Theres always much excitement (and an element of nervousness) when it�s GWD photo shoot day - and never more so than for a Spring/Summer issue of GWD

There’s always much excitement (and an element of nervousness) when it’s GWD photo shoot day - and never more so than for a Spring/Summer issue of GWD when an outdoor shot for the cover is planned. There’s no telling what the Scottish weather is going to provide in March and a summery photo is always a tad more challenging if there’s fresh snow lying on the ground! Thankfully, this time the weather was very obliging so it was possible to take most photos outside, although, truth be told, the photo used on the cover wasn’t actually the one intended! Having visited Pittodrie the week before the shoot, photographer Calum Riddell had a different outdoor location lined up for the cover shot. However, on taking this shot of model Harriet in the Ian Stewart dress (from Avorio), it was an easy decision. As Calum says: “We all loved this spot and the soft, very Scottish, colours of the logs and wall. Plus the dress just so fits the pose.”

Pittodrie House Hotel was partly chosen for the shoot because of its range of locations, both indoor and outdoor, as photographer Calum comments: “There’s so much variety at Pittodrie House, it’s one of my favourite locations. There are so many photogenic nooks and crannies, both inside and outside. I always seem to come away with different photos every time.”

One reason no two days at Pittodrie House are quite the same is because of the changing light, especially when the photographer prefers to make use of the natural light as much as possible, even when working indoors. This shot on the left perfectly encapsulates how a professional photographer makes the most of what he finds. Taken around 5pm, the sun behind provides natural backlighting resulting in a beautifully romantic shot that any bride would be delighted to have.

 

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Photographer: Calum Riddell

Venue: Pittodrie House Hotel

Hair: Tracy Allan

Models: Premiere Productions Scotland (Harriet, Karen and Jonathan) RGU placement student Claire McDonald

Bridal Outfits: Avorio and Our Day

Mother-of-the-bride: Our Day, Frox, Tartan Touch

Kilts: Gibbs