Empowering Stories: The Art of Authentic Photography
Are you looking for a portrait photographer who can capture your story in a natural, authentic, and relaxed way? Do you want to document your fitness journey, your business, or your special occasion with stunning photos that reflect your personality and style? If so, you are in the right place!
Hi, I’m Adam de-Ste-Croix, a Bournemouth photographer who specialises in natural portrait photography. I love creating photos that tell an authentic story of the people I work with. I have been working in photography for 20 years, and I have a passion for helping others open up their deep internal power and happiness as they see how amazing they truly are.
In this blog post, I want to share with you one of my recent projects that reminded me why I do what I do. It was a multifaceted shoot with Matt and Sarah, a fitness couple who were about to move to Thailand. They wanted to capture their story in a way that was naturally and uniquely them. Here’s how we did it.
Their Story
Matt had just finished a huge bodybuilding prep cycle and was ready to flex his incredible physique. While a lot of the shoot was to be about his achievement Matt and Sarah were also embarking on a new chapter in their lives and moving to Thailand. They wanted some photos to remind them of their home town of Chichester, where they had their first home together.
I sat and listened to their story, and then constructed the way we could capture it to create something they’d love. I knew we had a lot of elements to cover, so I planned the shoot in a way to best use the light at different times of the day. We also chose locations that matched their vibe and personality.
Capture the Story
We started the shoot in the cathedral gardens, a relaxed and beautiful setting away from the hubbub. I knew it also meant I could use the soft directional light that tree canopies provide. The gardens were filled with vibrant summer flowers, a perfect environment for Matt and Sarah to be themselves together, filled with energy, full with love, free.
They had asked for some photos to remind them of their home town for when they moved overseas. I composed them with the well-known landmark of Chichester cathedral in the background, keeping it subtle and in the mood of the moment. All photos memories to cherish of their first home town together.
The story continues after a few of those photos:
(as always these photos are just a small highlight of the whole selection of photos provided from this shoot. Click for full screen viewing ).
Fitness Photography in a Natural Environment.
Now the story changes.
For the next scene, I wanted to set Matt in a natural setting. I could see his kind and relaxed nature matched with his physical strength had a oneness with the universe. I wanted to show his sculpted physique matched with the rugged strength and resilience of nature. Considering there were no mountains in historic Chichester city centre, I chose the gnarliest tree and we got to work.
Content Creator Photography
As we moved through the day, we allowed the narrative to unfold organically, capturing moments for Matt’s fitness coach marketing content. Sarah, being a coach herself, joined in with ideas for their use and even appeared as an extra in some of the scenes.
Fitness Documentary Photography
Back at base, Sarah assisted Matt to prepare for the grand finale, the bodybuilding poses, the real flex. I realised they lived right on the old city walls, which made for a perfect backdrop with the low directional light of the setting sun casting a magical glow. It turned out to be just the contrasting light that I had hoped for, the contrast of the dark shadow showcasing Matt’s incredible build in a gold light.
And a happy ending of course. Sarah and Matt at the front door of their UK home, their story here complete and on to their next chapter as they move to the tropics of South East Asia. Maybe we will see a future story of them here (he wishes, hopeful to be capturing that moment too!).
Empowering Stories: The Art of Authentic Photography
I love being with the people at the end of the shoot and seeing them beam, radiating a positive energy. I love creating great photography and I have been working in it for 20 years with that same level of vision. Really for me, photography is more than just capturing a moment; it is about telling an authentic story. That requires a way of being with people that allows them to feel comfortable, confident, and happy in front of the camera.
That’s why I always take the time to get to know my clients, listen to their stories, and understand their goals. I also use my skills and experience to choose the best locations, lighting, and angles to create stunning photos that match their vision. I also make sure the shoot is fun, relaxed, and enjoyable for everyone involved.
If you are looking for a Dorset photographer who can capture your story in a natural, authentic, and relaxed way, I would love to hear from you. Whether you want to document your fitness journey, your business, or your special occasion, I can help you create photos that you will love and cherish for years to come.
To book a shoot with me, please contact me here. I look forward to working with you soon!