Notes from the Field: One, Two Three, Smile!

I am excited to share with you today an interview by none other than the very lovely Claire Morgan. You've heard me sing her praises before, and she's done some gorgeous shots already of diplo-baby - a good thing too since she's growing like a weed (diplo-baby, not Claire) - we celebrated four months yesterday!

Expats living in Vienna - don't miss her "souvenir sessions" of family shots around the city.  See below for some of the gorgeous work she does around town, and read on for her take on how to get your own great shots. No time like the upcoming weekend to try these tips out - one, two, three...say cheese!

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Claire Morgan Interview

What brought you to Vienna?

I came to Vienna on holiday in 2003 and fell in love with the city. Literally. I loved the architecture and magnificent buildings around, and overall calmness of the city. I was living in Paris at the time where everything is a mad rush.

When did you move to Vienna?

6 weeks later!  

Why do you stay in Vienna?  

I have moved so much in my life that I just got comfortable here and simply could not imagine moving countries again.  Vienna is very comfortable to live in and I have now built a wonderful circle of friends and my business is going well.

Favorite part about living here?

Everything functions on time!

Least favorite part about living here?

Vienna is so far east, to get to the mountains and lakes one always needs to drive at least 3 hours one way. Alot of my wedding bookings are in those areas, and for skiing too, I often think about moving to Salzburg instead!

(TNDW editorial note: This is clearly a cultural difference - being American, when we arrived, we couldn't believe that mountains and skiing were ONLY three hours away!)

You’re hosting visitors in Vienna for the weekend, what does the weekend look like?  

Definitely a walk around the old town, first district, drinks at MQ, perhaps a horse and carriage ride (I always suggest this to my wedding couples who are taking pictures around Vienna), a walk in Schonbrunn, Hundertwasser Haus, drinks at the Loos Bar, go and see whatever is going on att he Rathaus that time of year, coffee and cake at a typical viennese cafe. And of course Christmas markets if 'tis the season!

And what’s on the menu chez toi for guests?

My boyfriend will most likely cook something Polish! 

(TNDW editorial note: Special congratulations to Claire as this boyfriend is now a fiance!)

Three things always in your refrigerator?

Soy milk, jam, cheese

Where are best places to catch some good shots of Vienna?

 Rathaus is amazing if you walk just in front under the archway, the interior is lovely too. Parliament and its columns, Volksgarten for the roses, Karlskirche as a backdrop, Schönbrunn Palace and gardens offers lots and the Belvedere Palace gardens is lovely too. I once had the permission to shoot on the stairs inside the Albertina museum, only because the bridal couple from Hong Kong wanted a picture with beautiful stairs with a red carpet.The view from outside the Albertina at the top of the stairs also gives you a lovely view over the Opera.

What is the most common mistake people make when taking pictures around Vienna (or any other town)?

I think they don't realise how tiring it can be especially when full dressed in wedding gear and high shoes. There is alot of walking involved especially in Schönbrunn to get from one end to the other.  I now bring an assistant with me to help fluff out the dress, carry extra bags and organise taxis in-between locations. Professional hair and make-up is also advised before such a shooting.

What’s the one picture you shouldn’t leave Vienna without?

A picture of where you spent most of your time in Vienna. For a lot of families I have taken around, their first choice seems to be Museums Quartier. Christmas markets was another popular request.