Friday, December 16, 2016

Couple Film Noir Street Photography

On a somewhat balmy winter evening, we had the pleasure of mashing our Film Noir photography with night street photography with a very special couple!  When we were asked to create a couple engagement session Film Noir style, we couldn't resist.

We often have the opportunity to work in studio, but this outdoor street photography challenged our inner creative...it also challenged everyone's stamina in the winter cold!  Street photography at night mashed with our Film Noir can produce some of the most magnificent and mysterious shots.  One of the biggest benefits is playing with the light produced by the street lamps, neon signs, car lights  and of course bringing a few strobe lights.  We also brought along some powerful magnetic flash lights that allowed us to place them to metal services to produce a "fake" street light effect.  The result was breathtaking.

couple session film noir

vintage style


This type of winter photography session definitely requires some pre-planning.  Here are a few tips to keep your clients and yourself comfortable:
1.  Have a plan.  It is important you know where you are going to shoot in advance.  Walking in the streets to find locations too shoot can result in lost time and cold clients!
2.  Watch out for your safety.  Sounds silly, but when you are shooting in the downtown streets of Edmonton, the vehicles do not slow down.  We timed our shots to the traffic lights and everyone was positioned from different angles so we could each watch an intersection for on-coming cars.
3.  Dress appropriately.  I will admit the day was nice with the sun up.  As soon as it became dark, it got cool fast.  It is always best to put on several layers and then take off as needed.  A hot beverage and blankets also help to have in between shots.
4.  Tell a story.  No matter the elements, it is important to stay focused and a tell a story.  An engagement shoot must tell a love story between the couple.  This can sometimes be difficult when you are shivering, setting the lighting just right and watching out for cars.  It is important to always keep your clients engaged in the process.  Encourage them to take a break and warm up in the car while you are setting the next lighting.
5.  Stay true to your style.  While living in a modern world, you may think, how can you put a vintage take to a couples street photography session?  Easy, play toward your style.  Research Film Noir images of the Great Hollywood movies.  Have your clients dress in vintage styling.  Mash the modern world with a vintage feel.

Vintage Photography offers couple and engagement photography in either their pin-up or Film Noir styles.  We'd love to turn your story to life in a fun, unique and creative way.  Reach us for more details at info@vintage-photography.ca

Thank you to Charlie and Kiki for giving us the opportunity to create a love story using our Film Noir style.  It is an evening we will never forget!

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