The Cotton Mill in McKinney, Texas, seems to be a favorite place of mine to shoot these days. I've shot everything there—children, families, senior portraits, and still life. Now, bridal shots.
The Mill is a great backdrop with wonderful pockets of natural light just waiting to be used. Much of it is still very raw and in its original form, but they are beginning to pick up the pace on restoration. The restoration will only add new areas for photographers to paint with light, create.
I was very happy with the outcome of my first bridal shoot at the Mill. The image here is taken in one of the stairwells leading up to a vacant space, where I shoot a lot, and a designer's studio. The space on the second-level platform was tight, but I recently purchased a Canon 16-35 that took care of the wide angle needed to get the shot. The mother of the bride was present and actually was very helpful to me as a second assistant. My actual assistant was busy trying to hold a large reflector that was bigger than her. With a little bit of sweat, we came away with some great shots.
As you can see in the image, I like to do some alternative processing with some of the work. I like to emulate film types, which helps in creating the mood. I don't think film will ever die out because it is an art form in itself. I shoot mostly digital, but occasionally pull out the medium-format Yashica twin lens. Digital is faster and more efficient, but film is much more beautiful.
I will continue to use the Mill as a photo op location for all my clients. The space, texture, and light will keep me coming back. Creating a relationship with the property manager has helped me gain access to shoot at the Mill along with a $50 per hour fee. That's what you will find at most places charging to shoot photography.
Check out
Flickr to see more shots at the Mill.
