Blog | Mezzaninehttps://briandsmithphotography.com/blog/2024-03-29T15:12:20+00:00BlogCharleston SC Anniversary Session Portraits at Hampton Park on Film2021-01-05T21:44:42+00:002024-03-29T15:12:20+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>Hollywood Glam Bride and Groom Portraits on Film in an Outdoor Studio2020-11-16T05:09:19+00:002024-03-29T12:18:36+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>
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<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>
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<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>
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<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>
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<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>
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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>Family and 4th of July in Northern Michigan Documentary on Film2020-08-16T14:31:41+00:002024-03-29T07:11:53+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>
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<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>Traveling Through Germany and Austria on 35mm and Medium Format Film2020-06-15T10:21:48+00:002024-03-29T14:58:33+00:00adminhttps://briandsmithphotography.com/blog/author/admin/https://briandsmithphotography.com/blog/traveling-through-germany-and-austria-on-35mm-and-medium-format-film/<h2>About the Trip Through Austria and Germany</h2>
<p>This trip started with an impromptu booking when my friend and I got a notification for a cheap flight to Europe out of Charleston SC. This is a pretty rare occurance, so when it happens, we usually snatch them up pretty quick. My friend and I are both photographers, so our schedules tend to be pretty flexible, especially in the off season for weddings. We called up our other photographer friend and an additional friend on top of that and the trip was booked. We were set to fly into Berlin in early March and stay for 2 weeks, traveling through Germany and the Dolemites of Italy. </p>
<p><img alt="burner first of the roll frame of a mountain in austria through a leica m-a 35mm film camera with kodak film" src="https://briandsmithphotography.com/static/media/uploads/blog/travel/germany-austria/2003-germany-austria-travel-kodak-film-leica-m-a-zeiss-tlr-00020_web.jpg" width="600"/></p>
<p>Unfortunately, the start of our trip coincided with the western spread of Covid-19. A week before our trip, it was announced that Italy was on lockdown at the borders. We decided to still fly into Germany, travel down through Bavaria and into Munich, then head into Austria and do some mountain hiking and snowboarding. We brought along plenty of hand sanitizer as a precaution, along with some clorox wipes for the plane. The virus hadn't quite spread significantly in Germany yet, and we would be spending most of our time in small mountain towns, so we weren't too worried. </p>
<p><img alt="hand sanitizer on kodak film during covid-19 travel to europe" src="https://briandsmithphotography.com/static/media/uploads/blog/travel/germany-austria/2003-germany-austria-travel-kodak-film-leica-m-a-zeiss-tlr-00121_web.jpg" width="600"/></p>
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<h2>What Cities in Germany and Austria Did We Travel To?</h2>
<p>We flew into Berlin and spent 2 full days there visiting art museums and exploring the food scene. We had a rental car, so it was quite easy to get around. After berlin, we drove down through Bavaria and stopped in the Oberpfalz region in search of <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zoigl" target="_blank" title="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zoigl">Zoigl Bier</a></span>. It's the only place in the world you can get the beer, so for a couple of beer enthusiasts it was a must stop. We then proceeded on to Munich for more museums and potentially some mountain hikes. The weather prevented us from doing some of the hikes we had intended on, but we still got to enjoy Munich's traditionally Bavarian food scene and visit it's museums. We then made our way to Austria where we stopped in Innsbruck for a few days of eating, drinking and hiking. Next was two days of snowboarding in Kitzbuhel that was cut short to one because of our concerns for Covid. It was at this point that travel restrictions were beginning to be announced. We packed up and headed to Halstatt, which was our intended next stop anyway. While in Halstatt, we started to plan our exit back to the states. We initially had planned to spend 2 days in Prague, but we decided to cut the trip short, and I am glad we did. We crossed over the Austria-Germany border just 10 hours before they closed it down. </p>
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<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="germany mountain view with 3 friends traveling in bavaria on kodak portra 160 film shot with leica m-a" src="https://briandsmithphotography.com/static/media/uploads/blog/travel/germany-austria/2003-germany-austria-travel-kodak-film-leica-m-a-zeiss-tlr-00097_web.jpg" width="600"/></span></p>
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<h2>Germany Travel Highlights and Favorite Cities</h2>
<p>I was so so excited to travel to Germany. I took German for 7 years in school and used to speak the language quite well. It's been a dream of mine to travel there and finally be able to practice my language skills. We flew into Berlin with the plan of experiencing the city's art scene. I enjoyed Berlin. The museums were wonderful, but there was something about the grunginess of the city that I didn't quite like. The highlight of Berlin, for me and my friends, was <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.koeniggalerie.com/" target="_blank" title="https://www.koeniggalerie.com/">The Konig Gallerie</a></span>. The museum was hard to find, and I think my friends thought I was making it up. It is situated, seemingly randomly, in an apartment complex with little signage marking it's existance. Inside, it is pretty minimalist, so you likely won't spend a lot of time there, but I highly recommend spending a solid 30 minutes just sitting in there. The entire building is constructed of conrete and is an acoustic masterpiece. I've never experienced anything like it in my life. It's hard to explain, but you can hear the silence - that's the best way I can explain it. </p>
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<p><img alt="favorite german museum the konig gallerie museum in berlin germany on kodak gold 200 film with contax t3" src="https://briandsmithphotography.com/static/media/uploads/blog/travel/germany-austria/46834_23_web.jpg" width="600"/></p>
<h3>Berlin Museums and Art Culture</h3>
<p>We visited several other museums in Germany like The Jewish Museum and the Hamburger Banhof. They were wonderful and are certainly worth a visit. For me, however, Germany was highlighted by the food and beer. We consumed a lot of beer in Germany and it was such a treat to taste all of the local styles of beer, actually in the regions of the world in which they were brewed. </p>
<p><img alt="3 liter beers in a brew hall in germany on kodak gold 200 film with contax t3" src="https://briandsmithphotography.com/static/media/uploads/blog/travel/germany-austria/2003-germany-austria-travel-kodak-film-leica-m-a-zeiss-tlr-00126_web.jpg" width="600"/></p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://nano-kaffee.de/" target="_blank" title="https://nano-kaffee.de/">NANO KAFFEE BERLIN</a></span>! One of my favorite coffee shops I have ever been to. The aesthetic is pretty minimal but the coffee is nothing shy of fantastic. It was the second best espresso I have ever had in my life (the first, strangely being in Mallorca). We went to the coffee shop a total of 3 times in 2 days and consumed multiple beverages each time we were there. Their Costa Rican was one of the most complex cups of coffee I have ever had. I brought a bag home with me in my backpack. </p>
<p><img alt="nano kaffee berlin on kodak portra 400 film with leica m-a 35mm camera" src="https://briandsmithphotography.com/static/media/uploads/blog/travel/germany-austria/2003-germany-austria-travel-kodak-film-leica-m-a-zeiss-tlr-00072_web.jpg" width="600"/></p>
<p>The Berlin Wall - It took a while for me to appreciate this one to it's fullest. We traversed the whole standing length of the wall, initially just admiring the amazing street art covering the remains. Eventually, however, the historical significance of it began to set in and you truly appreciate that it was only 70 years ago that this wall separated and divided an entire city / world. </p>
<p><img alt="berlin wall street art on black and white kodak tri x pushed medium format film" src="https://briandsmithphotography.com/static/media/uploads/blog/travel/germany-austria/2003-germany-austria-travel-kodak-film-leica-m-a-zeiss-tlr-00043_web.jpg" width="600"/></p>
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<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.visitberlin.de/en/memorial-murdered-jews-europe" target="_blank" title="https://www.visitberlin.de/en/memorial-murdered-jews-europe">Jewish Holocaust Memorial Berlin</a></span> - This was the most sobering and somber experiene of the trip. I knew of the memorial's existence, but wasn't quite prepared for the emotional impact it has on you. It's an emersive, art experience that truly overwhelms you with it's size and complexity. We spend quite a bit of time just wanedering through it's maze of pillars, constructed in memorium of all the millions of Jews that lost their lives during the holocaust. For me, this is a must visit. It's such an important historical event, and I think everyone should visit for a reminder of just how quickly societies can devlove into genocide. </p>
<p><img alt="berlin germany holocaust memorial on black and white 35mm film " src="https://briandsmithphotography.com/static/media/uploads/blog/travel/germany-austria/2003-germany-austria-travel-kodak-film-leica-m-a-zeiss-tlr-00153_web.jpg" width="600"/></p>
<h3>Munich was amazing in it's traditional Bavarian charm</h3>
<p>It was certainly more picturesque than Berlin and had more of that Bavarian charm, while still feeling like a very international city. The highlights from Munich were a few museums, one being related to the Holocaust, and all of the traditional Bavarian food and beer halls. The image below was taken in <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.pinakothek.de/en/visit/sammlung-moderne-kunst-der-pinakothek-der-moderne" target="_blank" title="https://www.pinakothek.de/en/visit/sammlung-moderne-kunst-der-pinakothek-der-moderne">Die Pinakotheken Moderne</a></span> - Modern Art Museum in Munich Germany. I LOVED this museum. It was a nice mix of moern, contemporary art in the well known sense - like Andy Warhol and such. It also featured a lot of really amazing art pieces constructed out of industrial housewares and furniture that I found to be quite beautiful. </p>
<p><img alt="black and white film portrait of 3 friends in munich industrial modern art museum" src="https://briandsmithphotography.com/static/media/uploads/blog/travel/germany-austria/2003-germany-austria-travel-kodak-film-leica-m-a-zeiss-tlr-00035_web.jpg" width="600"/></p>
<p>The building's architecture was stunning!</p>
<p><img alt="die pinakothek museum of modern art in munich germany architecture on black and white film" src="https://briandsmithphotography.com/static/media/uploads/blog/travel/germany-austria/2003-germany-austria-travel-kodak-film-leica-m-a-zeiss-tlr-00044_web.jpg" width="600"/></p>
<p>Me and my Zeiss Ikon Ikoflex Favorit camera on pushed tri x film. </p>
<p><img alt="self portrait on black and white kodak tri x film with zeiss tlr in die pinakothek museum in munich germany" src="https://briandsmithphotography.com/static/media/uploads/blog/travel/germany-austria/2003-germany-austria-travel-kodak-film-leica-m-a-zeiss-tlr-00040_web.jpg" width="600"/></p>
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<h2>Austria Travel Highlights and Favorite Cities</h2>
<p>The highlight of Austria was it's beauty. Every town, even the smallest of towns, was clean and surrounded by mountains. The country is one of the most beautiful I have ever been to. So much of our trip was just spend pulling over for vistas traveling between our major destinations, like this mountainous lanscape, below, where we stopped off and made some sandwiches and had a few beers. </p>
<p><img alt="austria landscape on kodak portra 160 35mm film of mountain shot with leica m-a" src="https://briandsmithphotography.com/static/media/uploads/blog/travel/germany-austria/2003-germany-austria-travel-kodak-film-leica-m-a-zeiss-tlr-00017_web.jpg" width="600"/></p>
<h3>Skiing and Snowboarding in Kitzbuhel</h3>
<p>We spent a day snowboarding and skiing in the bavarian alps of Kitzbuhel. It was a surprisingly hot 70 degree day, so the weather was far from ideal for skiing, but the snow was still decent and the mountain was beautiful. The resort was the highest rated in Austria and for good reason. The views are amazing an there is a nice variety of slopes, from beginner to advanced. </p>
<p><img alt="oakley ski goggles on snowboarder sitting on mountain in Kitzbuhel austria captured on 35mm film" src="https://briandsmithphotography.com/static/media/uploads/blog/travel/germany-austria/2003-germany-austria-travel-kodak-film-leica-m-a-zeiss-tlr-00104_web.jpg" width="600"/></p>
<p><img alt="kitzhubel ski resort on medium format kodak portra 800 film at top of mountain resort" src="https://briandsmithphotography.com/static/media/uploads/blog/travel/germany-austria/2003-germany-austria-travel-kodak-film-leica-m-a-zeiss-tlr-00008_web.jpg" width="600"/></p>
<p>The mountains were so dynamic and seemingly everywhere. This stunning sunrise view was captured in Halstatt. Halstatt was really beautiful, but I think only deserving of a quick stop through, maybe a full day. It is pretty touristy, but the view is so unique that it's a must stop through on your journey. </p>
<p><img alt="halstatt lake view during sunrise on medium format kodak film overlooking lake and mountains" src="https://briandsmithphotography.com/static/media/uploads/blog/travel/germany-austria/2003-germany-austria-travel-kodak-film-leica-m-a-zeiss-tlr-00052_web.jpg" width="600"/></p>
<p>This was another quick pull off the side of the road shot, where the sky was setting so beautifully over one of Austria's mountainous valleys. </p>
<p><img alt="single cloud hovering over austrian valley with pink and blue cotton candy sky on kodak portra 800 medium format film" src="https://briandsmithphotography.com/static/media/uploads/blog/travel/germany-austria/2003-germany-austria-travel-kodak-film-leica-m-a-zeiss-tlr-00047_web.jpg" width="600"/></p>
<h3>Innsbruck</h3>
<p>Inssbruck was beautiful, even though avalanche blasting kept us from being able to experience the high elevation hike that we had intended to. We found plenty to explore, however, and it's a surprsingly industrious and bustling town with good food and coffee. </p>
<p>The city was surrounded by mountains</p>
<p><img alt="innsbruck river with mountain on kodak portra 160 35mm film shot through leica m-a film camera and summilux 50mm lens" src="https://briandsmithphotography.com/static/media/uploads/blog/travel/germany-austria/2003-germany-austria-travel-kodak-film-leica-m-a-zeiss-tlr-00095_web.jpg" width="600"/></p>
<p>This image was captured at the highest point we could get to during our stay. Shot on Kodak portra 160 35mm film with my Leica m-a and Summilux 50mm F1.4 lens. </p>
<p><img alt="35mm kodak film landscape photograph of mountains in Innsbruck austria" src="https://briandsmithphotography.com/static/media/uploads/blog/travel/germany-austria/2003-germany-austria-travel-kodak-film-leica-m-a-zeiss-tlr-00096_web.jpg" width="600"/></p>
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<h2>Photography Gear and Equipment Used During my Travels</h2>
<p>I traveled with only film cameras and my iphone for a few digital snaps. I travel light...like really light. I only bring a backpack with me and that needs to fit clothes for 2 weeks and all my cameras and film - so portability is a big factor in deciding what cameras to bring. I settled on the following cameras for my trip:</p>
<h3><br/>Contax T3 - The Ultimate Travel 35mm Film Camera</h3>
<p>My Contax T3 goes with me everywhere - no question. It's too small not to take. I don't use it as my primary camera, as I like a little more control over exposure and composition, but it never fails me. Exposure is always spot on and it fits in my pocket. I typically load it up with consumer film like Kodak Gold 200 for this trip. It's perfect for wider shots with it's 35mm lens and for quick grabs of my friends and I, especially with it's built in flash. </p>
<p><img alt="contax t3 film selfie in mirror on kodak gold 200 film in germany" src="https://briandsmithphotography.com/static/media/uploads/blog/travel/germany-austria/2003-germany-austria-travel-kodak-film-leica-m-a-zeiss-tlr-00028_web.jpg" width="600"/></p>
<h3>Leica M-A and Leica Summilux 50mm F1.4 Lens for Travel</h3>
<p>This is my favorite camera/lens combination (that and my hasselblad). I shoot it all with this camera. I photograph portraits and take it with me traveling. It's compact, though not very light, and the lens is so sharp that often times I don't even need medium format. I LOVE the colors of 35mm film. It has a classic feel and rendering that I just don't get with medium format, so I tend to shoot more 35mm when I travel. </p>
<p><img alt="wind farm in berlin germany on kodak portra 400 film shot with leica m-a" src="https://briandsmithphotography.com/static/media/uploads/blog/travel/germany-austria/2003-germany-austria-travel-kodak-film-leica-m-a-zeiss-tlr-00074_web.jpg" width="600"/></p>
<h3>Zeiss Ikon Ikoflex Favorit and Portra 800 and Tri X Film</h3>
<p>I brought along my Zeiss TLR for medium format. It's relatively small and I just love using the camera. Something about viewing the world through a TLR is so classic and enjoyable. I brought along this camera as my 'experimental' camera. I loaded it up, initially, with two rolls of pushed Tri X 120 film for some high contrast black and white film shots, then shot Kodak Portra 800 medium format film the rest of the trip. I love the look of underexposed film, so I rated the film at box speed of 800 iso and tended toward underexposure if I was between meter readings. Portra 800 loves light, so it can look muddy sometimes when rating it at box speed, which is precisely what I wanted. </p>
<p><img alt="underexposed portra 800 medium format film shot in halstatt austria with zeiss tlr" src="https://briandsmithphotography.com/static/media/uploads/blog/travel/germany-austria/2003-germany-austria-travel-kodak-film-leica-m-a-zeiss-tlr-00002_web.jpg" width="600"/></p>
<p></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/">Destination Portrait, Wedding and Travel Photographer - Brian D Smith Photography</a></span></p>
<p></p>
<h3>Follow My Travels on Instagram</h3>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/thesmithbrian/" target="_blank" title="https://www.instagram.com/thesmithbrian/">@thesmithbrian on Instagram</a></span></p>
<p></p>
<h2>For More Adventures on Film Check out My Travel Blog</h2>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://briandsmithphotography.com/blog/category/travel/" target="_blank" title="https://briandsmithphotography.com/blog/category/travel/">Brian D Smith Photography Travel and Film Documentaries</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 travel and telling stories on film. Travel became a priority for me when I left my engineering career to pursue photography and in the few short years that I have been in business, I've been to over 2 dozen countries around the world. I travel only with film, and find the permanence of the medium perfect for capturing life's memories and advanture. I'd be thrilled to work for you and document your story, wedding or adventure anywhere in the world. No destination is off limits. </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 Destination Photographer Brian D Smith Photography</a></span></span></h3>Shooting Studio Bridal Portraits on Film with a Hasselblad2020-06-12T13:10:41+00:002024-03-29T03:29:11+00:00adminhttps://briandsmithphotography.com/blog/author/admin/https://briandsmithphotography.com/blog/shooting-studio-bridal-portraits-on-film-with-a-hasselblad/<h2>About the Film Studio Bridal Portrait Shoot</h2>
<p>These images were the result of some impromptu experimentation at the end of a studio bridal portrait session in my Charleston SC portrait studio. I set my Hasselblad on a tripod and used 1 second exposures to create movement and an ethereal atmoshpere. The model tossed the dress while keeping her pose as still as possible and the result is some of my favorite film bridal portraits to date. </p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="ethereal studio bridal portrait on film at brian d smith photography portrait studio with bride in white dress" src="https://briandsmithphotography.com/static/media/uploads/blog/portraits/2002-helen-lovely-bride-charleston-studio-bridal-portraits-kodak-tmax-400-pushed-film-00001_web.jpg" width="600"/></span></p>
<h3>Equipment Used</h3>
<p>These were shot on my Hasselblad 202FA with 80mm F2.8 lens and Kodak Portra 800 film and Kodak Tmax 400 film. All exposures are either .5s or 1s long. Developing and scanning was one by Photovision Prints and images were lit with a single 60W LED light and 48" softbox, high and to the right. </p>
<p><img alt="movement on film using a hasselblad 202fa and kodak portra 800 film with a bride in wedding dress in studio" src="https://briandsmithphotography.com/static/media/uploads/blog/portraits/2002-helen-lovely-bride-kodak-portra-800-charleston-studio-bridal-portraits-film-hasselblad-202fa-00002_web.jpg" width="600"/></p>
<p><img alt="bridal portrait on black and white film in charleston sc by charleston wedding photographer brian d smith photography" src="https://briandsmithphotography.com/static/media/uploads/blog/portraits/2002-helen-lovely-bride-charleston-studio-bridal-portraits-kodak-tmax-400-pushed-film-00002_web.jpg" width="600"/></p>
<p></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>
<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 Portrait Photographer Brian D Smith Photography</a></span></span></h3>Photographing The Ring Road on Iceland with 35mm and Medium Format Film2020-05-12T21:14:21+00:002024-03-29T03:40:06+00:00adminhttps://briandsmithphotography.com/blog/author/admin/https://briandsmithphotography.com/blog/photographing-the-ring-road-on-iceland-with-35mm-and-medium-format-film/<h2>About My Travels Through Iceland - The Earth's Other Planet</h2>
<p>My trip to Iceland was scheduled as a result of a clever layover on the way back from a trip through continental Scandanavia. As a professional photographer, and an avid user of instagram, I'd clearly seen a my fare share of Iceland images. It almost seemed like a foregone conclusion that it was a place I'd soon visit. Iceland was the last leg of a 4 week solo trip, and what was the third travel adventure I'd took part in since I left my engineering career behind and dedicated my life to photography. </p>
<p><img alt="iceland mountain on kodak portra 400 film pushed 1 stop with fuji gf670 portable medium format film camera" src="https://briandsmithphotography.com/static/media/uploads/blog/travel/iceland/2017-film-scandanavia-120_web.jpg" width="600"/></p>
<p></p>
<p>I rented the smallest rental car I could find, which turns out was a bit sketchy at times, and drove around the entirety of the ring road in search of amazing views and all of Iceland's must sees. The car was a Hyundai i10, and to be honest...I loved it. Iceland is the windiest country in the world (no trees!) and there were times where I was driving around and a gust of wind would nearly knock the car across the road. I drove through 6 inches of snow on some lightly studded tires and climbed and descended icy hills and roads. I white knuckled the entire trip. Honestly, I was genuinely scared at times. I think that's what makes travel experiences so beautiful, though. - the discomfort to reach the reward. All that being said, if you plan to drive around the country rent a bigger car!</p>
<p><img alt="red hyundai i10 in iceland ring road during novemeber with fuji xt2" src="https://briandsmithphotography.com/static/media/uploads/blog/travel/iceland/2017-fuji-xt2-scandanavia-202_web.jpg" width="600"/></p>
<p></p>
<h2>What time of year is best to visit iceland?</h2>
<p>I traveled to Iceland during the early part of Novemeber 2017. Although, it was beautiful and there is just something magical about that low horizon light, I probably wouldn't recommend November as my top month to travel to Iceland. The southern part of the country was beautiful...I mean beautiful! The light was golden and the snow was at a pleasing level, leaving some of Iceland's beautiful colors exposed. Novemeber, however, drenched the north in snow and most of the roads were shut down or too snowed in to traverse. The other downside of Iceland in November was that the sunlight was only available from 10am to 4pm. When you plan on driving around the entire country in a week, that doesn't lead to a lot of time to plan your destinations around otpimal light. Luckily, november light in Iceland is always beautiful, any time of the day. </p>
<p><img alt="iceland kirkjufell mountain on medium format kodak film in november covered in snow on fuji gf670" src="https://briandsmithphotography.com/static/media/uploads/blog/travel/iceland/2017-film-scandanavia-118_web.jpg" width="600"/></p>
<p>The above image of Kirkjufell was shot at around noon and the light was managable reflecting off the snow. </p>
<p></p>
<h2>What film gear did I bring to photograph Iceland?</h2>
<p>Iceland was my last ever trip that I brought along a digital camera. You might notice that all the images, save for 1 or 2 are film shots. I just prefer the look of film, the process of film and I don't particularly enjoy editing travel photos the second I get home. It's such a thrill to relive the moments when you get film scans back a few weeks later. For this trip I brought along my Fujifilm gf670 medium format, folding film rangefinder, my canon F1n (my first ever 35mm camera) with canon FD 50mm F1.4 lens and my Fuji XT2 with the 16mm F1.4. The XT2 is a lovely travel camera, but I just couldn't fall in love with it and sold it not too long after the trip. </p>
<p><img alt="fujifilm fuji gf670 film camera and canon F1n 35mm film camera traveling through scandanavia" src="https://briandsmithphotography.com/static/media/uploads/blog/travel/iceland/2017-fuji-xt2-scandanavia-44_web.jpg" width="600"/></p>
<p>The Fuji GF670 is an amazing camera. It was a grail camera for me - a dream. I bought it as a gift to myself when I left my engineering career to pursue photography. I think it is the best medium format film camera for travel. It's not light, but it's so compact, versatile in that it can shoot 6x6 and 6x7 and it has the brightest and best rangefinder I have ever used. If you pack light like I do, you won't ever find a better medium format camera for travel. I'm writing a review of the camera and will post it hear when I do. </p>
<p>My canon F1N was my first 35mm film camera and something essential in my journey as a film photographer. It's beautiful, built like a tank, and I still have it to this day. It has been replaced in my daily lineup for various reasons, but the camera just never let me down and the canon FD lenses are cheap and excellent. It's also a heavy beast and maybe not the best 35mm film camera for travel. There are certainly lighter options. Today, I opt for a Leica M-A and Contax T3 duo to travel with. </p>
<h3>What film stocks did I shoot</h3>
<p>I brought along a few different types of film for this trip - moreso than I usually do because this trip ws at the beginning of my film photography journey and I was still experimenting. For medium format film, I brought along Kodak Portra 400, Kodak Tri-x 400 and Ilford Pan F 50 120 film. I shot all medium format film at box speed except for 1 roll that I pushed 1 stop. This actually turned out to be my 2nd favorite roll of the trip. </p>
<p>For 35mm film, I brought along Kodak Portra 800, Kodak Portra 400 and Tri-x 400. Kodak portra 400 was shot at 200, Portra 800 at 800 and the roll of tri-x was shot at 1600, pushed 2 stops - and it was freaking brilliant. My favorite roll of the trip ended up being a roll of portra 800 35mm film. At the time I got scans back, I didn't really fall in love with it, but years later they are my favorite travel photographs ever. Something about the grain and deep contrast just gave the country some grit and soul. </p>
<p><img alt="iceland sunset in november on kodak portra 800 35mm film" src="https://briandsmithphotography.com/static/media/uploads/blog/travel/iceland/2017-film-scandanavia-189_web.jpg" width="600"/></p>
<p></p>
<h2>Where did I stay when I backpacked through Iceland?</h2>
<p>I stayed in Hostels and a few airbnbs the entire time I was in Iceland. Lodging was limited in the colder months, so do try and book everything in advance. This is typically opposed to the way i normall travel, as I don't like to plan, but it all ended up working out quite well. </p>
<p><img alt="iceland hostel loft backpacking and driving around the ring road" src="https://briandsmithphotography.com/static/media/uploads/blog/travel/iceland/2017-fuji-xt2-scandanavia-57_web.jpg" width="600"/></p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"></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 Photography Portfolio and 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 Film Photographer Brian D Smith Photography</a></span></span></h3>
<h2>My Iceland trip on 35mm film and medium format film</h2>
<p><img alt="snow covered iceland mountain on grainy black and white kodak tri-x 400 35mm film pushed 2 stops at 1600" src="https://briandsmithphotography.com/static/media/uploads/blog/travel/iceland/2017-film-scandanavia-286_web.jpg" width="600"/></p>
<p><img alt="Kodak portra 400 35mm film with canon F1N photograph of mountain in iceland during winter" src="https://briandsmithphotography.com/static/media/uploads/blog/travel/iceland/2017-film-scandanavia-196_web.jpg" width="600"/></p>
<p><img alt="kodak portra 800 35mm film image of iceland valley with canon F1N" src="https://briandsmithphotography.com/static/media/uploads/blog/travel/iceland/2017-film-scandanavia-142_web.jpg" width="600"/></p>August Brengman Brother's Winery Destination Wedding in Northern Michigan2020-04-28T10:45:09+00:002024-03-29T01:24:38+00:00adminhttps://briandsmithphotography.com/blog/author/admin/https://briandsmithphotography.com/stories/august-brengman-brothers-winery-destination-wedding-in-northern-michigan/<h2></h2>
<p></p>
<p>Julie and Tyler flew in from New York City for a destination wedding at Brengman Brother's Winery in Traverse City Michigan. Like so many couples that choose to have a Northern Michigan wedding, they had family ties to the area and dreamt of being married in Michigan's idyllic beauty. They were one of my coolest, most laid back couples yet, and it made it a true pleasure to be their Michigan wedding photographer. </p>
<p><img alt="bride and groom against ivy wall at brengman brothers winery during august northern michigan wedding captured on kodak portra 800 film" src="https://briandsmithphotography.com/static/media/uploads/blog/stories/julie-tyler-brengman/1908-brengman-brothers-winery-northern-michigan-wedding-summer-film-00504_web.jpg" width="600"/></p>
<p><img alt="northern michigan wedding couple photographed by the water in traverse city peninsula during august wedding portraits" src="https://briandsmithphotography.com/static/media/uploads/blog/stories/julie-tyler-brengman/1908-brengman-brothers-winery-northern-michigan-wedding-summer-film-00325_web.jpg" width="600"/></p>
<p><br/>Thank you so much to Compose Events for pulling off a seamless and beautiful wedding day and to Brengman Brother's Winery for being the wonderful wedding venue that they are!</p>
<h2>Brengman Brother's Winery Northern Michigan Wedding Vendor Team </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>Planning + Design: <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://composeevents.com/" target="_blank" title="https://composeevents.com/">Compose Events</a></span> / <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/compose_events/" target="_blank" title="https://www.instagram.com/compose_events/">https://www.instagram.com/compose_events/</a></span></p>
<p>Venue: <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://brengmanbrothers.com/hospitality" target="_blank" title="http://brengmanbrothers.com/hospitality">Brengman Brother's Winery</a></span> / <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/brengmanbrothersweddings/" target="_blank" title="https://www.instagram.com/brengmanbrothersweddings/">https://www.instagram.com/brengmanbrothersweddings/</a></span></p>
<p></p>
<h2><span></span>Why I love Brengman Brother's Winery as a Northern Michigan Wedding Venue</h2>
<p>Northern Michigan is known for it's winerys. You can't drive 5 miles in Traverse City or Suttons Bay without encountering one. Brengman Brother's is certainly one of the most scenic, sitting atop a hill, tucked away down a long stretch of gravel road. It has gorgeous sunsets and lush greenery every way you turn. They have a secluded ceremony site should you choose to have your wedding ceremony at the winery, the aisle formed at the exit of a long row of grape vines. There is an indoor tasting room for cocktail hours and emergencies in case of rain. The tasting room can also be used as a getting ready location. A large tent sits in front of the tasting room to house your Northern Michigan wedding reception, right atop the hill, overlooking the entire property. </p>
<p><img alt="brengman brother's winery wedding venue at sunset on kodak portra 800 film by brian d smith photography" src="https://briandsmithphotography.com/static/media/uploads/blog/stories/julie-tyler-brengman/1908-brengman-brothers-winery-northern-michigan-wedding-summer-film-00491_web.jpg" width="600"/></p>
<h2>Why You Should Hire Me as your Brengman Brother's Wedding Photographer</h2>
<p>I adore taking bride and groom portraits at this Northern Michigan wedding venue. The property is huge and has plenty of places to explore with your wedding party and just the two of you during formal portraits. Long rows of grape vines provide a quiet escape for some breathtaking portraits, full of rich color - which I am such a fan of on a wedding day. My favorite thing about the venue, and why I love being a wedding photographer at Brengman Brother's is the sunsets. The sunsets are truly magical and there are so many fantastic colors and textures to catch the light for your bridal portraits and bride and groom portraits. </p>
<p><img alt="brengman brother's winery sunset bridal portrait during august northern michigan wedding with bride twirling" src="https://briandsmithphotography.com/static/media/uploads/blog/stories/julie-tyler-brengman/1908-brengman-brothers-winery-northern-michigan-wedding-summer-film-00582_web.jpg" width="600"/></p>
<p></p>
<h2>Northern Michigan Wedding Details that I Loved</h2>
<p>I absolutely loved the mismatching, dusty blue and purple bridesmaids dresses.</p>
<p><img alt="bridesmaids dresses in dusty blue and purple in traverse city michigan with traverse bay behind them on kodak portra 800 film" src="https://briandsmithphotography.com/static/media/uploads/blog/stories/julie-tyler-brengman/1908-brengman-brothers-winery-northern-michigan-wedding-summer-film-00346_web.jpg" width="600"/></p>
<p>Tyler's reactions to his bride walking down the isle brought a tear to my eye. Groom's showing their emotion is the one thing that always gets me on a wedding day. </p>
<p><img alt="groom crying at alter during catholic wedding ceremony in Northern Michigan" src="https://briandsmithphotography.com/static/media/uploads/blog/stories/julie-tyler-brengman/1908-brengman-brothers-winery-northern-michigan-wedding-summer-film-00198_web.jpg" width="600"/></p>
<h3>More Northern Michigan Weddings</h3>
<p>To see more Northern Michigan wedding photography, click on the link below to see more blog posts for Michigan and destination weddings and couples. </p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://briandsmithphotography.com/blog/category/destinationweddings/" target="_blank" title="https://briandsmithphotography.com/blog/category/destinationweddings/">Michigan and Destination Weddings on Brian D Smith Photography Blog</a></span></p>
<p>~~ ~~<br/><span></span></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 wedding and portrait photography. I'd be thrilled to work for you and document your story, wedding or business in Charleston South Carolina 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 Michigan Wedding Photographer Brian D Smith Photography</a></span></span></h3>February Downtown Charleston Engagement Session on Film2020-02-24T11:52:12+00:002024-03-29T03:19:14+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>
<p></p>
<p> </p>Autumn Bridal Boudoir and Portraits at 86 Cannon and Magnolia Gardens in Charleston South Carolina2020-02-20T20:40:22+00:002024-03-29T13:15:55+00:00adminhttps://briandsmithphotography.com/blog/author/admin/https://briandsmithphotography.com/stories/charleston-sc-autumn-bridal-boudoir-and-portraits-magnolia-plantation-gardens/<h2>Featured on Amber and Muse Hochzeitsguide!</h2>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.amberandmuse.com/styled-shoots-en/sensual-bridal-boudoir/" target="_blank" title="https://www.amberandmuse.com/styled-shoots-en/sensual-bridal-boudoir/">Amber and Muse Hochzeit Guide Feature - Summer to Autumn Bridal Boudoir</a></span></p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="magnolia plantation bridal portrait ethereal charleston boudoir editorial kodak portra 800 film wedding" src="https://briandsmithphotography.com/static/media/uploads/blog/stories/1%20gen/briandsmithphotography_charlestonsummertoautumnboudoir-00231_web.jpg" width="600"/></span></p>
<h2>The Talented Charleston Wedding Vendor Team:</h2>
<p>Photography/Styling: Brian D Smith Photography (Charleston, SC / Worldwide)</p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://briandsmithphotography.com/" target="_blank" title="http://briandsmithphotography.com/">http://briandsmithphotography.com/</a></span><a href="http://briandsmithphotography.com/" target="_blank" title="http://briandsmithphotography.com/"></a> / <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://instagram.com/briandsmithphotography">https://instagram.com/briandsmithphotography</a></span></p>
<p>Coordination/Styling: Willow and Oak Events(Charleston, SC / Worldwide)</p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.willowandoakevents.com/" target="_blank" title="https://www.willowandoakevents.com/">https://www.willowandoakevents.com/</a></span><a href="https://www.wearepetaloso.com/"></a> / <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/willow.and.oak.events/" target="_blank" title="https://www.instagram.com/willow.and.oak.events/">https://www.instagram.com/willow.and.oak.events/</a></span></p>
<p>Florals/Styling: Flowershop Charleston (Charleston, SC)</p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://flowershopchs.com/" target="_blank" title="http://flowershopchs.com/">http://flowershopchs.com/</a></span><a href="https://www.wearepetaloso.com/"></a> / <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/flowershopchs/" target="_blank" title="https://www.instagram.com/flowershopchs/">https://www.instagram.com/flowershopchs/</a></span></p>
<p>Model: Brandy Nicole Maye (Charleston, SC)</p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/brandynicolemaye/" target="_blank" title="https://www.instagram.com/brandynicolemaye/">https://www.instagram.com/brandynicolemaye/</a></span><a href="https://www.instagram.com/hayleemichalski_/"></a> <span style="text-decoration: underline;"></span></p>
<p>Paper Goods / Caligraphy: Dominique Alba<span> </span>(Charleston, SC)</p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://dominiquealba.com/" target="_blank" title="https://dominiquealba.com/">https://dominiquealba.com/</a></span><a href="https://wingateplantation.com/"></a> / <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/dominiquealba_/">https://www.instagram.com/dominiquealba</a><a href="https://www.instagram.com/dominiquealba_/" target="_blank" title="https://www.instagram.com/dominiquealba_/"></a></span></p>
<p>Heirloom Lingirie / Gown: Claire Pettibone<span> </span></p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://clairepettibone.com/" target="_blank" title="https://clairepettibone.com/">https://clairepettibone.com/</a></span><a href="https://wingateplantation.com/"></a> / <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/clairepettibone/_/">https://www.instagram.com/clairepettibone/</a><a href="https://www.instagram.com/clairepettibone/" target="_blank" title="https://www.instagram.com/clairepettibone/"></a></span></p>
<p>Vintage Floral Print Candle Sticks: Fritz Porter</p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.fritzporter.com/" target="_blank" title="https://www.fritzporter.com/">https://www.fritzporter.com/</a></span><a href="https://wingateplantation.com/"></a> / <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/fritzporterchs/">https://www.instagram.com/fritzporterchs/</a><a href="https://www.instagram.com/fritzporterchs/" target="_blank" title="https://www.instagram.com/fritzporterchs/"></a></span></p>
<p>Ribbons: Silk and Willow</p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.silkandwillow.com/" target="_blank" title="https://www.silkandwillow.com/">https://www.silkandwillow.com/</a></span><a href="https://wingateplantation.com/"></a> / <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/silkandwillow/" target="_blank" title="https://www.instagram.com/silkandwillow/">https://www.instagram.com/silkandwillow/</a></span></p>
<p>HMUA: Gibson Hair and Makeup (Charleston, SC)</p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://charlestonhairandmakeup.com/" target="_blank" title="https://charlestonhairandmakeup.com/">https://charlestonhairandmakeup.com/</a></span><a href="https://www.pamperedandprettyxo.com/"></a> / <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/gibsonhairandmakeup/" target="_blank" title="https://www.instagram.com/gibsonhairandmakeup/">https://www.instagram.com/gibsonhairandmakeup/</a></span></p>
<p>Hair: Shadows and Shears (Charleston, SC)</p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.shadowsandshears.com/" target="_blank" title="https://www.shadowsandshears.com/">https://www.shadowsandshears.com/</a></span><a href="https://sweetcarolinestyles.com/"></a> / <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/shadowsandshears/" target="_blank" title="https://www.instagram.com/shadowsandshears/">https://www.instagram.com/shadowsandshears/</a></span></p>
<p>Venue 1: 86 Cannon (Charleston, SC)</p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://86cannon.com/" target="_blank" title="https://86cannon.com/">https://86cannon.com/</a></span><a href="https://wingateplantation.com/"></a> / <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/86cannonst/">https://www.instagram.com/86cannonst/</a><a href="https://www.instagram.com/86cannonst/" target="_blank" title="https://www.instagram.com/86cannonst/"></a></span></p>
<p>Venue 2: Magnolia Gardens<span> </span>(Charleston, SC)</p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.magnoliaplantationweddings.net/" target="_blank" title="https://www.magnoliaplantationweddings.net/">https://www.magnoliaplantationweddings.net/</a></span><a href="https://wingateplantation.com/"></a> / <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/magnoliaplantationweddings/">https://www.instagram.com/magnoliaplantationweddings/</a></span></p>
<h2>The Charleston Bridal Boudoir Narrative</h2>
<p>From the stylist, <a href="https://www.willowandoakevents.com/">Willow & Oak Events</a>: “In this boudoir-meets-bridal editorial, we sought to capture wedding morning rituals from a slow living approach as the last days of summer transition to the first moments of autumn. With the charming interiors of 86 Cannon balanced by the wild, unruliness of the forest at Magnolia, these sun-kissed scenes evoke a sense of deep tranquility and poetic free-spiritedness. From the heirloom lingerie with intricate lace detailing to the foraged bouquet of fresh + dried blooms that look like a gift from Mother Nature herself, we hope this story inspires brides everywhere to embrace a wedding morning with peace, hygge and a love for the little things. Fitting with this theme, we’d recommend settling into a cozy spot and popping on the tune “Easy” by The Commodores while perusing this gallery from <a href="http://www.briandsmithphotography.com/">Brian D Smith Photography</a> to set the perfect tone!</p>
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<h2>Why I love 86 Cannon as a Charleston Wedding Venue</h2>
<p>86 Cannon is a newly renovated hotel property in a prime location in downtown Charleston. We specifically scouted out this venue for the early portion of this editorial because of it's beautiful decor and gorgeous natural light in the hotel rooms. Light matters for wedding photographs! The light in the rooms at 86 Cannon was bright and allowed me to shoot film, which was a must for this bridal boudoir editorial. It's perfect for the getting ready portion of your wedding day, and even has a small courtyard that is perfect for intimate elopements and ceremonies. </p>
<p><img alt="86 cannon charleston wedding venue bride getting ready hotel downtown with vintage bikes and courtyard" height="1600" src="https://briandsmithphotography.com/static/media/uploads/blog/stories/1%20gen/.thumbnails/1909-magnolia-86-cannon-boudoir-charleston-bridal-portraits-film-autumn-summer-00031_web.jpg/1909-magnolia-86-cannon-boudoir-charleston-bridal-portraits-film-autumn-summer-00031_web-1200x1600.jpg" width="1200"/></p>
<h2><img alt="charleston bridal boudoir at 86 cannon street with bride getting ready at hotel on wedding day with lots of natural light" src="https://briandsmithphotography.com/static/media/uploads/blog/stories/1%20gen/1909-magnolia-86-cannon-boudoir-charleston-bridal-portraits-film-autumn-summer-00059_web.jpg" width="600"/></h2>
<h2>Magnolia Plantation and Gardens - A Photographer's Dream Wedding Venue</h2>
<p>Magnolia Plantation and Gardens is a favorite wedding venue for charleston wedding photographers and couples getting married, alike. The property is expansive and has plenty of locations to photograph. It has gorgeous oak trees with tons of spanish moss, a beautiful home with a light filled veranda overlooking the gardens, and mutliple unique ceremony and reception locations. You can dine and dance al fresco, under the stars or in the beautiful carriage house along the water. We chose magnolia for this charleston bridal boudoir story because it fit the ethereal vibe of the editorial. Our bride danced through the gardens, dreaming of and planning her charleston wedding ceremony at this historic southern wedding venue. It's a personal favorite of mine and makes a great location for bridal portraits, weddings, elopements, boudoir, and editorials in Charleston, South Carolina. </p>
<p><img alt="charleston wedding venue magnolia plantation and gardens spanish moss oaks with white bridge on pond" src="https://briandsmithphotography.com/static/media/uploads/blog/stories/1%20gen/1909-magnolia-86-cannon-boudoir-charleston-bridal-portraits-film-autumn-summer-00125_web.jpg" width="600"/></p>
<p><img alt="charleston bride on her wedding day on veranda overlooking magnolia plantation and gardens with bouquet" src="https://briandsmithphotography.com/static/media/uploads/blog/stories/1%20gen/1909-magnolia-86-cannon-boudoir-charleston-bridal-portraits-film-autumn-summer-00260_web.jpg" width="600"/></p>
<h2>How to Rock Your Charleston Bridal Boudoir Session</h2>
<p>For more information about bridal boudoir and to help you decide if it is right for you, check out this feature I wrote for Charleston Weddings Magazine!</p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://charlestonweddingsmag.com/feature/five_tips_for_a_smokin_lingerie_shoot" target="_blank" title="https://charlestonweddingsmag.com/feature/five_tips_for_a_smokin_lingerie_shoot">Charleston Weddings Magazine Bridal Boudoir Tips</a></span></p>
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<h2>Why You Should Hire me To Photograph Your Charleston Wedding at Magnolia Plantation</h2>
<p>As a Charleston wedding photographer, I am spoiled by all of the pretty places and wedding venues to photograph. There is also no shortage of talented wedding photographers that call this city home, and even more that are coming to Charleston for destination weddings. I treat every opportunity to tell your story as an opportunity to create art. My style is a choesive mix of spontaneous moments and hunting for beautiful light, and intenful shooting to best showcase your unique traits and personality. I chose a film stock for this shoot that renders deep oranges and a blue tint to the greens, to give a beautiful contrasting yet complementary color palette to the bride's glowing orange hair. I wanted to produce something ethereal and unlike anything else produced in Charleston and Magnolia Plantation and Gardens was the perfect backdrop to do so. That's always my goal - to create a unique work of art that stands out amongst a sea of imagery in this lovely place I call home. I work harder to craft a unique style than any other wedding photographer in Charleston SC, and I promise you that I'll turn you and your love into a work of art. To read more about my work as a wedding photographer, check out my weddings page on my site!</p>
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<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://briandsmithphotography.com/weddings/" target="_blank" title="https://briandsmithphotography.com/weddings/">https://briandsmithphotography.com/weddings/</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 wedding and portrait photography. I'd be thrilled to work for you and document your story, wedding or business in Charleston South Carolina 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>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>Fall Elopement Wedding at South Carolina's Wavering Place2019-11-12T11:50:11+00:002024-03-29T12:35:40+00:00adminhttps://briandsmithphotography.com/blog/author/admin/https://briandsmithphotography.com/stories/fall-elopement-wedding-at-south-carolinas-wavering-place/<h2>FEATURED ON RUFFLED BLOG!</h2>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://ruffledblog.com/micro-wedding-wavering-place/" target="_blank" title="https://ruffledblog.com/micro-wedding-wavering-place/">Ruffled Blog - Autumn Southern Elopement at Wavering Place</a></span></p>
<p>The couple arrives on their bicycles, racing playfully down the avenue of trees<br/>and lush vegetation. Their dog skips eagerly beside them. They sit beneath<br/>the ancient oak for a while, taking in the day and the beauty of the morning.<br/>Togetherness. He plays his guitar as she watches with a joyous smile, then<br/>wanders toward the forest to forage. They swap tales of true love, scribbling the<br/>stories on handtorn paper to share at each place setting later.</p>
<p><img alt="wavering place proposal film kodak tri-x zeiss tlr south carolina wedding" src="https://briandsmithphotography.com/static/media/uploads/blog/stories/wavering/1909-charleston-wavering-place-elopement-wedding-fall-film-southern-styled-00024_web.jpg" width="600"/></p>
<p><img alt="wavering place dog bikes film contax 645 portra 800 film wedding elopement proposal" src="https://briandsmithphotography.com/static/media/uploads/blog/stories/wavering/1909-charleston-wavering-place-elopement-wedding-fall-film-southern-styled-00074_web.jpg" width="600"/><br/>As afternoon sets in, they stumble upon an old house in the woods and<br/>climb through the window, exploring the historic corners inside. They find a<br/>countertop next to a window pouring with light and empty their basket of fruits<br/>+ berries, picked from the gardens earlier that day. Together, they prepare<br/>miniature fruit pies for the dinner later on and playfully soak up the moments<br/>surrounded by flour and light.</p>
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<p><img alt="elopement engagement contax 645 charleston wavering place pies love kodak portra 800" src="https://briandsmithphotography.com/static/media/uploads/blog/stories/wavering/1909-charleston-wavering-place-elopement-wedding-fall-film-southern-styled-00137_web.jpg" width="600"/></p>
<h3>To see the first half of this intimate weekend elopement, and the proposal leading up to their autumn affair, please see our other feature on Ruffled Blog!</h3>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://ruffledblog.com/autumn-engagement-session/" target="_blank" title="https://ruffledblog.com/autumn-engagement-session/">Ruffled Blog - Autumn Proposal at Wavering Place</a></span></p>
<h2>Shop These Fall Southern Earth Toned Engagement Looks on Ruffled Blog</h2>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://ruffledblog.com/fall-winter-engagement-outfits/" target="_blank" title="https://ruffledblog.com/fall-winter-engagement-outfits/">Ruffled Blog - Fall Engagement Inspiration</a></span></p>
<p><br/>LauraLee traipses up the curved stairwell to get ready. Her thick braid falls into<br/>a loose natural wave, and she adds a touch of makeup to her freckled face -<br/>dash of rouge, a soft lash. She dons a silky apricot gown that flows behind her,<br/>billowing in the brisk fall air. Meanwhile, Taylor changes into wool blend pants<br/>with a sage green hue and white shirt.<br/>She carries a bouquet of foraged blooms in muted spice tones, found earlier in<br/>the day along the grounds. They wed before an arch of wild florals in autumnal<br/>shades, their parents standing by. The sun starts to set as together they set the<br/>table - bread, honey, berries, figs, cheeses and charcuterie. An artisan feast.<br/>Upon each handmade ceramic plate sits a jagged slice of wicker upon which<br/>hand torn cloth paper is scribbled in natural pigment from berries showcasing<br/>their guests’ names. LauraLee stretches into a cream knit sweater over her<br/>dress as their parents start to read about the classic love stories shared at their<br/>place settings. They toast to spontenaity, serendipity and love as the autumn air<br/>fills with their laughter and song.</p>
<p><img alt="wavering place autumn fall kodak portra 800 contax 645 film wedding" src="https://briandsmithphotography.com/static/media/uploads/blog/stories/wavering/1909-charleston-wavering-place-elopement-wedding-fall-film-southern-styled-00030_web.jpg" width="600"/></p>
<h2>Charleston South Carolina Wedding Vendor Team</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>Planning + Design: <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.willowandoakevents.com/" target="_blank" title="https://www.willowandoakevents.com/">Willow and Oak Events</a></span> / <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/willow.and.oak.events/" target="_blank" title="https://www.instagram.com/willow.and.oak.events/">https://www.instagram.com/willow.and.oak.events/</a></span></p>
<p>Floral Design: <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://www.philofloral.com/" target="_blank" title="http://www.philofloral.com/">Philo Floral</a></span> / <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/philofloral/" target="_blank" title="https://www.instagram.com/philofloral/">https://www.instagram.com/philofloral/</a></span></p>
<p>Venue: <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://waveringplace.com/" target="_blank" title="https://waveringplace.com/">Wavering Place</a> </span><span> </span>/ <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/waveringplace/" target="_blank" title="https://www.instagram.com/waveringplace/">https://www.instagram.com/waveringplace/</a></span></p>
<p>Paper Goods: <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://littlenorthcompany.com/" target="_blank" title="https://littlenorthcompany.com/">Little North Company</a></span> / <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/littlenorthcompany/" target="_blank" title="https://www.instagram.com/littlenorthcompany/">https://www.instagram.com/littlenorthcompany/</a></span></p>
<p>Hair + Makeup Artist: <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://www.jennyyoo.com/" target="_blank" title="https://www.jennyyoo.com/">Jenny Yoo</a></span> via <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://bellabridesmaids.com/" target="_blank" title="https://bellabridesmaids.com/">Bella Bridesmaids</a></span> / <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/jennyyoonyc/" target="_blank" title="https://www.instagram.com/jennyyoonyc/">https://www.instagram.com/jennyyoonyc/</a></span> / <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/bellabridesmaids/" target="_blank" title="https://www.instagram.com/bellabridesmaids/">https://www.instagram.com/bellabridesmaids/</a></span></p>
<p>Bride's Sweater: <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.stories.com/en_usd/index.html" target="_blank" title="https://www.stories.com/en_usd/index.html">& Other Stories</a></span> / <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/andotherstories/" target="_blank" title="https://www.instagram.com/andotherstories/">https://www.instagram.com/andotherstories/</a></span></p>
<p>Bride's Autumn Attire: <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://hackwithdesignhouse.com/" target="_blank" title="https://hackwithdesignhouse.com/">Hackwith Design House</a></span> / <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/hackwithdesign/" target="_blank" title="https://www.instagram.com/hackwithdesign/">https://www.instagram.com/hackwithdesign/</a></span></p>
<p>Groom's Fashion: <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.asos.com/us/" target="_blank" title="https://www.asos.com/us/">ASOS</a></span> / <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/asos/" target="_blank" title="https://www.instagram.com/asos/">https://www.instagram.com/asos/</a></span></p>
<p>Pies: <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.vanillaandthebean.com/" target="_blank" title="https://www.vanillaandthebean.com/">Vanilla and the Bean</a></span> / <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/vanillaandthebean/" target="_blank" title="https://www.instagram.com/vanillaandthebean/">https://www.instagram.com/vanillaandthebean/</a></span></p>
<p>Rings: <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.sofiakaman.com/" target="_blank" title="https://www.sofiakaman.com/">Sofia Kaman</a></span> / <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/sofiakaman/" target="_blank" title="https://www.instagram.com/sofiakaman/">https://www.instagram.com/sofiakaman/</a></span></p>
<p>Tabletop Pieces: <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.farmhousepottery.com/" target="_blank" title="https://www.farmhousepottery.com/">Farmhouse Pottery</a></span> / <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/farmhousepottery/" target="_blank" title="https://www.instagram.com/farmhousepottery/">https://www.instagram.com/farmhousepottery/</a></span></p>
<p>Linens: <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://magiclinen.com/" target="_blank" title="https://magiclinen.com/">Magic Linen</a></span> / <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/magiclinen/" target="_blank" title="https://www.instagram.com/magiclinen/">https://www.instagram.com/magiclinen/</a></span></p>
<p>Napkins: <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.silkandwillow.com/" target="_blank" title="https://www.silkandwillow.com/">Silk and Willow</a></span> / <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/silkandwillow/" target="_blank" title="https://www.instagram.com/silkandwillow/">https://www.instagram.com/silkandwillow/</a></span></p>
<p>Bicycles: <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.outspokinbicycles.com/" target="_blank" title="https://www.outspokinbicycles.com/">Outspokin'</a> </span><span> </span>/ <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/outspokincola/" target="_blank" title="https://www.instagram.com/outspokincola/">https://www.instagram.com/outspokincola/</a></span></p>
<p>Models: <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.directionsusa.com/portfolio/women/fashion/1330375/kelsey-chambers" target="_blank" title="https://www.directionsusa.com/portfolio/women/fashion/1330375/kelsey-chambers">Kelsey Chambers</a></span> and <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.directionsusa.com/portfolio/men/fashion/874222/dylan-gibhardt" target="_blank" title="https://www.directionsusa.com/portfolio/men/fashion/874222/dylan-gibhardt">Dylan Gibhart</a></span> from <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.directionsusa.com/" target="_blank" title="https://www.directionsusa.com/">Directions USA</a></span></p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="wavering place house autumn fall kodak portra 800 fall film contax 645 southern wedding" src="https://briandsmithphotography.com/static/media/uploads/blog/stories/wavering/1909-charleston-wavering-place-elopement-wedding-fall-film-southern-styled-00031_web.jpg" width="600"/></span></p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="wavering place carriage house southern charleston film elopement wedding contax 645 kodak portra 800" src="https://briandsmithphotography.com/static/media/uploads/blog/stories/wavering/1909-charleston-wavering-place-elopement-wedding-fall-film-southern-styled-00036_web.jpg" width="600"/></span></p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="fall trees wavering place southern wedding venue columbia south carolina kodak portra 800 film photographer" src="https://briandsmithphotography.com/static/media/uploads/blog/stories/wavering/1909-charleston-wavering-place-elopement-wedding-fall-film-southern-styled-00029_web.jpg" width="600"/></span></p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="wavering place south carolina wedding elopement venue film canon eos 1v kodak portra 400" src="https://briandsmithphotography.com/static/media/uploads/blog/stories/wavering/1909-charleston-wavering-place-elopement-wedding-fall-film-southern-styled-00037_web.jpg" width="600"/></span></p>
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<h2><span></span>Why Wavering Place is a Favorite South Carolina Venue to Photograph</h2>
<p>Wavering place has history. It has a story. To me, that is the most inspiring aspect wedding site and makes it one of South Carolina's most beautiful wedding venues. I love it when the story of the venue is as romantic as that of the couple exchanging their vows on their wedding day. The venue has history and the grounds are sprawling with endless locations to photograph. Greenery is a plenty and it looks beautiful in every single wedding season. If you look through the photographs, below, I think you will see just how beautifully it photographs. If you are looking for a venue for your Charleston or Columbia South Carolina wedding, look no further than wavering place. </p>
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<h2>Why You Should Hire Me To Photograph Your Wavering Place Wedding or Elopement</h2>
<p>I prefer to let the images speak for themselves, and I think they do in this romantic wavering south carolina micro-wedding / elopement. I was inspired to create something beautiful from the moment I stepped on the property and spoke with the owner. She spoke poetically about what the venue means to her family, and it is this personal touch that I think makes it the perfect southern wedding destination. Plus, it's super peaceful and provides an intimacy that is perfect for weddings - small and large. As a South Carolina wedding photographer, every couple and every wedding is an opportunity to create something artistic. Hire me to photograph your south carolina or charleston wedding and let's create some art and tell a story that is unique to you.</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 wedding and portrait photography. I'd be thrilled to work for you and document your story, wedding or business in Charleston South Carolina 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><span style="text-decoration: underline;"></span></p>Autumn Inspired Marriage Proposal and Elopement Inspiration at Wavering Place2019-11-10T13:40:08+00:002024-03-28T18:23:43+00:00adminhttps://briandsmithphotography.com/blog/author/admin/https://briandsmithphotography.com/stories/autumn-inspired-marriage-proposal-and-elopement-inspiration-at-wavering-place/<h2>SOUTH CAROLINA ENGAGEMENT FEATURED ON RUFFLED BLOG!</h2>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://ruffledblog.com/autumn-engagement-session/" target="_blank" title="https://ruffledblog.com/autumn-engagement-session/">Ruffled Blog - Autumn Runaway Proposal and Engagement at Wavering Place</a></span></p>
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<p>I've long had an idea in my head for a runaway marriage proposal and elopement - a couple sneaking away for a weekend, exploring and adventuring, photographing their own love. Wavering Place in the fall, provided the perfect southern backdrop for some timeless romanticism with a touch of wanderlust adventure. This ambitious editorial was broken down into two primary galleries, featuring a monochrome story within the context of the greater story. The outsider views the storyline in brilliant fall color as it unfolds in front of their eyes, while an intimate story in black and white continues throughout as the couple explores and documents their own love. This first storyline explores the discovery of an unknown property, the exploration of young love, an eventual proposal, and a return to site of their engagement for an elopement weekend filled with bike rides and apple pie. </p>
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<p>I used vintage cameras and black and white Kodak film to tell the southern engagement story as a subplot to the proposal. Shot using on my grandfather's old Zeiss Ikon Ikoflex Favorit Camera and my Leica M-A 35mm and Tri-x 400 film. Isn't this intimate perspective of your southern engagement and proposal romantic? </p>
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<p><img alt="kodak tri-x charleston engagement photos with zeiss ikoflex tlr on film and girl holding leica m-a" src="https://briandsmithphotography.com/static/media/uploads/blog/stories/wavering/1909-charleston-wavering-place-elopement-wedding-fall-film-southern-styled-00018_web.jpg" width="600"/></p>
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<p><img alt="groom holding zeiss tlr on black and white film for south carolina engagement photos at wavering place shot on black and white film" src="https://briandsmithphotography.com/static/media/uploads/blog/stories/wavering/1909-charleston-wavering-place-elopement-wedding-fall-film-southern-styled-00019_web.jpg" width="600"/></p>
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<h2>Shop The Earth Tone Fall Engagement Fashion on Ruffled Blog</h2>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://ruffledblog.com/fall-winter-engagement-outfits/" target="_blank" title="https://ruffledblog.com/fall-winter-engagement-outfits/">Ruffled Blog - Fall Engagement Outfit Inspiration</a></span></p>
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<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="south carolina fall engagement fashion for proposal engagement at wavering place with dog and vintage bikes" src="https://briandsmithphotography.com/static/media/uploads/blog/stories/wavering/1909-charleston-wavering-place-elopement-wedding-fall-film-southern-styled-00097_web.jpg" width="600"/></span></p>
<h2>Charleston South Carolina Wedding Vendor Editorial Team</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>Planning + Design: <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.willowandoakevents.com/" target="_blank" title="https://www.willowandoakevents.com/">Willow and Oak Events</a></span> / <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/willow.and.oak.events/" target="_blank" title="https://www.instagram.com/willow.and.oak.events/">https://www.instagram.com/willow.and.oak.events/</a></span></p>
<p>Floral Design: <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://www.philofloral.com/" target="_blank" title="http://www.philofloral.com/">Philo Floral</a></span> / <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/philofloral/" target="_blank" title="https://www.instagram.com/philofloral/">https://www.instagram.com/philofloral/</a></span></p>
<p>Venue: <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://waveringplace.com/" target="_blank" title="https://waveringplace.com/">Wavering Place</a> </span> / <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/waveringplace/" target="_blank" title="https://www.instagram.com/waveringplace/">https://www.instagram.com/waveringplace/</a></span></p>
<p>Paper Goods: <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://littlenorthcompany.com/" target="_blank" title="https://littlenorthcompany.com/">Little North Company</a></span> / <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/littlenorthcompany/" target="_blank" title="https://www.instagram.com/littlenorthcompany/">https://www.instagram.com/littlenorthcompany/</a></span></p>
<p>Hair + Makeup Artist: <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://www.jennyyoo.com/" target="_blank" title="https://www.jennyyoo.com/">Jenny Yoo</a></span> via <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://bellabridesmaids.com/" target="_blank" title="https://bellabridesmaids.com/">Bella Bridesmaids</a></span> / <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/jennyyoonyc/" target="_blank" title="https://www.instagram.com/jennyyoonyc/">https://www.instagram.com/jennyyoonyc/</a></span> / <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/bellabridesmaids/" target="_blank" title="https://www.instagram.com/bellabridesmaids/">https://www.instagram.com/bellabridesmaids/</a></span></p>
<p>Bride's Sweater: <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.stories.com/en_usd/index.html" target="_blank" title="https://www.stories.com/en_usd/index.html">& Other Stories</a></span> / <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/andotherstories/" target="_blank" title="https://www.instagram.com/andotherstories/">https://www.instagram.com/andotherstories/</a></span></p>
<p>Bride's Autumn Attire: <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://hackwithdesignhouse.com/" target="_blank" title="https://hackwithdesignhouse.com/">Hackwith Design House</a></span> / <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/hackwithdesign/" target="_blank" title="https://www.instagram.com/hackwithdesign/">https://www.instagram.com/hackwithdesign/</a></span></p>
<p>Groom's Fashion: <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.asos.com/us/" target="_blank" title="https://www.asos.com/us/">ASOS</a></span> / <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/asos/" target="_blank" title="https://www.instagram.com/asos/">https://www.instagram.com/asos/</a></span></p>
<p>Pies: <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.vanillaandthebean.com/" target="_blank" title="https://www.vanillaandthebean.com/">Vanilla and the Bean</a></span> / <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/vanillaandthebean/" target="_blank" title="https://www.instagram.com/vanillaandthebean/">https://www.instagram.com/vanillaandthebean/</a></span></p>
<p>Rings: <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.sofiakaman.com/" target="_blank" title="https://www.sofiakaman.com/">Sofia Kaman</a></span> / <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/sofiakaman/" target="_blank" title="https://www.instagram.com/sofiakaman/">https://www.instagram.com/sofiakaman/</a></span></p>
<p>Tabletop Pieces: <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.farmhousepottery.com/" target="_blank" title="https://www.farmhousepottery.com/">Farmhouse Pottery</a></span> / <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/farmhousepottery/" target="_blank" title="https://www.instagram.com/farmhousepottery/">https://www.instagram.com/farmhousepottery/</a></span></p>
<p>Linens: <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://magiclinen.com/" target="_blank" title="https://magiclinen.com/">Magic Linen</a></span> / <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/magiclinen/" target="_blank" title="https://www.instagram.com/magiclinen/">https://www.instagram.com/magiclinen/</a></span></p>
<p>Napkins: <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.silkandwillow.com/" target="_blank" title="https://www.silkandwillow.com/">Silk and Willow</a></span> / <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/silkandwillow/" target="_blank" title="https://www.instagram.com/silkandwillow/">https://www.instagram.com/silkandwillow/</a></span></p>
<p>Bicycles: <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.outspokinbicycles.com/" target="_blank" title="https://www.outspokinbicycles.com/">Outspokin'</a> </span> / <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/outspokincola/" target="_blank" title="https://www.instagram.com/outspokincola/">https://www.instagram.com/outspokincola/</a></span></p>
<p>Models: <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.directionsusa.com/portfolio/women/fashion/1330375/kelsey-chambers" target="_blank" title="https://www.directionsusa.com/portfolio/women/fashion/1330375/kelsey-chambers">Kelsey Chambers</a></span> and <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.directionsusa.com/portfolio/men/fashion/874222/dylan-gibhardt" target="_blank" title="https://www.directionsusa.com/portfolio/men/fashion/874222/dylan-gibhardt">Dylan Gibhart</a></span> from <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.directionsusa.com/" target="_blank" title="https://www.directionsusa.com/">Directions USA</a></span></p>
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<h2>To See The Second Half of this Southern Wedding Love Story, Click the Link Below</h2>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://briandsmithphotography.com/stories/fall-elopement-wedding-at-south-carolinas-wavering-place/" target="_blank" title="http://briandsmithphotography.com/stories/fall-elopement-wedding-at-south-carolinas-wavering-place/">Ruffled Blog - Fall Intimate Micro Wedding at Wavering Place in South Carolina</a></span></p>
<p><img alt="wavering place charleston and columbia south carolina wedding venue intimate elopement with bride and groom fashion" src="https://briandsmithphotography.com/static/media/uploads/blog/stories/wavering/1909-charleston-wavering-place-elopement-wedding-fall-film-southern-styled-00303_web.jpg" width="600"/></p>
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<p>Wavering Place is one of the most beautiful venues in the Southeast. It's historic charm, deep family ties, and sprawling greenery make it the perfect destination for your southern wedding, elopement, or engagement. Located just outside of Columbia, South Carolina it's a short drive from the beach in Charleston and the mountains of Asheville. </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 wedding and portrait photography. I'd be thrilled to work for you and document your story, wedding or business in Charleston South Carolina 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>Chartreuse In Tuscany an Italian Inspired Elopement Weekend at Hotel Domestique2019-10-31T13:09:55+00:002024-03-28T18:22:26+00:00adminhttps://briandsmithphotography.com/blog/author/admin/https://briandsmithphotography.com/stories/chartreuse-in-tuscany-an-italian-inspired-elopement-weekend-hotel-domestique/<h2>SOUTH CAROLINA WEEKEND ELOPEMENT FEATURED ON MAGNOLIA ROUGE! </h2>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.magnoliarouge.com/inspiration/vintage-european-elopement-inspiration-in-the-hills-of-asheville/" target="_blank" title="https://www.magnoliarouge.com/inspiration/vintage-european-elopement-inspiration-in-the-hills-of-asheville/">Magnolia Rouge - Vintage European Inspired Elopement Inspiration in the Hills of Asheville</a></span></p>
<p>I had a vision to bring vintage, timeless European romance to the southern United States. The styling would be reminiscent of a more traditional era, yet retain the elements of sophisticated dress that's commonplace at European weddings. I expanded my search outside of my native Charleston wedding destination to find a wedding venue with a European flair. I found the Italian inspired Hotel Domestique and planned the entire shoot, with it as my aesthetic muse. It's most important for me to tell a story when I put together creative projects. That's why I decided on a weekend elopepment as the storyboard. It would take place in stages, reflecting a casual time away with all the intimacy of true love echoed in playful banter and sun-drenched relaxation. From poolside lounging to a picnic among the vineyard vines, and culminating in a sunset ceremony, I wanted the focus to be on the couple. It was meant to feel as if my presence as the photographer wasn't known. This helps keep the focus on the story and the true chemistry between these once total strangers. </p>
<h2>South and North Carolina Elopement Editorial Team</h2>
<p>Photography: <a href="http://briandsmithphotography.com/" target="_blank" title="http://briandsmithphotography.com/">Brian D Smith Photography</a> / <a href="https://www.instagram.com/briandsmithphotography/" target="_blank" title="https://www.instagram.com/briandsmithphotography/">https://www.instagram.com/briandsmithphotography/</a></p>
<p>Venue: <a href="http://hoteldomestique.com/" target="_blank" title="http://hoteldomestique.com/">Hotel Domestique</a> / <a href="https://www.instagram.com/hotel_domestique/" target="_blank" title="https://www.instagram.com/hotel_domestique/">https://www.instagram.com/hotel_domestique/</a></p>
<p>Florals: <a href="http://www.laurelcreekflorals.com/" target="_blank" title="http://www.laurelcreekflorals.com/">Laurel Creek Florals</a> / <a href="https://www.instagram.com/laurelcreekflorals/" target="_blank" title="https://www.instagram.com/laurelcreekflorals/">https://www.instagram.com/laurelcreekflorals/</a></p>
<p>Hair and Makeup: <a href="https://www.emilydawnmakeup.com/" target="_blank" title="https://www.emilydawnmakeup.com/">Emily Dawn Hair and Makeup</a> / <a href="https://www.instagram.com/emilydawnhmu/" target="_blank" title="https://www.instagram.com/emilydawnhmu/">https://www.instagram.com/emilydawnhmu/</a></p>
<p>Pottery: <a href="https://eastfork.com/" target="_blank" title="https://eastfork.com/">East Fork Pottery</a> / <a href="https://www.instagram.com/eastforkpottery/" target="_blank" title="https://www.instagram.com/eastforkpottery/">https://www.instagram.com/eastforkpottery/</a></p>
<p>Models: <a href="https://www.sterlingstreetactor.com/" target="_blank" title="https://www.sterlingstreetactor.com/">Sterling Street</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/christigarland/" target="_blank" title="https://www.instagram.com/christigarland/">Christi Garland</a> / <a href="https://www.instagram.com/christigarland/" target="_blank" title="https://www.instagram.com/christigarland/">https://www.instagram.com/christigarland/</a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/sterlingstreet/" target="_blank" title="https://www.instagram.com/sterlingstreet/">https://www.instagram.com/sterlingstreet/</a></p>
<p>Dress: Vintage <a href="https://www.instagram.com/sustainablestylegvl/" target="_blank" title="https://www.instagram.com/sustainablestylegvl/">Sustainable Style Greenville</a></p>
<p>Groom Styling: Vintage <a href="https://www.brooksbrothers.com/" target="_blank" title="https://www.brooksbrothers.com/">Brooks Brothers</a> and <a href="https://www.jcrew.com/" target="_blank" title="https://www.jcrew.com/">J Crew</a></p>
<p><img alt="asheville hotel domestique elopement wedding vineyard summer film contax 645" src="https://briandsmithphotography.com/static/media/uploads/blog/stories/domestique/1906-hotel-domestique-vintage-tuscanny-chartreuse-styled-elopement-83_web.jpg" width="600"/></p>
<p>The shoot came together in stages, thanks entirely to the creative team we assembled. Kendra, from Laurel Creek florals is an experienced wedding and arrangement florist who grows her own flowers on her farm outside of Greenville. She was inspired by seasonal blooms and hand dyed silk ribbons, with a continuous aspiration for and experimentation with new color palettes. Prior to the shoot she sent me images of Chartreuse ribbons and matching florals. I was at first a skeptic. The color was bold, and unconventional for the wedding industry. I trusted her vision, and it instantly became my favorite detail of the entire shoot. Christi was my female model, and my styling companion. I met up with her a day prior to the shoot and we scoured thrift stores, her own personal wardrobe, and vintage pieces from her Greenville based Sustainable Style to put the finishing touches on the wardrobe and picnic stylings. The pièce de résistance was her mother's vintage, hand sewn wedding dress which she stumbled upon days prior the shoot. The moment she tried the dress on, the shoot felt complete, and I knew that we'd successful carried out the vision I had been dreaming about for months. Emily Dawn created 3 distinct and effortlessly perfect hair and makeup looks to put the final touches on our three elopement vignettes. She paired the perfect rosy cheek and lips to accent the bold yellows by the pool. She created a soft, and playfully charming ponytail and red lip to bring casual elegance to our countryside picnic. Finally, a brilliant updo with her own exclamation of "my best updo yet" was a tall order to pair with such a dress, but again the creation was as magical as the sunset light catching the loose curls draped from either side. Sterling, a Greenville based actor, was our male model and the playful chemistry generator that truly made the shoot feel like an elopement between two smitten lovers. He told stories by the picnic of vacations to European chateaus in the south of Italy, eliciting giggles from their believable prose. He carried an infectious smile that proved contagious, even from behind my camera. He was styled with vintage finds, my own personal wardrobe and pieces from his own closet and signature garb.</p>
<p><img alt="hotel domestique elopement wedding photography contax 645 portra 400 film " src="https://briandsmithphotography.com/static/media/uploads/blog/stories/domestique/1906-hotel-domestique-vintage-tuscanny-chartreuse-styled-elopement-180_web.jpg" width="600"/></p>
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<h2>What I love About Hotel Domestique as a South Carolina Wedding Venue</h2>
<p>A special thanks is due to the lovely venue, Hotel Domestique in Traveler's Rest South Carolina. Sarah was a wonderful host, and allowed us all the time and space we needed to piece together our vision. It is truly a unique, and rare destination tucked away in the mountains of Traveler's rest between Greenville and Asheville. Hotel Domestique is large enough to host big weddings but it's remote location gives it a very intimate feel, perfect for weddings and elopements alike. The venue is inspired by italian vineyards and it is this aesthetic that makes it unlike any other wedding venue in South Carolina. It features a sprawling inn and a large back patio with a fountain that overlooks the vineyard and blue ridge mountains. It is one of the most beautiful wedding reception spaces I have ever had the pleasure to photograph.</p>
<p><img alt="hotel domestique south carolina wedding and elopement venue back patio with italian architecture in blue ridge mountains" src="https://briandsmithphotography.com/static/media/uploads/blog/stories/domestique/1906-hotel-domestique-vintage-tuscanny-chartreuse-styled-elopement-23_web.jpg" width="600"/></p>
<p><img alt="hotel domestique bride and groom in vintage wedding dress and suit during south carolina wedding elopement featuring old world italian design" src="https://briandsmithphotography.com/static/media/uploads/blog/stories/domestique/1906-hotel-domestique-vintage-tuscanny-chartreuse-styled-elopement-167_web.jpg" width="600"/></p>
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<p>Last but not least, I'd like to thank East Fork pottery and the beautiful coincidence that led me to them. I'd followed them for some time and long admired their branding, artistic creations and social media styling. Leaving a vintage shop in Asheville, 2 days before the shoot, I happened to walk by their downtown shop and noticed their seasonal color was a chartreuse green. I knew it was meant to be and they graciously lent me some of their handmade pottery to put the finishing touch on our romantic picnic.</p>
<p>Everything came together to tell a story: Chartreuse in Tuscany - Vintage European Elopement Inspiration in the Hills of Asheville.</p>
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<h2>Why You Should Hire Me For That Venue</h2>
<p>I sought out Hotel Domestique intentionally as a south carolina wedding and elopement venue because I was completely enamored with and inspired by the european archicteture and styling. It had this old world, romantic charm that I just couldn't find at any other charleston, asheville or columbia wedding venue. Hire a photographer that is inspired by where they shoot. Hire a photographer who will be so enthusiastic and excited to photograph your south carolina wedding at Hotel Domestique. This shoot was a dream and a beautiful change of pace for a Charleston wedding photographer and I truly can't wait to photograph another elopement or wedding at this lovely european venue. Also, I just really really love the Blue Ridge Mountains!</p>
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<p><img alt="One of south carolina and north carolinas best wedding venues hotel domestique overlooking the blue ridge mountains with vintage fashion bride and groom during ceremony" src="https://briandsmithphotography.com/static/media/uploads/blog/stories/domestique/1906-hotel-domestique-vintage-tuscanny-chartreuse-styled-elopement-141_web.jpg" width="600"/></p>
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<p>To see more inspiring elopement content, check out my Wavering Place South Carolina Elopement that was featured on Ruffled Blog!</p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://briandsmithphotography.com/stories/fall-elopement-wedding-at-south-carolinas-wavering-place/" target="_blank" title="https://briandsmithphotography.com/stories/fall-elopement-wedding-at-south-carolinas-wavering-place/">Wavering Place Intimate Fall Wedding Elopement</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 wedding and portrait photography. I'd be thrilled to work for you and document your story, wedding or business in Charleston South Carolina 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>Timeless Charleston South Carolina Studio Bridal Portraits on Film2019-09-16T14:56:06+00:002024-03-29T11:21:35+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>The Life of a Photographer July 23 20192019-07-23T16:29:28+00:002024-03-28T19:36:47+00:00adminhttps://briandsmithphotography.com/blog/author/admin/https://briandsmithphotography.com/blog/07-23-19/<pre>The Weekly - July 23 2019</pre>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>
<p></p>Bridal Portraits in Charleston's Hampton Park - Bodysuit and Skirt as a Wedding Dress2019-05-01T18:53:58+00:002024-03-29T14:44:24+00:00adminhttps://briandsmithphotography.com/blog/author/admin/https://briandsmithphotography.com/stories/bridal-portraits-hampton-park-charleston-sc-sweet-caroline-skirt-dress/<p>I had the most amazing bodysuit and skirt on loan from <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.sweetcarolinestyles.com/" target="_blank" title="https://www.sweetcarolinestyles.com/">Sweet Caroline Styles</a></span>. The bodysuit was their Stevie model, <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/551055939/stevie-bodysuit-wedding-separates-boho?ref=shop_home_active_24" target="_blank" title="https://www.etsy.com/listing/551055939/stevie-bodysuit-wedding-separates-boho?ref=shop_home_active_24">Etsy - Stevie Bodysuit</a></span>, and featured an open back with a beautiful, semi-sheer geometric pattern in lace. The skirt was the florence skirt in white/cream, <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/493578863/florence-skirt-10-train-chiffon-skirt?ref=shop_home_active_13" target="_blank" title="https://www.etsy.com/listing/493578863/florence-skirt-10-train-chiffon-skirt?ref=shop_home_active_13">Etsy - Florence Skirt</a></span>.</p>
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<p>Skirt dresses are always some of my favorites to photograph. They move so well, and never hinder your movement on a wedding day. They are graceful and elegant, yet onubtrusive when you are ready to hit the dance floor. Most importantly, they give you free reign to twirl around and get shots like the one above.</p>
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<p>If you've never been to Hampton park in the springtime, you need to go, <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.charleston-sc.gov/Facilities/Facility/Details/81" target="_blank" title="https://www.charleston-sc.gov/Facilities/Facility/Details/81">Hampton Park - Charleston, SC Gov</a></span>, <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g54171-d6826215-Reviews-Hampton_Park-Charleston_South_Carolina.html" target="_blank" title="https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g54171-d6826215-Reviews-Hampton_Park-Charleston_South_Carolina.html">Trip Advisor - Hampton Park</a></span>. The park has several beautiful locations to photograph and has so many lush greens and textures. It's a popular wedding and bridal portraits spot in Charleston for a reason. </p>
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<pre><code><em>Images shot on a mix of Contax 645 + Kodak Portra 800 film and digital</em></code></pre>