Lace, light and haute couture

Lace, light and haute couture

When my gorgeous friend (also a photographer) Jasmine asked me to do a portrait session with her, I jumped at the chance.

I realised some time ago that I do my best work when I plan, visualise and immerse myself in developing a creative concept for each shoot.  Before I pick up my camera, I spend time with the person I’m photographing, talking about what they hope to achieve, planning their wardrobe for the day, finding props and and importantly connecting emotionally to the concept and the person I am photographing.  I often photograph outdoors and source locations that are reminiscent of European glamour, a touch of faded glory, lots of texture, the right colour and feeling to bring the photograph to life.

Jasmine and I had done all of this and our shoot was on the Sunday – all locked and loaded. That was until 6pm on the Friday night when Jasmine rang with excitement in her voice to let me know she had just secured two absolutely stunning haute couture wedding gowns to shoot in…..  Gasp….. Seriously????  I felt like I had just hit the jackpot.   Jasmine works at luxury bridal boutique Brides by Francesca so I can’t thank her and Francesca enough for giving me the opportunity to photograph her in these stunning gowns.  The only condition was that we had to shoot indoors, which meant I had twenty-four hours to find a new location.   No problem!  I love a challenge! A few phone calls later and I secured an amazing place to do the shoot – one that did justice to these stunning gowns.

If, like me, you’re a Sex and the City fan, you’ll remember the scene in the first movie where Carrie is given a Vera Wang wedding gown for her wedding to Big.  Like the Vera Wang wedding gown, these gowns upped the ante and the shoot went to a whole new level.   The gowns were from the 2017 Collection from Italian designer Alessandra Rinaudo and were made with extremely beautiful and delicate Italian silks and French lace.  The gowns were sumptuous, elegant and sensual so we wanted the photos to echo the gowns and to place them in surroundings that did them justice.  Jasmine looked simply stunning in both of them.

We had so much fun doing this shoot.  Below are a few of our favourite images – hope you enjoy them.

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Two Up Ivory Dress LR

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Two Up Train

 And then it was time for the second gown.  This was such a stunning gown – so huge to be honest I found it hard to photograph in what was essentially a narrow Sydney terrace house.  The dress really needed an arena all of its own, but I think we made it work!

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Two Up White Dress

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Often towards the end of the shoot, I mix it up and do something a little bit crazy, a little bit fun, a little bit out there.  Inspired by masked balls and the small collection of masks I have from various trips to Venice, we did a few different photos with movement and blur creating a surreal feel.

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All images, copyright Kris Ashpole 

What you think, you become. What you feel, you attract. What you imagine, you create. Buddha.

 

Credits:

Many thanks to everyone who made this shoot possible – Jasmine Motti, Sabrina Melei for hair and make-up and Deb Cronin whose house I shot this in.  The wedding gowns were on loan from Brides by Francesca, a luxury bridal boutique in Rockdale and were from the 2017 collection of Alessandra Rinaudo, an Italian fashion designer.  If you’re getting married soon, pay a visit to Brides by Francesca and mention Jasmine – she’ll look after you.

Hope you enjoyed seeing these images.  Love to hear your thoughts in the comments below.

With love and light,

Kris xx

 

PS:  My Private Portrait Sessions are designed to make beautiful, sumptuous European inspired images.  If you would like a photo session like the one I did with Jasmine – I can guarantee you’ll feel absolutely amazing, have a really fun day and have images that you’ll treasure for ever.  Click here to find out more.

Kris
4 Comments
  • elisabetta tozzi

    Dear Kris!
    This photo shoot is really sensational… everything is in perfect harmony, the wedding dress is a dream and even the location with its furnishings are breathtaking! I give you and Jasmine my most sincere congratulations, the observer is impressed by the professionalism and the great taste that makes you UNIQUE!! many congratulations, it is always a great satisfaction to follow your work!
    with great esteem
    Elisabetta

    February 6, 2018 at 2:20 pm
  • Kim

    These are absolutely stunning photos. Adore them and congratulations to all involved.

    February 4, 2018 at 5:27 am