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This issue we talk with Monique Green of The Studio, Penarth about her passion for photography and her love of art.
EXPOSURE
What’s your background?
I was born in Brisbane, Australia, and met my husband in London. We lived in both cities before moving to Penarth and we’ve been here for ten years. We have a little girl (she’s a corker!), a dog and some lovely friends. I only miss Australia when I’m trying to swim in the sea - I’m just not used to the cold, but the warmth of the people here more than makes up for it. I love the Welsh, they’re kind, funny and very underrated.
What kind of photos do you take?
I look for joy; when you see it, it’s beautiful, breathtaking. A photographer is in the privileged position of being invited into some of the most important times in people’s lives such as weddings, birthday parties, golden anniversary celebrations, a child’s early days. All these things are about the people we love, and the joy they bring us, so I aim to capture just that.
Do you keep up to date with the latest trends in photography?
I like to keep abreast of what is happening, but my inspiration and ideas usually come from other places - I particularly find looking at paintings by great artists very exciting.
One of my current projects is a photograph of a couple broadly recreating ‘The Kiss’ by Gustav Klimt as a gift for their wedding. I was also lucky enough to do a series of nudes for a calendar, each photo themed by prominent events for the month; Valentine’s day, The Great British Summertime, Christmas and New Year’s etc. It’s not the sort of thing I can display in the shop window, but I’m quietly very proud of how they turned out.
Trends are worth watching, but what’s more important to me is that my clients are happy. With something as important as a wedding, this is a once-in-a-lifetime event. I work hard to make sure I understand what the Bride (and the Groom, of course) want, and deliver it. It’s a very special time, and I want to help them enjoy it.
Any other trends we should be looking out for?
Whilst the current fashion for the ‘white background, bright colours’ kind of lifestyle photography is still very popular, I’ve found changing the background to black visually very satisfying. It’s just one change, but it makes the photos so much more dramatic, very ‘Dutch masters’. I’m not sure if this counts as a trend, but I’m having a great time with it!
Tell us about your wedding photography.
Weddings are very much a family affair, and not just for the Bride and Groom. My husband Mike and I work together as a team to deliver not just the standard shots but also more intimate and candid shots that capture the feel of the day. Mike has 25 years experience in advertising and fashion photography, so I find he comes in handy for this type of thing! I meet with the couple before the wedding to find out their preferences for style and iron out any little details. And to establish a good rapport - it’s so important. If the photographer and the bridal couple get along well, you can see it in the photos. After that, all they have to do is relax and enjoy their special day together.
How do you ensure each client is given your undivided attention? Unlike some of the larger photography chains, it’s just me (and sometimes my very patient husband) here, so it’s a very personal service. I take the photos, I do the post-production work, I like to see the look on my client’s faces when they view the photos for the first time.
There’s no time limit on the shoots, and no high pressure sales people at the end. Just me and my customers and the photos.
What is your work motto?
Exceed their expectations.
The Studio
2 Royal Buildings Stanwell Road,
Penarth Vale of Glamorgan CF64 3EB
Tel 029 2040 7276
Fax 029 2071 1776 |
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