Editorial shoots are all the rage these days. They're full of inspiration, style, and often times professional models. I have never been too interested in photographing people who aren't real couples, in real life, really in love - even though they styling is always gorgeous. Models are always great at their job and can sometimes make the posing work of a photographer easier, but I much prefer the emotion and real connection of a real-life couple modeling for anything that I've ever done that is styled or editorial in nature. Enter Nina & Wes Photography's The Beyond Workshop. One of the elements that stuck out to me most about this workshop when I was reading more about it was that a real couple, really in love, would be modeling for the entire workshop.
Susanne & Freddie, of Axelochberg Photography, were our incredible models for the workshop while staying in the hills outside of Kathmandu, Nepal. The pair is based in New Zealand currently, but have roots tying back to Scandanavia and they are travel bugs constantly exploring the world. Modeling for this workshop was a natural fit for their adventurous spirits and they were such a treat to work with.
This post is a feature of our keystone editorial shoot at The Fort Resort in Nagarkot, Nepal featuring Susanne & Freddie decked out in their wedding finest. Nina, Wes & our Beyond Workshop hosts staged a simple, soft, and sweet mountain wedding, complete with a mouth watering tablescape and stunning hand made invitation suite. The details of this editorial shoot made me want to get dressed up to be re-married in the Nepal mountains. The air is so clean and refreshing. The landscape is so beautiful. And the country is so peaceful. Thank you so much to our hosts for coordinating such a special afternoon and don't forget to check out all of the vendors that contributed to this wonderful day by clicking on their information at the bottom of the post.
The Fort Resort was our home base, as well as the location where we photographed our styled editorial shoot. The grounds and property were perfect in every way. I'm a sucker for white walls inside homes that feature dark wood trim and when contrasted against the warm brick tones outside, the interior shots from The Fort Resort just pop right off the screen with a vintage romance to them. Susanne's vintage gown from Gossamer was a perfect compliment.
Jaclyn Journey is a wizard with florals and used foraged blooms for our shoot. Abany Bauer of Brown Linen Design created that beautiful paper suite!
I prefer to work with real couples rather than professional models because I want my images to feel as real as possible, and there is no better way to do that than by working with real-life couples. Freddie was such a great "groom" for all of our styled shoots. That blue suit from Zara was the perfect compliment for his hair and skin tone, don't you think!?
On the day of this shoot we had a lot of cloud cover, so you can't see all of the mountains in the distance, but the patio and view of the vallery below are still to die for. Can you imagine being married or celebrating another party at this venue and being able to have your reception and dinner in this gorgeous space? Amazing styling and floral work once again by Abany Bauer and Jaclyn Journey.
Since Freddie & Susanne are married in real life, seeing a genuine romantic connection between them was easy. Professional models always seem to be straight faced or serious, even if they are modeling as a couple in love, but that's not real or authentic. Getting a laugh or a smile out of Susanne & Freddie was a piece of cake but it makes all the difference in how much love and life is in their images.
I am so lucky to have had the chance to work with these two cuties for such a wonderful styled shoot. A BUNCH of wonderful vendors participated in making this day great for every participant at The Beyond Workshop! Thanks to:
Workshop Hosts : Nina & Wes Photography
Creative Direction & Styling: Abany Bauer
Florals: Jaclyn Journey
Hair & Makeup: Heather Smith at M. Hair Studios
Production Lead: Marcus Patrick
Models: Axel & Berg Photography
Paper & Calligraphy: Brown Linen Design
Gown: Shop Gossamer
Rings: Susie Saltzman
Ribbon & Table Runners: Silk & Willow
Earrings: Anthropologie
Groom's Suit: Zara
Film Lab: The FIND Lab
Venue: The Fort Resort
