BTS -- Shooting with an iceberg backdrop in Twillingate, Newfoundland

The Inspiration

An early appearance of an iceberg in Twillingate, NL, sparked the inspiration for a shoot I've been dreaming about for some time. Having grown up along the coast of Labrador, I was no stranger to the sight of icebergs drifting through the straits in the spring. The contrast of the landscape reawakening, with flowers blooming and vibrant greens emerging against the backdrop of distant frozen glaciers, has always captivated me. This juxtaposition seemed like a moving way to announce my pregnancy—new life sprouting against the mesmerizing backdrop of icebergs, symbolizing the unfolding of a new chapter in my life.

Facing the elements, from the chilling cold and bitter winds to the challenges of finding the perfect location and hiking for the best views, made this task daunting. However, the desire to capture not just the announcement but also the majestic scenery drove me to bring along my drone to record some behind-the-scenes photos and videos. Throughout this blog, I'll explore these challenges and how we ended up with some of my most favourite shots.

The Destination

What began as a leisurely family Sunday drive quickly evolved into an impromptu photoshoot. It took us about an hour and a half to reach the picturesque community of Twillingate, nestled in Notre Dame Bay. Upon arrival, we spotted the iceberg that had piqued our interest in the distance. We initially scouted a few locations, taking some test shots, but it soon became clear that a hike to a mountaintop directly above the iceberg would provide the perfect backdrop for our vision.

The trek to our chosen spot was challenging—hiking with our photography gear, navigating icy trails, and setting up equipment near cliffs, all while managing the added adventure of having our two daughters with us. We also had to navigate through crowds of other iceberg enthusiasts, which proved quite interesting, especially when I had to undergo a dramatic outfit change amidst the freezing temperatures. My daughters found this quite entertaining.

Styling

The styling for this shoot was designed to complement the environment—simple, yet striking. I chose a flowing, neutral outfit, due to its ability to catch the wind and create movement. I wanted the wind to create a dynamic sense of movement and life -- capturing the essence of the setting. I opted for little to no makeup and accessories to keep the focus on the enchanting setting, and pregnancy announcement.

The Setting

The day of the shoot presented its own set of challenges, primarily the cold and the precarious cliffside setup. Working quickly to make the most of the natural light, we captured a series of stunning portraits, the soft pastels of the sky contrasting beautifully with the crisp whites of the icebergs. Integrating drone photography allowed us to elevate the visual storytelling literally and figuratively. The aerial shots brought a different perspective, emphasizing the vastness of the ocean and the striking details of the iceberg, which ground-level shots could not have captured alone.

This shoot stands out as one of my all-time favorite backdrops for portrait photography. Typically, the background in such photos offers beauty yet serves mainly as a neutral, blurred canvas to ensure the subject remains the central focus. However, this session required a more nuanced approach. The challenge was to strike a delicate balance: the icebergs should not overpower the announcement of new life but rather enhance it. It highlighted how the natural world can mirror and magnify our most personal stories and celebrations.