I absolutely love styled shoots!  They are opportunity to slow a wedding day down, develop new techniques and try out new products.  I’ll share three posts from the Elisa Bricker Photography workshop I attended last year.  This post will focus on an amazing custom backdrop by Christine Olmstead.  You can see more of her work here.

A custom backdrop is an interesting idea.  Lots of couples are using custom backdrops behind cakes or as part of luxury photo booths to add an art element to their wedding day.  So chic!

As a photographer, however, a custom backdrop is something I am considering adding to my studio.  On a rainy day or a scorcher, few brides want to strut their Manolo Blahniks through a vineyard.  I get it!  You spent lots of money to look the best you ever have, in the most amazing dress, and most amazing shoes.  Now, how do I give you photos as stunning as a garden or vineyard when the weather doesn’t cooperate?

A custom backdrop may be the perfect solution.  I’m really glad to be introduced to this custom backdrop at the Elisa Bricker Photography workshop.

Check out some of the images we took while playing around with a backdrop called “Stardust.”

 

 

Size needs to be taken into consideration.  This backdrop was probably 5 feet wides and 7 feet tall.  Because the backdrop was not as wide as my camera angle, I wasn’t able to take full body shots.  The model is shot from the waist down, waist up, sitting, etc.  I had to get a little creative.  To give me more options, I’ll look at a backdrop that is 10 feet or more wide, and 8 feet or taller.

The other element to consider is color.  I love these blue and gold colors, but they will not work with many weddings.  I think I would look for a light, neutral, and large backdrop to photograph the couple and small bridal parties.  I think I would also like a dark gray or black backdrop for iconic bridal portraits.

Finally, transportation.  Backdrops must be rolled and can’t be folded.  Folded backdrops are easier to fit in my car, but create creases.  Creases can be fixed in post-processing, but 20 minutes per image on 50-100 images?  Ugh, rough!  I might have to transport large canvases in my Armada instead of our commuter– a RAV4.

Overall, I am over the moon about the shoot and the info I learned chatting with Elisa Bricker Photography and the attendees.  Stay tuned for more!

Here are the vendors for this shoot: