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‘Shoot The Dress’ – Jo Hansford

I started out as a photographer many years ago, but was never able to fulfill my potential until I found CPT’s Bespoke course in 2004.  Since then, my fledgling business has flourished and I’m now a key speaker for the Annabel Williams studio.  I feel honoured to have the chance to openly share my knowledge and my journey with other aspiring photographers.  Ten years ago, I would never have dreamt I could have the business and success I have today.

Occasionally, you have the chance to create stunning and beautiful images that go beyond the ordinary, the kind of thing that keeps us all inspired.  I had such an opportunity a few months back, when we did our first “Shoot the Dress”, in Dorset.

For me, being a photographer is not just about the ‘day-to-day’, it’s about inspiration, keeping your imagination alive and fresh and being passionate about what you do.  I say yes to opportunities when they come along, even when I feel that familiar stomach churning fear of doing something new, and perhaps failing.

So when Josie, one of last years brides, mentioned doing a “Shoot The Dress”, I leapt at the chance, and the shoot was booked for a late February Sunday afternoon.

Choosing the right location was key to this shoot.  As a Dorset born girl, I felt drawn to the sea & the coast.  One cold January day, we stopped for an hour in Lyme Regis, and I instantly felt inspired.  It offered beautiful pebbled beaches, colourful huts, amazing fossils & jagged rock faces, with tons of fishing paraphernalia scattered by the local fishing cottages.  The icing on the cake was the Cobb, the beautiful jetty meandering out to sea, famous for the filming of French Lieutenants Woman.  A photographers dream!

Weather would also play a key part in this shoot, and my hope was for skies full of drama & colour, with crashing waves & wind, rather than a calm sunny day.  We were not disappointed come shoot day!

It was a day with dark threatening clouds full of beautiful colour and tonal range which I knew would give the photographs a dynamic yet emotional edge, perfect for the shoot.  When we arrived, I felt a jangle of nerves and excitement, knowing the creative possibilities of this shoot were immense, and not wanting to let anyone down, least of all myself.

By around 4pm and with the light beginning to fade and a few drops of rain, I knew we needed to focus on the jetty shots.   As Josie made her way along the Cobb in her gown and heels, she looked completely stunning against the saturated colours of the rocks, with her veil floating behind her.  With not a soul in sight on the jetty, we took advantage of these precious minutes, to capture the dramatic beauty of the scene.

As we finished, we felt blown away by the sheer excitement of the afternoon’s work, and the anticipation of the unique imagery it would create.

There was only one way to end a day like this – enjoying a wonderful glass of wine in the pub with our clients, sharing the experiences of the day…..now I just need to convince a bride to climb the Brecon Beacons in her Jimmy Choos!