Dorset wedding photographers launch virtual couple shoots

Dorset-based ST.udio Photography is offering virtual couple shoots as a way to stay creative during lockdown and work with those who have sadly had to postpone their weddings due to Coronavirus.

Run by husband and wife duo Luke and Sammie Toomer, during the current difficult times they've been looking at ways to use their creative talents and work with couples who have had to put off their wedding day, while still staying safe and following government guidelines.

"A way that we've found to do this is via virtual Facebook sessions and recently did a virtual shoot with a lovely couple Paul and Ashlee who weren't able to have their big day due to Covid-19," says Sammie. "Firstly we had a video chat with the couple on Facebook to discuss initial ideas and to look at their rooms and space available to work with. We took into account decorations and props, like the fairlylight backdrop they wanted, as well as furniture, plants etc and most importantly the lighting, natural window light being the best."

"We sent them our clothing guideline and discussed possible outfits. We also explained how to prop up the camera with a tripod or in this case, tables and crates! You can go with whatever you have. They used their tablet so they had a bigger picture and a better camera than their phones.

"Working from our living room we set up three flat-lay designs to place our phone in and included some blossom as they originally got engaged in Japan, surrounded by blossom. We also added a few items we thought would work well that we found around the house, such as my grandma's book with pictures of old paintings which we decorated with flowers. We made sure that we had all the flat lays in front of our window to help make the most of natural lighting," explains Sammie.

"We used the app Facebook messenger for the video chat and photo session and made sure that our video camera was off during the shoot so we could only see the couple on the screen but they could still hear us to give instructions and ideas on posing. We all had a lot of fun, from creating the set ups all the way through to the final images. The photographs are a story of this time, staying connected with our phones as well as including a nod to their past with the blossom. They show us how we can stay connected and creative while being safe and creating photos that carry a lot of memories and a great story!"