Hot Wheels: Roller Derby Team Portrait Shoot

Hi there,

Last weekend I got the opportunity to photograph a team of hard core roller skaters. I say hard core because this wasn't just some bunch of die hard roller blade enthusiasts. No, this was an actual team of girls who compete regularly in Roller Derby events. They all have team nick names on their shirts, wear war paint and like nothing better than storming round a track knocking the stuffing out of their opponents....oh yeah and they don't use roller blades, they're oldschool, they use roller boots...which don't even have stoppers.

Anyway, in addition to being introduced to a new sport, I was also partaking in a different genre of photography to the usual. A spot of urbex don't you know. Urbex is simply slang for urban exploration. It's where you go to places that you probably shouldn't go to without a hard hat and a spare stretcher. Derelict buildings, condemned sites, that kind of business. We thought it would be a little different to the norm and help give the girls a bit more of an edgy hard ass look.

All things told this was a relatively simple shoot, just a few head shots to help promote the team. Everything looked set for a great shoot...apart from one thing. The weather. It was such a miserable day I can't begin to tell you. That really wet rain again. Taking the pictures wasn't the main concern, (we're always prepared) it was more that the girls would have to endure an hour or so in these very damp, cold conditions.

Thing is though, Roller Derby girls aren't like you or I. They're made of tougher stuff. A bit of wet weather is clearly nothing compared to what they'd happily endure on any other given weekend.

It was in the end a load of fun (despite the rain), and I'd just like to say a big thanks to all the girls for being such great sports. Good luck at the next event!

All the best,

Paul

PS - check my facebook page for details on half price gift voucher offer :)

Wetherby Wedding at the Bridge Inn

Hello there,

My last blog featured Stuart and Charlotte's autumnal engagement shoot. This one features some images from their big day.

Driving up from South Yorkshire I was convinced that this was going to be a wash out. The forecast had been bad all week and it really did look like the rain was set in for the day...and it was that really wet rain, you know? Anyway on arrival I set to work capturing a few details as per usual and noticed that Charlotte was thinking along exactly the same lines.

Prior to the service I managed to sneak a couple of minutes with the lads after a protracted debate on which way up the button hole flowers go.

And then it was time for the big moment.

What a fabulous room to get married in...

...and how many people can say they've been played out with bagpipes!? This gentleman was absolutely fantastic. He really played the part and was loads of fun.

By the time we got outside something rather magical had happened. Not only had it stopped raining, but we had blue skies! Really didn't expect that.

Having done some formal shots and the big group shot it was on to the reception where I left the party to upload a few images and take a few test shots for the evening. A big thanks to Peter at this point (Charlottes dad) for getting me and my second photographer one of the nicest gourmet burgers I've ever had - cheers Peter!

After covering the speeches we had a bit more fun going for a different look using a bit of lighting. While we were waiting I caught a couple of the groomsmen enjoying a special moment of their own...

Cheers for the idea Scott!

Finally they arrived, and it was well worth the wait, the girls had loads of fun glamming it up!

Then back inside for a bit of a dance.

This guy had some pretty special moves...like Jagger??

And as I finally left the party was still in full swing.

Thanks a lot Stuart and Charlotte for a fabulous wedding...I shall be in touch shortly to talk about my ideas for our next photographic adventure....grab your wellies hon, we're off to trash the dress!!

All the best

Paul

PS - If anyone is stuck for ideas for Christmas then do get in touch. We've got time to do a studio or location shoot and have a canvas printed for Christmas, or you could always secure you loved on a voucher for a shoot with me in the new year with 50% off.

Drop me a line if you are interested (paulscott74@gmail.com) - one less pressie to worry about for Christmas!

Examples of staged and natural shoots.

Studio in your own home

Candid and staged

and there's loads in the portrait section of my site Paul Scott Photography