Boudoir Photography

A boudoir is a lady's private bedroom, sitting room or dressing room. The term derives from the French verb bouder, meaning "to pout".
"Boudoir Photography" is a selection of images of a female dressed in a manner which is appropriate for her private room. I've heard a lot of discussions among professional photographers with regards to this side of their business, and in particular how popular it's becoming.....apparently there are thousands of brides in Ireland whom create an album of "boudoir images" which they present to their "husband to be" the night before their wedding.
I must admit that I had researched this type of photography.....but it didn't take me long to realize that as a male photographer, it would be quite difficult for a female to come into my studio, and within a matter of minutes, expect her to be posing.....possibly in a seductive and intimate manner....very quickly. This is something that I know I wouldn't be comfortable with, and in all likelihood, neither would the female subject!!
My friend and associate of Boudoir Girls Natalie Greer however specializes in this form of photography and I recently had the opportunity to assist her on a shoot. As I use the Canon 5D mark 2 SLR, Natalie wanted some video footage of a shoot to use marketing her business, so this was the main reason why I was present (honest to God Elaine {my wife!!})
I must admit to being a small bit tongue tied when the shoot started (....well it's not everyday that I'm confronted with a model in lingerie!!!) and it's easy to see why Natalie has become so competent at the work that she does. She built up a rapport very quickly with her subject and really helped her to come out of her shy shell. At all times she gave polite direction to the "boudoir girl" to help her get the most from the shoot while at the same time helping her to preserve her modesty. Natalie is also exceptionally good at creating themed shoots and this particular shoot was themed on Marie Antoinette. Well done Natalie and Sharon, you were both brilliant!!!
Below are a couple of images from the shoot.

Niamh & Dermot

Niamh and Dermot's wedding took place last Friday in the majestic countryside setting of Tourmakeady Co.Mayo.
I visited Dermot (Groom) at the start of the day who was getting ready in nearby Partry before traveling on to Niamh's home house in Tourmakeady to catch some of her preparations.
Although the weather was changeable, the Gods looked upon us favourably and gave us lovely dry conditions after the ceremony. This allowed us to to go to the beautiful "Tourmakeady Waterfall" which as about a ten minute walk into the local forest (or a two minute drive if your a Bride on her wedding day!!). Fair play to the newlyweds who had brought some refreshments (beer, champagne and sambos!!) to the waterfall which ensured a very relaxed and jovial mood whilst taking images.
The reception took place in the marvelous Castlecourt Hotel in Westport.
Below is a small sample of images from the day.

One of the most enjoyable days I've had at a wedding....thanks lads!!

 

Mike Denver in the TF Castlebar

Mike Denver played a tremendous concert in Castlebar's TF last Saturday March 5th. Special guests on the night included Ray Lynam (responsible for getting me addicted to James Taylor), and Philomena Begley.
Mike has established himself as the number one country artist in Irish music and it's easy to see why with the class performance that he gave. As well as being the fantastic performer that he is, he has also gathered the finest of musicians in Ireland that now are his regular touring band. If that's not enough, he has also got Michael Nestor on board as his sound engineer and in my book, he's the best sound engineer that you'll come across.....full stop!
Below are a couple of images taken on the night.

 

 

 

Something different

Last Sunday, I did something which I don't do on a regular basis... a fashion shoot! The gifted Caroline Coyne was the make up artist whilst Agatha from Alchemy Hair Co was the hair stylist!

My friend and associate Natalie Herzer of Boudoir Girls was also present giving creative direction to the two beautiful models Breda and Caitríona as well as assisting with the various lighting set ups.

Normally, when doing studio shoots, I have discussions with the families/subjects prior to the day of the sitting so I'm prepared as to what they would like, and I try and ensure that I deliver that....and more! My comfort zone would therefore be in providing portraits of children (of all ages), as well as family portraits and corporate work. I also have a lot of seasonal portraits that take place on location, such as Holy Communions, Confirmations, Christenings......and of course, the most substantial side to my business....Weddings. All of this, I'm prepared for, but I must admit to being a bit nervous with regards to the fashion shoot.

I normally work on my own, so this shoot was going to be different straight away with the fact that there was a team of six people involved in the various aspects of the shoot. When your on your own either in the studio, or on location (like a wedding for example), there can be a thousand and one things going through your mind at the one time. You must digress all the information that's in front of the lens to ensure that the images are all well lit, well composed, very flattering to the people involved and trying to press the shutter at the right time to capture the right moment. While doing this, it's important to be able to communicate in a jovial manner with those in front of the lens so that they become relaxed and let their emotions flow naturally which give infinitely better results. The fashion shoot was a bit different in that I had to think out loud and let the team know where I was trying to go with an idea and vice versa.

Fashion photography is a bit different in that emotion seems to have a less significant role. The poses that are requested from models aren't what you find in a normal "lifestyle" situations.....maybe this was one of the reasons for my apprehension around the shoot. Having a team of five others around you though that you can lean on for support and ideas was certainly a help for me.

Below are a couple of shots from the shoot with more to follow over the next couple of days.

 

 

Family Portraits

We had great fun with the kids taking this family portrait!

Over the past ten years, I used to take photos (portraits) of close family/friends in our garage. Surrounded by the sights of lawnmowers/garden accessories,golf clubs etc, the location didn't endear itself to bringing any visitors. With our family becoming larger once again in 2008, we decided to use the services of the mighty John Donoghue Construction to build an extension onto our home which thankfully would incorporate a purpose built studio.

The new studio brought a lot of new visitors to our home and my wings started to spread with regards to portraits and in particular....family portraits.

After a busy winter period, and afraid of falling into a routine of taking the "same old shots', we tried this set up which I feel works good, while at the same time being a bit different.

I don't think families should restrict themselves to the number of family portraits that they have in their home. The images below are all portraits of my family....from casual to formal...all having slightly different "feels".

As you can see, all images have the same subjects, yet have different feels and emit different emotions.