandsmithphotography.com/blog/author/admin/https://briandsmithphotography.com/blog/vintage-levis-inspired-womens-fashion-lookbook/<h2>Inspiration for The Vintage Fashion Editorial Lookbook</h2>
<p>A Levi's Vintage Clothing inspired fashion lookbook telling the story of a struggling musician working her way through abrupt the highs and lows of pursuing a dream. Women's fashion, vintage clothing, and storytelling through photography. To shop clothing similar to the jacket in this Michigan Fashion editorial, check out Levis Vintage Clothing.</p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.levi.com/US/en_US/levis-vintage-clothing/levis-vintage-clothing-for-men/c/levi_clothing_men_vintage_clothing_us" target="_blank" title="https://www.levi.com/US/en_US/levis-vintage-clothing/levis-vintage-clothing-for-men/c/levi_clothing_men_vintage_clothing_us">Levis Vintage Clothing - Levis.com</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 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 Brian D Smith Photography</a></span></span></h3>
<p></p>Pink Lipstick and Charleston Fashion on 35mm Film2019-12-29T18:08:43+00:002024-03-28T20:08:39+00:00adminhttps://briandsmithphotography.com/blog/author/admin/https://briandsmithphotography.com/blog/pink-lipstick-and-charleston-fashion-on-35mm-film/<p>Pink lipstick and Kodak 35mm film create a charleston fashion lookbook reminiscent of a futuristic Barbie. Images were shot around the old jail, downtown, on Kodak Gold 200 and Portra 800 film with a Nikon FM3a with Zeiss Planar 50mm F1.4 ZF.2 and a Leica M-A with Summilux 50mm F1.4</p>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+00:002024-03-29T13:46:22+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+00:002024-03-29T07:59:00+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>Charleston Street Portraits with the Sony a7iii Leica Summilux 50 Voigtlander VME2019-10-13T13:09:05+00:002024-03-29T07:34:20+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>August Film Scenes from my Leica M-A and Expired Kodak Film2019-10-03T19:09:48+00:002024-03-29T07:19:20+00:00adminhttps://briandsmithphotography.com/blog/author/admin/https://briandsmithphotography.com/blog/10-03-19/<p>Film grabs from Charleston South Carolina and Bear Lake Michigan shot on my favorite daily camera, my Leica M-A on expired Kodak P160NC 35mm film</p>Perfect Summer Weather for a Northern Michigan Wedding at The Homestead Glen Arbor2019-10-03T18:44:40+00:002024-03-29T11:28:56+00:00adminhttps://briandsmithphotography.com/blog/author/admin/https://briandsmithphotography.com/stories/perfect-summer-weather-for-a-northern-michigan-wedding-at-the-homestead-glen-arbor/<p>Mark and Elizabeth got married at The Homestead in Glen Arbor on a perfect Northern Michigan August day. In so many ways, they were my ideal clients. They were a joy to be around, expressed themselves to me and to eachother, and let me be my creative self. They put their trust in me, and that always makes for a beautiful reltationship that translates so well to photographs. It is such a priveledge to photograph weddings amongst the beauty of Northern Michigan and the cool people who hold this area with such sentimental value.</p>
<p>The Homestead is a beautiful property in Glen Arbor, nestled up on a hill and surrounded by trees. The ceremony space is hella charming. </p>
<p><img alt="the homestead michigan wedding venue summer glen arbor" src="https://briandsmithphotography.com/static/media/uploads/blog/stories/bonaventura/1908-august-homestead-glen-arbor-michigan-summer-wedding-bonaventura-00293_web.jpg" width="600"/></p>
<p>All I can really say is that Elizabeth and Mark were cool as shit. Seriously, check them out...</p>
<p><img alt="homestead wedding northern michigan venue portrait bride groom black and white" src="https://briandsmithphotography.com/static/media/uploads/blog/stories/bonaventura/1908-august-homestead-glen-arbor-michigan-summer-wedding-bonaventura-00194_web.jpg" width="600"/></p>
<p>The pictures should tell the story, so now I will let them do just that. </p>
<p></p>Blue, Red and Yellow Fashion Portrait Spread in an Industrial Amsterdam Warehouse2019-08-22T22:45:02+00:002024-03-29T08:34:17+00:00adminhttps://briandsmithphotography.com/blog/author/admin/https://briandsmithphotography.com/blog/blue-red-yellow-architectural-fashion-amsterdam-ndsm/<p>Blue, red and yellow architectural inspired fashion portraits at Amsterdam's NDSM warehouse building for creatives. Shot on Sony a7iii and Leica 50mm Summiluz F1.4</p>Yellow and Red Fashion Inspiration Shoot at Amsterdam's NDSM warehouse2019-08-22T22:30:15+00:002024-03-29T12:10:19+00:00adminhttps://briandsmithphotography.com/blog/author/admin/https://briandsmithphotography.com/blog/yellow-red-ndsm-amsterdam-fashion-portraits/<p>Yellow and red toned fashion portrait spread photographed in the industrial NDSM warehouse in Amsterdam, Netherlands. Shot on Sony a7iii + Leica 50 Summilux F1.4</p>First Roll Leica M-A2019-07-16T16:29:06+00:002024-03-28T18:23:07+00:00adminhttps://briandsmithphotography.com/blog/author/admin/https://briandsmithphotography.com/blog/first-roll-leica-m-a/<h2 style="text-align: center;"><strong>*FIRST ROLL*</strong></h2>
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<p>Images from the first roll I put through my newly acquired Leica M-A. These images were taken quickly over the course of a day, as I needed to test the camera quickly before I left on a europe trip. Stay tuned for my first impressions blog post on the M-A. All images shot with a Leica Summilux 50mm F1.4</p>
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