Run away with me

PHOTOS: KINGS & THIEVES

BENJAMIN AND CARISSE URQUHART, THE HUSBAND-AND-WIFE TEAM BEHIND KINGS & THIEVES, SPECIALISE IN PHOTOGRAPHING ELOPEMENTS AND SMALL WEDDINGS. HERE THEY SHARE A RECENT BLUE MOUNTAINS SHOOT AND TALK US THROUGH ELOPEMENT ETIQUETTE.

Tell us briefly about Kings & Thieves and the ethos behind your business?

Kings & Thieves was born out of frustration and discontent with the prominent wedding photography style that seemed popular at the time, and the ‘life formula’ we’re all expected to abide by. We’ve never been ones to buckle to trends and prefer to forge ahead with what feels right for us.

How would you describe your photographic style?

Others describe our work as ‘dark and moody’, which is a broad term these days but I wouldn’t argue with this. We endeavour to make a true emotional connection with everyone we shoot, to capture them at their realest – no matter who they are, where they come from or who they love. That’s what it comes down to for us… Being authentic, inclusive and real, even if it means the art at the end of it all is a little moody.

You capture elopements all around the Blue Mountains. What do you love about shooting something so intimate?

Being there throughout all the action of the day. There’s generally less of a schedule, less stress and less drama because it’s usually just the couple getting married, us and another witness (or videographer, commonly)! We shot an elopement the other day that was totally secret. Not even their families or dearest friends knew about it. And we can’t share anything from their day until they announce the news themselves using our photos, printed and revealed at a private party for their loved ones. That’s pretty special.

What are the key elements of a good shoot?

Light, light and light! You need light to inject drama and visual flair into a shot – without it you’re left with flat photos. On those overcast days, or if the lighting is crappy, instead of resorting to flash, pump the ISO [the setting that controls brightness], slow the shutter and find something else to add drama – wind, fog, texture. Or spice things up, if your couple is up for it. We use dynamic posing to capture intimate shots – running fingers through hair or getting as close to kissing as possible without making contact. Amp up the anticipation and shoot the real, especially if the couple break out in laughter.

Do you have any favourite Blue Mountains locations for shooting?

Many, and we’re always up for finding new places. We’re stupendously blessed in the Blue Mountains. You can literally pull up on any side road, walk 20 metres and you’re on the edge of the world.

Have you got any tips for couples planning an elopement shoot?

IN THEIR OWN WORDS… “Traditional weddings just aren’t our thing, so we decided to elope, just the two of us and our baby. And we figured if we were going to have no guests, no decorations and no venue then we wanted the most epic scenery possible for our ceremony. We choose an old, hidden lookout to exchange our vows; on a cliff edge that was etched with initials and opened up to an incredible view of the valley. We both had an instant feeling that this was absolutely the place for us to elope, with its perfect national park scenery and the cliff face that had us feeling on top of the world. It was secluded and secret, which is what an elopement is all about.“

STYLE FILE

SARA’S HAIR & MAKEUP Jo Smith TODD’S GROOMING Lord Carrington’s Parlour STYLING The Golden Dandelion VIDEOGRAPHY CloudHerd Film Co. CELEBRANT Trent Baldock PHOTOS Kings & Thieves

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