Styled Shoot: Steve Neeson Photography

A multi-award winning professional photographer based in Northern Ireland, Steven Neeson has quickly became one of the most sought-after wedding photography specialists in the country. Steven has a clear, directive style and approach to his craft, which is to capture those paramount moments in life as beautifully as possible. His portfolio boasts an extensive range of spectacular images taken within his home country and beyond. Steven’s wedding photography style could be described as natural, elegant, romantic and cinematic. Intricately composed shots incorporating lighting to dramatic effect show Steven’s technical prowess, while his natural, documentary portfolio shows his eye for capturing those natural moments in life.

Steven's passion for photography started in 2007, and soon after, he photographed his first wedding. He has been a full-time professional since 2012 and has covered over 250 weddings and picked up two national awards in this short space of time. Steven is a brand ambassador for Phottix professional lighting equipment. We spoke to Steven about his latest styled photo shoot featuring our very own Blue by Enzoani gowns:

2015 Blue by Enzoani - Hartfort

SETTING THE SCENE

"The pictures on the bridge were taken close to my studio in Randalstown. It's a small town with an old bridge which was once the railway. I drive past it every day and didn’t ever get a chance to go up on top to shoot. It's beautiful. The [other photos] were taken in a local park - Antrim Castle Grounds. It's a very popular area for weddings which I have been to countless times. The area I photographed in here is also an area I see from the road every day I drive past and had never shot at before. It's not a nice as the rest of the park, but there is something secluded about it which drew me to it." 

2015 Blue by Enzoani - Hartfort

WHAT WAS YOUR INSPIRATION BEHIND EACH SCENE?

"I organised this shoot to challenge myself and my style. The wedding season has just kicked off, and I like to set up some shoots to help me throughout the year with creativeness and technical ability. Because this area of the park has this isolated feel to it, I wanted to use that along with the poses and playing with the strong sunlight to create a look which matched. As photographers, we spend so much time creating lighting ‘the correct way,’ so I really wanted to take myself out of my comfort zone. 

The bridge is such a beautiful place just a stone's throw from my studio. I left it later in the day as I wanted to catch the sunset. The sun was covered by thick cloud cover just as the sun began to drop, which initially disappointed me (we don’t get many sunsets in Northern Ireland), but it actually worked out great having the detail in the sky. I just wanted to show off the location in its beauty using the advantage of a beautiful bride. I was also trying to show the dress off in its glory and match it to the surroundings. 

The other shots were taken in the foyer of The Wedding Centre. We had come in for lunch and I had seen the light coming through the window, so just took the opportunity to shoot on a plain wall!"

2015 Blue by Enzoani - Hartfort

Which shot is your favourite and why?

"I think my favourite shot is the one where Carrie-Anne is sitting down on the bridge with the blue sky and clouds about. I love the diagonal lines. In fact, I equally like the shot through the tree with the shadows on Carrie-Anne's back and face. It's the colours, contrast and the connection in her eyes that is beautiful." 

2015 Blue by Enzoani - Hartwell

"I have to give a shout out to the model, Carrie-Anne. As I said to her on the day - I was amazed how she posed so fluently. Her look is amazing and it was brilliant working with her. She shoots for campaigns all over the world and is represented by multiple agencies in a number of countries, so it was a pleasure. Louise McDonnell who was the make-up artist is just fabulous. She has done make-up for a few of my shoots, and I can’t recommend her enough. I can see why she’s becoming a popular choice with celebrities." 

2015 Blue by Enzoani - Hartwell

CREDITS

Photographer - Steven Neeson Photography 

Dresses - 2015 Blue by Enzoani Hartwell & Hartfort

Hair & Make up - Louise McDonnell at LMD Salon

Model - Carrie-Anne Burton

Location – Randalstown, Northern Ireland. 

Photgrapher Sponsore - Phottix