My first love, when originally starting out in the wedding photography business, was wedding photojournalism. I was a bit of a purist back then, so documenting moments using available light was really what made me tick and I paid little attention to portraiture and even less to posing, using artificial lighting, etc. But I am driven to always work on and improve my skillset to be able to produce images in a wider range of conditions and styles, especially in the area of portraiture. The bridal photography session, for example, was quite a foreign concept for me when I first moved to North Carolina back in the autumn of 2010. As a Southern tradition, and given my European background, I have to admit it took me a while to understand its significance and truly embrace the need to stage and pose photos ahead the wedding day itself.
Now though, I really enjoy shooting bridal portraits and see them as a great opportunity to bond with my bride (and often their mums!) ahead of the wedding day. I also like to use them as a time to experiment and produce something unique as well as deliver some of the more classically posed and traditional images.
A good example of this would be Jordan’s bridal session at Rose Hill Plantation a couple of weeks ago. I was very much looking forward to photographing such a beautiful bride in such a unique venue. I said it at the time and I say it again, I could have shot there for hours and hours, but we did a pretty good job of getting around the house both inside and out and getting a good selection of photos showcasing Jordan’s amazing dress, her beautiful hair and stunning make-up (courtesy of Wedding Hair by Liz and Tiwa Lawrence respectively).
Here are just a few of my faves from the shoot…
![rose hill plantation wedding photographer - jordan's bridal session A bride in a white, strapless lace gown holding a bouquet of white flowers stands on a wooden porch. She is surrounded by white columns and greenery, with an American flag visible in the corner.](https://www.joepayneweddingphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/Rose-Hill-Plantation-Bridal-Photography-Jordan-2.jpg)
![rose hill plantation wedding photographer - jordan's bridal session Smiling woman with long dark hair and subtle makeup wearing a white strapless top against a dark background.](https://www.joepayneweddingphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/Rose-Hill-Plantation-Bridal-Photography-Jordan-1.jpg)
![rose hill plantation wedding photographer - jordan's bridal session A bride in a strapless white gown stands on a lawn, holding a bouquet, with her back to the camera. Her dark hair is styled with a flower accessory. In the background is a white building with columns and flags.](https://www.joepayneweddingphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/Rose-Hill-Plantation-Bridal-Photography-Jordan-3.jpg)
![rose hill plantation wedding photographer - jordan's bridal session A woman in a white strapless dress smiles warmly at the camera. Her long dark hair falls in loose waves, and the background is a vibrant, blurred green, suggesting lush foliage on a sunny day.](https://www.joepayneweddingphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/Rose-Hill-Plantation-Bridal-Photography-Jordan-4.jpg)
![rose hill plantation wedding photographer - jordan's bridal session Bride in a white lace gown stands in front of a large fountain and elegant house, holding a bouquet of white flowers. The sun sets in the background, illuminating the scene with a warm glow.](https://www.joepayneweddingphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/Rose-Hill-Plantation-Bridal-Photography-Jordan-5.jpg)
![rose hill plantation wedding photographer - jordan's bridal session A bride in a white wedding dress stands near a window, holding a bouquet of white and pink flowers. Soft light illuminates her as she looks to the side, creating a serene and elegant atmosphere.](https://www.joepayneweddingphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/Rose-Hill-Plantation-Bridal-Photography-Jordan-6.jpg)
![rose hill plantation wedding photographer - jordan's bridal session A bride in a strapless lace gown holds a bouquet, standing gracefully in a dimly lit room. She gazes out of a wooden doorway, surrounded by rustic decor. The atmosphere is serene and contemplative.](https://www.joepayneweddingphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/Rose-Hill-Plantation-Bridal-Photography-Jordan-1-2.jpg)
![rose hill plantation wedding photographer - jordan's bridal session A woman with long, dark hair smiles directly at the camera. She is wearing a white strapless dress, and the background is softly blurred.](https://www.joepayneweddingphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/Rose-Hill-Plantation-Bridal-Photography-Jordan-7.jpg)
![rose hill plantation wedding photographer - jordan's bridal session A bride in a strapless white lace gown holds a bouquet of flowers. She stands in a dimly lit room, looking to the side, with her long hair cascading over her shoulders. The setting is warm and intimate.](https://www.joepayneweddingphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/Rose-Hill-Plantation-Bridal-Photography-Jordan-9.jpg)
![rose hill plantation wedding photographer - jordan's bridal session A bride in a long, flowing gown descends a dimly lit staircase. The walls are adorned with vintage portraits, and a single wall sconce casts a soft glow. The atmosphere is serene and timeless.](https://www.joepayneweddingphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/Rose-Hill-Plantation-Bridal-Photography-Jordan-10.jpg)
![rose hill plantation wedding photographer - jordan's bridal session A woman in a strapless white wedding dress stands on a lawn in front of a large white mansion with columns. She holds a bouquet of flowers and gazes to the side under a dramatic cloudy sky.](https://www.joepayneweddingphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/Rose-Hill-Plantation-Bridal-Photography-Jordan-11.jpg)
![rose hill plantation wedding photographer - jordan's bridal session A woman in a white wedding dress stands on a brick path, holding her dress delicately. She is surrounded by lush greenery, including bushes and trees, creating a serene and elegant atmosphere. The image is in black and white.](https://www.joepayneweddingphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/Rose-Hill-Plantation-Bridal-Photography-Jordan-12.jpg)
![rose hill plantation wedding photographer - jordan's bridal session A bride in a strapless white wedding gown holding a bouquet stands on a brick path surrounded by lush greenery. She has long hair with a flower clip and is looking down with a serene expression.](https://www.joepayneweddingphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/Rose-Hill-Plantation-Bridal-Photography-Jordan-13.jpg)
![rose hill plantation wedding photographer - jordan's bridal session A bride in a strapless wedding dress stands by a lake, holding a bouquet. The background features a fountain and blurred greenery, creating a serene and elegant scene. The image is in black and white.](https://www.joepayneweddingphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/Rose-Hill-Plantation-Bridal-Photography-Jordan-1-3.jpg)
![rose hill plantation wedding photographer - jordan's bridal session A bride in a strapless white dress holds a bouquet of light pink and white flowers. She has long, wavy dark hair and is smiling, standing against a textured wooden background.](https://www.joepayneweddingphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/Rose-Hill-Plantation-Bridal-Photography-Jordan-15.jpg)
![rose hill plantation wedding photographer - jordan's bridal session A bride in a white wedding dress stands on stone steps in front of a rustic wooden cabin. She holds a bouquet and is looking down. The scene is framed by green foliage, creating a natural, serene ambiance.](https://www.joepayneweddingphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/Rose-Hill-Plantation-Bridal-Photography-Jordan-16.jpg)
![rose hill plantation wedding photographer - jordan's bridal session A woman in a strapless white wedding dress smiles and poses with a hand on her hip. She stands in front of lush green foliage, creating a natural, vibrant backdrop.](https://www.joepayneweddingphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/Rose-Hill-Plantation-Bridal-Photography-Jordan-17.jpg)
![rose hill plantation wedding photographer - jordan's bridal session A bride in a flowing white gown stands on a manicured lawn, gazing at a large, elegant house with a wraparound porch and tall trees. The scene is shot in black and white, creating a timeless and serene atmosphere.](https://www.joepayneweddingphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/Rose-Hill-Plantation-Bridal-Photography-Jordan-18.jpg)
![rose hill plantation wedding photographer - jordan's bridal session A bride in a white dress smiles outdoors with a blurred background of greenery and a pond. Her dark hair is styled in loose waves. The sunlight softly illuminates the scene, creating a serene and joyful atmosphere.](https://www.joepayneweddingphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/Rose-Hill-Plantation-Bridal-Photography-Jordan-20.jpg)
![rose hill plantation wedding photographer - jordan's bridal session A bride in a white gown is walking along a pathway beside a large tree and a tranquil pond. A white house with a porch and manicured lawn is in the background under a cloudy sky.](https://www.joepayneweddingphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/Rose-Hill-Plantation-Bridal-Photography-Jordan-19.jpg)