Archive for March, 2010

Stretching and Playing at Guthrie Castle | Wedding Venue in Angus, Scotland

Thursday, March 25th, 2010

Guthrie Castle, Angus

I recently posted a sneak peak of a couple of images from a photography session at Guthrie Castle with model Emily and hair and make up by Sandra Cormack of SC MakeupArtistry. This historic Scottish Castle is a beautiful and romantic wedding venue, with its own walled garden dating back to 1616, private loch and 9 hole golf course set in 156 acres of natural beauty.

Photography at Guthrie Castle, Scotland

Wedding ceremonies can be held in the walled garden, the castle chapel, for smaller weddings, or Guthrie Village Church which is just a few minutes away. All types of wedding ceremonies can be held at the castle – from traditional religious ceremonies to civil partnerships, Celtic, Asian and themed weddings. The castle can cater for small or large wedding parties and you can find out more here.

Photograph of bride at Guthrie Castle, near Dundee and Aberdeen

Becoming a Better Photographer

I love photographing weddings, It is a privilege to be allowed to share in the most important day in a couple’s life and to be trusted with telling the story of their wedding. It is also a huge responsibility, so I am always striving to be a better photographer, to make each photograph better than the previous one. I regularly participate in training workshops and seminars to improve my skills, learn new techniques and see new ideas but the best way to grow as a photographer is to practice. Or as I like to think of it – stretch and play.

Wedding photography at Guthrie Castle by Tayside based photographer Louise Beattie

Although I take photography very seriously, I use the word play because I love what I am doing so much. And in this photography session I really did feel like I was stretching and playing.

Reflection of bride in a photograph taken at Guthrie Castle, near Dundee and Aberdeen

Wedding photography with a fashion twist

You can see more images from this photography session in the slideshow below. If you would like to see more  photography or learn more about my wedding photography services including destination weddings throughout Scotland and Europe contact me by clicking on this link or call me on +44 1241 815655 or visit the website.

What Makes A Great Location For Portrait Photography?

Wednesday, March 17th, 2010

What makes a great location for portrait photography?

Just about anywhere! People can be surprised at what makes a great location for portrait photography. I often say that I do not need much space and not to worry about the background as the first thing I will be looking for is the light. It is the light that can make the difference between a good image and a great image. Of course a great setting as well is always good, but there are ways to minimise the background in an image.

Portrait of young woman by Angus based photographer Louise Beattie

What makes a good background? Well that all depends. If we are in a location that has significance or meaning for the client then I will look for ways to incorporate the location which tells that story. From the details that can have so much significance to the bigger picture. If on the other hand we are in a location that has been chosen for other reasons then I will look for texture and and ways to include the location that add to the image in some way – be it graphically or for the beauty of the setting. At the end of the day there are no set rules and the important thing is to show the personality of the subject.

In this image I used a billboard as a background to add interest but it is Lynda’s personality that shines through.

Portraits taken at City Quay, Dundee by photographer Louise Beattie.

Portrait Photography at City Quay in Dundee

Dundee has some great locations for portrait photography, and City Quay is no exception. It is also a good place to visit as it is close to shopping, tourist attractions and good places to eat.

Portrait photography taken at City Quay in Dundee, ScotlandWith a range of locations that can be used to add interest and variety (all of the images in this post were taken at City Quay), I really enjoy taking photographs here and there is a good choice of places for a hot chocolate!

Lynda was a lot of fun to work with and I think that her personality really shines through.

Portrait photography in TaysidePortrait photographs by Angus based photographerPortrait photographer, Louise Beattie, based in Arbroath near TaysideCity Quay, Dundee - a great place for portrait photography

Black and white portrait photograph by Tayside photographer Louise Beattie

If you have enjoyed the photography here you can see more of my work in the portrait section of my website. If you would like to know more about my portrait photography or other photography services give me a call on 01241 815655 or click here to contact me.