The Styled Photography Session
Contrary to what I used to tell myself, I’m quite capable of styled shoots. They can be liberating, and inspiring. In the past I had expectations of the whole experience being mechanical and unfulfilling.
You, as the photographer and choreographer, are manipulating that narrative, your subject, and the vibe.
I felt like I was cheating on my non posed, on the fly - in the moment genre.
Styled or contrived
Contrived - To deliberately create, rather than arising naturally or spontaneously. Created or arranged.
Carolyn at the Lawrence House
Contrary to what I used to tell myself, I’m quite capable of styled shoots. They can be liberating, and inspiring. In the past I had expectations of the whole experience being mechanical and unfulfilling.
You, as the photographer and choreographer, are manipulating that narrative, your subject, and the vibe.
I felt like I was cheating on my non posed, on the fly - in the moment genre.
Elopement shoot model Kaytee stands gorgeous in this Daci Gown - Bouquet from Wild Bloom Tofino Hat - West Von
Styled Elopement Session Tonquin Beach B.C.
Styled sessions can also give a photographer the chance to collaborate with fellow photog’s. Showcasing locations, venues, stylists, florists, makeup artists, clothing lines you get the picture. This can broaden the reach to your preferred client base, create content and promote the style of photography you want to hone in on.
Also, it’s a shit ton of fun, and in this case, some pretty soul filling scenery, so theres that.
It’s a win win ..
Unless that’s not really the style of photography you are looking to promote. And then your just in it for the shits and giggles, with a creative splash of fellow photog camaraderie.
Which can be extremely therapeutic, causing you to run into the Pacific Ocean fully clothed.
Me - Image by the talented Robin Lafond
Quite often theses styled shoots take place with numerous photographers involved. You know the old saying, “too many cooks in the kitchen”
Everyone feverishly clicking away and directing poses, trying to capture one or two unique moments, the other 12 shutterbugs may have missed.
In the frenzy of it all, the chances of that happening seem pretty minuscule.
But everyone sees art in a different light, and so in the end there are usually a few moments captured that stand out to you as something you would want to call your own.
Now, where do you post all this beautiful content? When it’s not really what your photography brand is all about?
Or is it?
Well thanks, I thought you’d never ask. Why I post it on my instagram feed so I can further confuse my existing and future clientele as to what the hell I’m actually focusing on behind my lens.
Britt on Tonquin Beach
Jillian - Grid + Gertie Dress from Wild Gemini Dress Rentals
Post - Styled Photography Session
And so the battle goes of posting anything at all.
Step 1 -Torture yourself over which pictures best emanate your “photography style” whatever that is.
Step 2 - Agonize over crops, tones and finishes.
Step 3 - Close your eyes and commit. Slap those babies up on the old Instagram. Because it’s your work, and you are proud of those chosen few.
Step 4 - Don’t count the likes. Post what makes you happy. Hence my random and non conformed professional Insta feed.
In the end I always find myself longing for those impromptu happenings, those unscripted moments. Capturing a moment in time. And an opportunity to tell a story.
Those are the things that I love the most about pictures.
xx Td
Randa Tomczak
Randa Tomczak is a Speech Language Pathologist, who is passionate about the brain. She uses her passion and knowledge to specialize in brain injuries and cognition.
Randa Tomczak is a Speech Language Pathologist, who is passionate about the brain. She uses her passion and knowledge to specialize in brain injuries and cognition.
Currently Randa is working diligently in bringing awareness on living and dealing with Aphasia
You can find all the info on these cognitive issues, as well as her nuturing expertise, on the website Connections Speech Therapy
Randa Tomczak - Speech Language Pathologist and Founder of Connections | Speech Therapy
Randa works remotely with a client on some speech therapy
On line learning and connection are an important part of Randa’s practice, especially during Covid.
Katrina German
Katrina is the CEO and founder of Ethical Digital. She is an author, speaker, and consultant, specializing in Digital Marketing.
Katrina German - Digital Marketing Strategist, CEO and Founder of Ethical Digital
Katrina and her ceramic replica counter part
I am currently indulging in all her wisdom reading her book 'Action Tracking'
I can’t believe I’ve fumbled around in the digital media marketing world this long without ever reading this!
You are spectacular and inspiring Katrina!
I enjoyed all the moments, capturing your character, charisma, and beauty, in this creative session.
xx TD
The Wright Fam
This family showed up in every way regardless of the cold. Us Saskatchewanian’s are fabulous that way ;) What doesn’t kill you.. right?
Making a few photos in between the foggy breath exhalations.
A few of my favs are below.
Cash + Fallon
This brother and sister duo had all the character and charisma a photographer dreams of! I truly enjoyed every minute of making photos with these two sweethearts.
Cash & Fallon
Stacey Love - Educating the world one gram at a time
This smart and diverse, not to mention stunning women is as interesting as they get. And I had the creative privilege of photographing her in a portrait session awhile back.
She's a mother, wife, and Professional Engineer who owns her own firm, LovePS with husband Jessie. On her summer afternoon and evenings you can find her at Wyant Group Raceway tending to the broken and battered race cars.
Be sure to check out her blog Love MJ . Dispelling myths about the functions and use of medicinal Marijuana. Easing fears and misuse with informed and reliable, information- While providing advice, recipes and guidance. You can also find her on Facebook
Thank you for the inspiration Stacey!
xx TD
Brooklynn B.
This lovely just wrapped up that life chapter we like to call high school. Bring on the next stage of this life adventure!
A grad photo session
Saskatchewan style
These two have been best friends forever. They made a pact when they were little, to be there for each other on grad day. And so here they are.
Best of buds
We've got cows
These two were such good sports! Thanks for getting lost with me B + C
That laugh is priceless!
Ahhh that smile!
Perfect timing #rain
