Winter Gothic Bride Photography Farm

I had an amazing creative few days earlier this month, with a fabulous line up of talent at Lisa Devlin's Photography Farm. Lisa was the winner of the BJP's Wedding photographer of the year - her images are inspirational! She had organised for an old flickr friend of mine, Adam Bronkhurst of Viva Weddings, to deliver an advanced off-camera flash workshop. I'd seen the images from their first workshop and the amazingly enticing film - and just had to go. I packed all my camera gear, and wellies and swimming cossie, and hopped on a train. Day 1 Adam gave us a presentation of his work and explained some of his set ups, kindly sharing his creative thought process and inspirations. After a tasty lunch we spent some time going through Adam's impressive and extensive Strobist kit in the Swimming pool room. We then set our own gear up and experimented with off camera flash, taking care not to 'step backwards' and end in the water! All this time Elbie had been working her magic with hair and make up on the beautiful Martina, who was our lovely and accommodating model After indoor shots, we all excitedly headed through the beautiful grounds. Hanna from The Tea Set had skilfully built a giant 8 ft nest, out of twigs and branches, moss and some sprays of orange ornamental Japanese lanterns. Leslie not only looked a real gentleman, but acted the perfect gent too helping his 'bride' Martina into the nest via a ladder. The clothes were fabulous, Martina's dresses from Hope and Harlequin and Leslie wore an outfit from the very dapper Gresham Blake in Brighton.

The inspiration for the shoot was a dark gothic winter vibe and a smoke machine pumping away added great atmosphere to the amazing styled set, the headdress was by Jane Taylor Millinery. None of us photographers could get enough of this set up!! We eventually packed away for dinner, which was delicious, I really could get used to having a cook and a housekeeper! We spent the evening chatting and of course mostly the subject was photography, a few other random bits thrown in. Day 2 started for me with an explore around the grounds and a swim before breakfast. We then worked in Lightroom, Adam talking us through his workflow process, we also got some great business direction from Lisa. When darkness fell, we headed out to do some fun light painting. Ive done this before, but never with strobe lighting the subject, so this was great fun. With the aid of various LED lights, we literally 'painted across our frame' wiggling this way and that to make shapes that would enhance and add interest to the image. I really enjoyed this part, Adam took a group photo of us all using Penki a cool light painting app. We spelt out PHOTOGRAPHY FARM and Jane the event co-ordinator 'painted it' into the final frame.The styled shoots were just amazing, a brilliant tableaux, which included a stuffed deer head, a brace of pheasants, a real fire, and flares, and a pig trough full of feathers. The clothes were just exquisite, Martina's hair was beautifully done by Elbie, who also did her make up. Jayne Sacco was the co-ordinator.

Wandering around the grounds, I found lots of things to catch my eye. In this place it was impossible to not feel creative and inspired, so many music stars have been here; David Bowie, Little Richard, the Gallaghers, to name but some and Freddie Mercury wrote and recorded Bohemian Rhapsody here.

My test shots in the Pool room with Martina, her hair was amazing, pure, delicate and like nothing I've seen, great work Elbie.

Martina and Leslie in the giant nest made by Hannah.

Beautiful styling, so many great details made this scene a joy to photograph.

Between two trees and underneath an old treehouse, took my breath away to be shooting this.

One of my shots without the strobe set up, using my 70-200m, that 'Bird of Paradise' hat was truly amazing. We all loved it.

Evening 2 and my light painting efforts, with Kat as my subject.

I had a fabulous time, learnt loads, and really came back inspired. Big thanks to the Photography Farm team. If you need a stylist, hairdresser or co-ordinator, you really need to click on the links at the bottom and check them out. If you need a photographer who is now more confident with off camera flash, book me!