IMAGE OF THE WEEK
Fine Art References In Queer Wedding Photography
FARMERS IMAGE OF THE WEEK
Esmé Whiteside
Fine Art References In Queer Wedding Photography
Well, last week was something else – Thrive truly outdid itself, rolling out in both Scotland and London with a lineup of six stellar speakers. But let’s talk about the jewel in the Thrive crown – the Day Two sessions. This is what is truly unique and magical about Thrive – breaking out into small groups, offers attendees a more intimate way to learn plus a coveted peek into the speakers’ shooting and directing skills.
Now, I have to confess, that one of the highlights for me is when the groups gather, the chatter subsides, and in sashay the models. Let’s be honest, as photographers, we don’t want to just sit and listen – we want to put what we learn into practice, get our cameras out, and get creating. And that’s exactly what Thrive encourages – creative playtime.
Giving our speakers the reins to model sourcing and styling is akin to giving an artist a blank canvas. Esmé Whiteside – someone who regularly uses styled shoots to enhance her portfolio – did not disappoint.
When her models appeared, they caused quite a stir. Their look is a tale of two narratives. On one hand, you have the timeless elegance of black attire, giving us a sense of tradition and formality. On the other, the leopard print adds a contemporary twist that’s daring and unapologetically bold. This contrast not only makes a statement about the versatility of modern love but also about Esmé Whiteside’s artistic direction – she’s not afraid to mix the classic with the avant-garde.
The floral arrangement is another layer to appreciate. It’s wild, almost untamed, mirroring the backdrop while the pale roses add a softness that complements the models’ own vulnerability and connection. It’s a masterful balance of masculinity and gentility.
I asked Esmé to pick out an image from her sessions that she liked most for our Image Of The Week. The frame she selected is a lesson in storytelling, a piece that encourages us to look beyond the surface. Esmé’s background in fine art clearly informs her approach, resulting in a vision that aligns perfectly with her artful, fashion-influenced brand. American Gothic in a Scottish wheat field with queer models in leopard print? Yes Esmé!!!
This was a common thread that ran through talks at Thrive – when you put a bit of your soul into your work, that’s when you’ll draw the clients who truly resonate with you.
THE DETAILS
CAMERA: Canon R6 | Canon 50mm 1.8
SETTINGS: ISO 100 | F9 | 1/40
PRESET: Own Preset
“I LOVE REFERENCING ART PIECES, ESPECIALLY WITH QUEER COUPLES WHO WOULDN’T HAVE BEEN SHOWCASED AS SUBJECTS IN THE ART WORLD.”
I loved the wheat field, it was so golden and beautiful, and was really reminded me of an American wheat crop in The Age Of The American Dream – idk why, just imagine Grapes Of Wrath.
I’d just been doing some slow shutter images of the boys running through the wheat but wanted a quieter, more moody romantic moment. I wanted to reference the painting American Gothic, but in a softer way, and used the wheat to frame the boys and run across their faces, with a little bit of blur in the foreground as it blew in the wind.
I love referencing art pieces, especially with queer couples who wouldn’t have been showcased as subjects in the art world.
TEAM
WORKSHOP HOST: Photography Farm
MENTOR: Esmé Whiteside Photography
OUTFITS: Jean Jackson Couture
FLOWERS: Emma Cox Floristry
MODELS: @rossjduncan @mn.conception
THE TECH TALK
Fine Art References In Queer Wedding Photography
Whenever I use my 50, i use it with a tiffen glimmer glass. It’s really beautiful at removing texture and giving that dreamy vibe without losing sharpness. Especially for skin texture I think it’s just really forgiving. Also love the cheap af lens, it’s not what you have, it’s how you use it, picked this up for under £200 when I started, and it’s just a gorgeous lens. Also added a fair amount of grain for that nostalgic feel
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