2009 September | Paula O'Hara Photography

Archive for September, 2009

This Season’s Bridesmaid Shoot

September 09 2009

Here are few more shots from the recent issue of ‘Getting Married in Northern Ireland’.

We went to the Lough Neagh for the bridesmaid shoot and there was a crowd of flies following us the whole day! The good news is we had lovely warm, dry conditions so it was safe enough to take the dresses into the beautiful meadows down there. I seriously need new clothes as everything I own has grass stains on it from crawling around on my belly all summer. There are always some strange looks from Dessie when I get home too.

Of all the dresses that were supplied I think the claret red dress was my favourite on this model and the colour along with the golden grass suited the autumnal theme.
You will find the photos on my blog are from my favourites, and are not always the ones that get featured in the magazine…

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Getting Married in Northern Ireland Cover Shoot

September 09 2009

I’m working like a demon tonight to catch up on shoots from months ago.
Its late but I’m up anyway because poor Niamh is suffering from a bad cold and isn’t sleeping so well.

So between calpol, cuddles and soothing words for the little one I’m just going to say a few words about a wonderful shoot I had in July on a warm, sunny afternoon at Larchfield Estate. Emma, the editor of GMINI, actually discovered this place and I’m glad she did.

I found the secret gardens of this old manor park to be a dream location. I’d highly recommend it as a wedding venue for brides in Northern Ireland and abroad. Collette, our model, was like a perfectly delicate china doll among the woods and flowers of the estate and we thought her auburn hair would be so fitting for the seasonal tones of the Autumn issue. The beautiful dress was supplied by Perfect Touch Bridal in Lisburn.

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Fashion Shoot Workshop

September 09 2009

When I heard Agata Stoinska was running workshops in her Dublin studio for fashion photographers to say I was a little bit excited would not quite cut it. I am a big, BIG fan of Agata’s work. I can often be found with a cup of coffee sitting in our lounge drooling over her bridal shoots for ‘The Wedding Journal’ and ‘Confetti’ Magazine. I have quite a few of her shoots cut out and stuck into my ‘Big book of Ideas’!

Her editorial work is a favourite of mine. There is the quality of film stills and she has a great eye for storytelling and emotion, a very unique and rare talent. She also knows exactly how to communicate with her models with amazing results. It was an even greater joy to find Agata a warm and sharing photographer, completely unaffected by her evident success in Ireland.

The workshop was so worthwhile for lots of reasons. I got to meet other photographers working in different parts of Ireland, there was a buzz of excited chat about lenses, apertures, light, long hours, models, styling and lots of nerdie stuff that would bore the life out of all our friends and family back home!

I also ventured into the world of studio lighting, softboxes, strobes and beauty dishes with tentative steps. But it was a real thrill. We had amazing models on the day, the very patient and talented Catherine from Morgan The Agency made a big impression on the gang – well, she was making us all look good and when we weren’t sure what direction to take next – she knew what to do!

Here are some backstage shots.

Catherine in make-up

Agata shooting Jayne with Nikki working the reflector

Me shooting Agata shooting Jayne with Tanya the stylist looking on…

Our first shoot was styled with an ‘Audrey Hepburn’ look in mind shot with a beauty dish and softbox behind. For the day I brought my 50mm 1.2 and my personal fav the 85mm 1.8 Here is my shot with this lens…

Our second shoot was shot using natural light and reflectors only and the model was Catherine. I just loved the Dm boots and they reminded of my ‘ska days’ when this was all I ever wore on my feet. Maybe its nostalgia or I’m having some mid-life crisis but this look totally sold them to me all over again and now I’m waiting for my new pair to arrive in the post!

Lastly, we shot Catherine again with a high-fashion look using studio lighting.

It was a privilege to be asked to photograph and document the Stargaze event which is happening in the studio this weekend and I’m so gutted I’ll not be able to make it. But no doubt I will back down again as soon as I can find some time for another one of these fantastic workshops.

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Charlene & Richie

September 09 2009

I’m so overdue a blog post that its not even funny but things have been hectic for me lately – I will explain at a later date!

I thought a great way to start back would be to post some photos from Charlene and Richie’s recent wedding. Charlene picked the perfect venue for her day. The Cavan Crystal Hotel just suited her modern, fresh, contemporary approach perfectly with clear cut glass, silver, crystals and beading in all the details.
I met the girls in the hairdressers early and found them having champagne and chillin out. Then they headed to the beauticians for some more champagne, chillin out and special treatment. In fact we didn’t need to leave the venue the whole day as there were a ton of opportunities for photographs everywhere. There were lots of laughs and fun moments at this wedding too. I had a giggle when the best man found it a bit of struggle getting the rings out of his pocket! I have to say, maybe it was the sunny weather, but I totally enjoyed every moment of it. One of those days when you just love your job! Thanks to everyone on the day for being so great at just being themselves.

Um, yummy…

Charlene loves her little ducks and of course Snoop whom you might remember from the e-session. Richie sent Charlene a little message from all the boys back home.

Mum helps Charlene into her dress…

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Jason and Claire

September 09 2009

I don’t always get the opportunity to photograph the weddings of friends so it was lovely to be able to photograph this one. Having worked with Claire on Getting Married magazine for a number of years so I found myself in the thick of it with all the planning, ideas and preparation that goes on behind the scenes. Its tough when your involved in the wedding industry like Claire and your planning your own wedding as you see so many ideas!
Claire had thought of everything. There were lots of fun details, the styling was gorgeous, she looked stunning but what I enjoyed most of all about photographing the wedding was just the natural happiness, warmth and sense of fun between Jason and Claire, totally unstaged, and completely priceless.

Thank-you Michael for helping me out on the day and also shooting some extra video footage for Claire on the morning. I could be doing with a second pair of hands for every wedding!