Location, Location…

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I wanted to have a photo shoot in the city…

Looking at my blog posts, you might get the idea that I live in a rural setting, or by the sea, somewhere far away from the busy life in the city.

Nothing could be further from the truth. I live in a suburban block of flats, a short train ride away from the centre of a big city. Yet, you hardly ever see any urban settings in my photos…

Well, there’s a good reason for that: it’s damn difficult to stage a photo shoot in the city.

For starters, there are a lot of people, and posing for pictures can be a bit awkward in crowded places. And I’m not sure passers-by are happy to be in photos, either…

And then there’s the traffic. Yep, walking slowly across the street towards the camera as the traffic lights are turning red, and all the motorists are getting ready to mow you down if you’re not fast enough… Great fun. Not. What is it with all those 30 something male drivers that makes them so aggressive? And it is always male drivers who think the city streets are their private property…

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But it’s not just that urban settings are challenging. In Helsinki it’s just easy to find quiet places where you can pose undisturbed and take your time. Which in turn allows you to think about the backdrop and composition, and adjust the lighting… All of those things that make the difference between a good photo and a quick snapshot. It also helps to have a more relaxed model…

Anyway, this is what a hurried photo shoot in the city looks like. And this is my ‘city look’. In case you were wondering…

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Outfit details (all old):

trench coat: Jigsaw / dress: Comma / scarf: Shanghai Tang /

shoes: Clarks / bag: Kate Spade / sunglasses: Dolce and Gabbana

What’s your ‘city look’?

Tiina

Linking up with:

Not Dead Yet StyleElegantly Dressed and StylishHigh Latitude StyleThe Pleated PoppyStyle ElixirA Labour of LifeDoused in PinkCurly Crafty MomFashion Should Be FunRachel the HatSincerely Jenna MarieMore Pieces of MeColor and GraceThe Wardrobe StylistNot Dressed As LambStyle NudgeCoco et La Vie en Rose,  Living on Cloud NineA Well Styled LifeElegance and MommyhoodPosh Classy MomNancy’s Fashion StyleShelbee on the Edge Over 50 Feeling 40 A Pocketful of Polka Dots Style SplashThe Fashionista MommaTina’s Pink FridayFake FabulousLazy daisy JonesVanity and MeSheela WritesJodie’s Touch of Style

16 Comments

  1. Radostin
    2 October 2017 / 6:32 am

    Hey, you're pattern-mixing! You look great in the city 🙂

    • Tiina L
      4 October 2017 / 2:51 pm

      Thank you!

  2. Mica T
    2 October 2017 / 7:18 am

    I think these are beautiful photos, despite you feeling rushed and uncomfortable. I love the print mixing with the scarf and dress and the colour the scarf and coat give your outfit :)I tend to stay close to home for pictures as it feels weird posing in front of other people! plus as you pointed out it's easier to figure out camera settings when you're unrushed and in a quiet place.Hope you have had a good weekend! I'm currently enjoying the long weekend as it's a public holiday today in Brisbane :)Away From The Blue Blog

    • Tiina L
      4 October 2017 / 2:55 pm

      Thanks, Mica. I definitely feel awkward posing when people are watching. And I don't want to get in the way of other people going about their business, either. So, I think (for the most part) I will try to find more secluded places for photos in the future.

  3. Tine Jensen
    2 October 2017 / 1:52 pm

    Helsinki does look nice in sunny weather! And you look very appropriately dressed for the location – in great colours! It's the first purple trench I've ever seen. Had I gotten myself a purple one I might have worn it to pieces. Instead I bought a beige one, that I'm selling after 3 wears in 2 years!

    • Tiina L
      4 October 2017 / 2:59 pm

      Oh yes, Helsinki is a lovely place on a sunny day. Less so on a stormy day…I love a beige trench coat in fashion magazines and in films. There's something very chic and classic about it. Then I try one on and I look as if I'm a tired middle-aged woman just fading into the wall… Oh well, maybe I'm one of those people who need some colour. Better accept my limitations, I suppose.

  4. Jill James
    3 October 2017 / 8:50 am

    I must agree that despite the rush and feeling uncomfortable the shots turned out rather well and I enjoyed a peek at Helsinki. I rather like your city look , your striped dress , colourful scarf and bright trench just perfect.

    • Tiina L
      4 October 2017 / 3:02 pm

      Thanks, Jill. I've been wanting to have photo shoots in areas that I know really well, sort of showcase 'my neighbourhood' (even though I don't live anywhere near, these are just places I go to a lot).

    • Tiina L
      4 October 2017 / 3:02 pm

      Thanks! This is one of my favourite pairs.

  5. jodie filogomo
    3 October 2017 / 1:52 pm

    I know what you mean—it always makes me wonder how early in the morning some of the women must take their photos, because there aren't other people in the shots??XOXOJodiewww.jtouchofstyle.comThanks for joining in the Ageless Style Link Up

    • Tiina L
      4 October 2017 / 3:06 pm

      I've been wondering about that, too!

  6. Nicole Mölders
    6 October 2017 / 4:08 am

    Thanks for linking up to Top of the World Style. This outfit is great for urban safaris.

    • Tiina L
      6 October 2017 / 6:18 am

      ;)Thanks, Nicole!

  7. Sheree Ho
    10 October 2017 / 6:49 pm

    I love this look! I totally understand how difficult it can be to shoot in highly populated areas. But, these photos turned out so good! Pairing your patterned scarf with a purple coat is the perfect balance for the outfit. Thank you for linking up this week!~xo ShereePoshClassyMom.com

    • Tiina L
      11 October 2017 / 5:48 pm

      Thanks, Sheree.

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