Tuesday, August 19, 2014

The Art In Wedding Photography Workshop, Milton Abbey Dorset July 2014



On the 21st July the impressive Milton Abbey in Dorset saw the first in a brand new series of wedding photography workshops ran by Kevin Wilson and Simon John. The duo are old friends with a combined experience of over  sixty years in the profession. Both Fellows of the British Institute Of Professional Photography having both taught extensively , it was the first time the pair had teamed up since their highly  successful Fuji workshops back in the 90′s.
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” This was an idea we had been talking about for ages” said Simon. “We wanted to identify why certain wedding photographs work on all levels, and why some just miss the crucial elements needed for a great image”. ” The day was a mixture of therory , practical demonstrations, AV’s and a showcase and discussion of finished print quality. “The day was a sellout and the feedback has been fantastic” said Kevin. “We had photographers from all skill levels looking to improve the quality of their work for qualification; something we can both really help with “. ” “We were so pleased that our album suppliers Graphistudio were in attendance on the day”. This gave delegates the chance to discuss and view the wonderful new products with Martin & Chris from the Graphistudio team. The revolutionary new software to the ground breaking Digital matted albums (DMA) was also demonstrated on the day.” In my opinion the Itallian Graphistudio wedding albums are the finest our industry has to offer”. ” To be associated with them and our long standing friend, head for the UK Jeremy Price is an honour”; said Simon.
“We decided to have the day filmed”. “Delegates will  receive their dvd of the day when the group will re convene once again at the National Portrait Gallery London on the 13th October”; a day of mentoring and inspiration added Kevin”.
In the meantime please take a moment to view a trailer of the day and some of the images created.


A master of natural light Kevin explored the many amazing locations Milton Abbey had to offer. Describing the correct use of reflectors, sub tractors and diffusers to create these stunning compositions seen below.
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Simon concentrated on the psychology and story telling. Experimentation with light & composition , always looking for something different being the key to the success in his images below.
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Kevin & Simon would like to thank Graphistudio for their support on the day. The staff and wonderful lunch and  environment at Milton Abbey.
The success of any workshop ultimately relies on the effort put in by the speakers. However, suppliers add the extra dimension. The models, Megan Westlake, Charlotte Wilson, Charlie Bedford and David Wheeler, none of them are professional which helps a great deal.  Jessie Copper, the young floral designer from Poundbury Florist http://www.poundburyflorist.co.uk was our choice to create something special for the day.
“The special requirement from Simon and myself was for her to create something to interpret our photography that would blend with the ambience of Milton Abbey. “No input from ourselves, just leave it to the artistry of ” Jessie “, all I had to do was to collect from her beautiful shop adorned with each and every flower available”. “I arrived at 7.30am in the morning, so what time Jess was up I dare not think ?; anyway, this is how Jessie came up with the most amazing floristry”; said Kevin.

The tied sheaf bouquet included: cymbidium orchids, dendrobium orchids, Persicaria 'Firedance', 'Brocante' roses, myers fern and a number of items from my dorset suppliers; harts tongue ferns, pink lady fern, white astilbe and trailing amaranthus (love-lies-bleeding). The hand-tied posy consisted of: Protea 'Barbigera', Serruria 'Florida', Leucodendron 'silver leaf; eucalyptus 'nicollii', a large 'Tillandsia' air plant, plus Chocolate Cosmos & Achillea from my local suppliers, plus grasses from my own garden :o) My inspiration is always taken from the flowers that I see available. Whilst it's always helpful to have a short brief (i.e. I knew you wanted nude colours for at least one of the bouquets), the rascal side of me always wants to challenge or push that brief in some way, to push the concept a bit further to surprise and wow the observer. Lastly, I would say that I am fundamentally driven by texture and colour mixes.... the more varied the textures that I can create, the more satisfied I am with my work, and this goes hand in hand with using unusual or exotic varieties.



“Our gorgeous models were enhanced by
Minna Hepburn

Environmental issues are important to Minna and consequently, her label can best be described as Eco Luxe. Each piece is hand embellished and made from sustainable, organic, recycled and locally produced textiles. Her label has in a short time re-defined what ethical fashion should be. Environmentally friendly production techniques including local manufacturing and zero waste pattern cutting techniques are used for every garment.  Minna is always looking into any new ways to minimise the impact to the environment.  Stylish, desirable and beautiful, Minna’s range appeals to the wider audience, not just ethical.

Once again, careful thought was placed with research to find someone that was going to be different; adding flair within her work that would enhance our photographic skill and expertise, Minna provided us with just that, beautiful soft headdresses and veils, this taken from Mina’s site sums up her range and ethics”.
Lastly but certainly not leastly the delegates. We hope you enjoyed the day and have gained valuable skills for your forthcoming weddings. We look forward to seeing you all again in October. On a personal note a big thankyou to Julie and Yvon for all your help and support XX
Please leave any comments below we would much appreciate your feedback.
Both Kevin and Simon are  available for mentoring. Please follow us on Facebook for news of the next workshop      Simon         Kevin




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kevin wilson photography | wedding photographer | dorset