So, I have been dabbling in photography for about 3 years now. It was during the pandemic that I took a course at LACP to learn the basics. My inital draw to even wanting to learn was to be able to take photos for my new company, Entclés. Before this, I was very content not exploring that side of my artistry. Hair, Makeup, Styling and sometimes being responible for art direction on shoots was enough for me. I saw absoltuely no need to add more to my creative plate. But nothing incites more creativity than a tight budget. I had a new product line, I needed product and content photos and I did not have the additional funds to consistently pay for larger productions. It turned out to be a wise investment to take classes at Los Angeles Center of Photography & spend some time being annoying by picking the brains of my photographer friends. Within a year I finally took my turn behind the camera.
Since then I have been taking photos of products and people. Here are some of the photos I took while practicing my skills.
Now, three years later, I want to do more, professionally. A way to take more control artistcially with my clients. One of areas that I always saw a window of opportunity in artistic expression is with my brides. I require all of my brides to have a trial before the big day. The trial is an opportunity to nail down the look and also make sure our vibes align. I often encourage my brides to do their trials on a day they alreay have something planned, like an engagement photo or a pre wedding event. I talk more about the importance of bridal trials in this previous post. Often times, however, it doesn't sync as hoped and the trial hair and makeup is "wasted". Well, NOT ANYMORE!! I am now offering bridal portraits in conjunction with the trial. It is an opportunity to have stylized bridal portraits of the hair, makeup, veil and sometimes the dress in all it's bridal glory without the time crunch, stress and nerves of the wedding day.
In studio photos taken right after hair and makeup with me.
How it works:
Ideally, a future bride would book their trial with me weeks, sometimes months, before their wedding day. At this trial we will try the potential look for the big day, making tweeks along the way. Once we are in a good place for the "look" at that point I usually would send a bride on their way and have them "sit with the look" for the rest of the day to ensure they feel good about the lashes, lip color, eyeliner, or whatever not-so-sure piece of the look they may be on the fence about. However, if a bridal portrait is on the books, at this point instead of just going home, we would have some fun. In the comforts of my studio, together we would collaborate on some stylized bridal portraits to capture the beauty and essence of you. This is also a great opportunity to see how the makeup and hair is photogrpahed. Sometimes a look that may feel a little too much is exactly how you want to be immortilized on camera.
"But Ashanta, I'm already married and would've loved to have had my photos taken with you."
Not a problem! If you want to relive your bridal beauty glory days my studio is open to you! We could recreate the look of that special day OR do something new entirely. This would be a great anniversary gift to yourself and your boo.
Can I also do regular portraits / headshots?
Some of you may be wondering "hey, Ashanta, you're always working with headshot photographers, surely you can just do simple headshots for me as well?" Simple answer to this is, no. I do not do headshot photography. I work with the best of the best in the headshot world 3-4 times a week and you are in great hands with them. For my recommendations please refer to one of my previous posts here about headshots.
So if you're looking to get some in studio bridal portraits book with me today. We can schedule them in conjunction with your trial or let it be it's own separate thing. Either way, can't wait to host you in my studio and create something beautiful together.
Commenti