ayup it’s the person that sent those vera things like a week ago ?? yk the one that made a fool of themself by rambling about ur oc ! anyways i reread it bc ofc i did and. idk. it’s such an amazing fic like genuinely and i felt a need to express it. like outside of how well-thought vera is and how interesting her dynamics with marvin + leon are (and claire ofc) and just. the pacing and story progression. it’s all so well done. and i’m sure someone has told u this in ur ao3 comments but the way ur reinterpreting canon a lil and having vera shake things up is so fun and genuinely interesting which is why i went back and reread it all. it feels like there’s a lot i kinda missed the first time round with the nuances of vera’s character which was. very fun to go back around and see again. hope ur doing well <3

HI OMG WELCOME BACK IM SO HAPPY TO SEE YOU

(you aren't a fool it's my inspiration and motivation juice YOU TAKE THAT BACK🔪)

first of all you are A CHAD. The fic is 100K words oh god I can't imagine -- im happy it was more enjoyable the second time around at least 😭😭😭😭 It's amazing to hear that despite the fat word count, you think the pacing and progression is going well!

Unrelated tidbit but I really didn't know how to introduce Vera before starting the fic and was debating on starting from pre-RE2R in the summer of 1998, spend five chapters and so with Vera assisting Jill in her investigation and unravel things from there. But at the end I was like "literally nobody would read that" and thought what best technique is there by starting right in the middle of action and chaos? And the rest I winged it.

That had to mean I had to go through EVERYTHING about her life and how she got to that point by peppering the events throughout the plot as Leon and her story also progressed alongside it, and I couldn't gloss over anything, so it just expanded and expanded and expanded and I'm sure got boring as hell at places since she hides a bunch of shit from the others and good god do they have to be integrated to the plot of re2r AND UGHHHHHHHH. Thank you for telling me I havent messed up LMAOOOOOOO

About the canon. I have a bone to pick with some of the game and the story, I don't like how they went about a couple of things. This is me trying to lay the groundwork to fix them and everything by tweaking .

For example Leon pulling the "i have to talk to the chief first" bs and saying "Idk what happened it happened to fast" to ada like he was trying to make excuses like a child to his parent really irked me, especially in the original re2 he bent over backwards to get ben out of the cell so he could come along with them. (dont talk to me about how a law-abiding rookie he's supposed to be. that could have been done better. leon simply isn't a person to leave someone like that, and he was hearing about chef irons the writing on that could have been better) And the way Claire and Leon barely interacted when they are the core of re2 together was just not it. The lack of Sherry and Leon together was also weird when Sherry is a big part of why he was taken by the government and stayed, and how Sherry blatantly says he saved her in RE6. (I know they just completely wiped the slate clean off Sherry and Leon with RE4R backstory by just saying Leon just didnt have a choice but like. yeah) and also Ada. God Ada "(to the woman she wants to discreetly capture. since she's A SPY) We're here for the g-virus and i will now proceed to jump in front of the bullets" & "Where's Leon when I need him (has treated him as a nuisance the whole way)" Wong. Im sure there are a lot more things but i cant think of them rn but I am annoyed with Things

SORRY I JUST WENT OFF ON A TANGENT. But like. Having Vera involved and having her existence be a reason on changing things around is so much fun. I could just expand on child experimentation and the truth of the orphanage through her, it was always something wildly bothering me that they kept that plot so subtle in Claire's story. Birkins (or maybe just William. we'll never know) were using children in G-virus experiments WHY DIDNT THEY TALK ABOUT THAT MORE DUDE? That's why canon divergence makes things so much more interesting because it's not just transcribing the game and inserting an OC along the way, it's changing things and making new things up, keeping things fresh

GOD I TALKED SO MUCH SORRY THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THE ASK!!!!!!

Jaune: (Walking through the forest with Yang, Looks at a wanted poster on a tree) Hey, Yang, who's that? She kind of looks like you.

Yang: That's Raven Branwen, the supposed "Bandit Queen" around here. Don't bother getting involved with her. She'd just make you look stupid. (Sighs, Looks away) It wouldn't be the first time.

Jaune: ...Right. (Touches her hand) Yang, you know I love you, right?

Yang: ...Yeah, I know. (Holds his hand, Doesn't look at him) Even if you don't deserve someone like me.

Jaune: (Pulls his hand away) What do you mean? Are you saying I'm not good enough for you?

Yang: (Looks at him) What?! No! I know we've only been dating for a few months, but it's not like that! If anything, it's the other way around!

Jaune: (Angry) So you're saying you're too good for me now?!

Yang: No! Argh! You are so annoying right now! What I meant was- (A loud thud is heard nearby, Gunfire explodes in the distance) What was that?

From the treeline, a band of armed thugs barrel out waving their weapons around, hooting and hollering, roaring and barking as they circle the couple. A tree falls, it's trunk sliced clean as a woman with black hair and red eyes walks forward. She sheathes her sword as she sways her hips. She looks exactly like the woman in the wanted poster, becauseshe is the woman from the wanted poster; Raven Branwen.

Raven: Don't waste your breath with her. (Stops in front of the couple) She never understood true power, even when it stared her in the face.

Jaune: Wait, you're-

Raven: Raven Branwen, Bandit Queen. (Bandits roar and cheer until they're silenced by Raven's extended hand, She leans forward into Jaune's face) And you are just my type.

Jaune: (Blushing) Uh, you look just like my girlfriend.

Raven: Well, she is my daughter.

Yang: Stop leering at her, you perv! And you, I thought you didn't want anything to do with me!

Raven: I didn't, but when Tai told me about this boy you're dating, I had to see for myself. He reminds me a lot of him. (Licks her lips) I bet he tastes the same, too. Shay! Vernal!

Shay & Vernal: Yes, ma'am!

Raven: Make sure she doesn't interfere. I want to play with my food right now

Shay & Vernal: Yes, ma'am!

Raven: What's your name, handsome?

Jaune: Uh, Jaune. Jaune Arc.

Raven: Mm, short, sweet, and rolls off the tongue. I bet the ladies love it.

Jaune: Uh...

Raven: If you didn't hear, I'm Raven Branwen. But, the only thing you'll call me from now on is either ma'am or mommy.

Jaune: (Chuckling) That's funny. I like you, Ms. Branwen!

Yang: (Thinking) What is she doing?! Is she... trying to steal Jaune?! (Shakes her head) Whatever! Jaune loves me! He won't surrender to her! ...But we did have that fight just now. He might actually leave me for her. ...No! I just have to put my faith in Jaune! I know he'll stay with me!

Raven: Now, Jaune, what say we have some fun?

Raven unsheathes Omen, taking a combative stance in front of Jaune, who, in turn, unsheathes Crocea Mors. Raven swings at Jaune, holding back her strength as she tests Jaune's skill. Soon, Jaune is beading with sweat as Raven lazily parries and swings at him. Jaune slips into her guard, forcing her to jump back. She chuckles as she watches him pant.

Raven: Not bad, boy. Not bad at all.

Jaune: This... This is too much! I can see why you're the Bandit Queen now.

Raven: What are you staring so hard at me for, boy? You want me? Here, (Takes off her armor, Her perfect-fit clothing underneath leaves nothing to the imagination) have a closer look.

Jaune: (Stammers, Looks to Yang)

Yang: Stop showing off like that, Mom! Why couldn't you just stay out of my love life like dad? In fact, why don't you just stay out of my life?!

Shay: Hey, kid, settle down!

Vernal: Queen Raven ordered us to keep you in place, so that's what we're going to do.

Yang: And having your goons keep me from kicking your butt?! You're the worst!

Raven: Your boyfriend doesn't seem to think that. Just look at how he's panting just from being near me. (Jaune gulps) Tell me, Jaune. What do you like most about me? Is it my lovely hair? My intoxicating scent? Or is something else catching your eyes?

Jaune: C-Can we go back to fighting, please?!

Yang: Why are you dodging the question, you creep?! (Thinking) I'm losing him. It's subtle, but... There's no doubt about it. It can't end like this. Not after everything we've been through!

Raven: Remember this, Jaune; there's a difference between a girl and a woman. Allow me to show you the difference.

Raven swings with more intent this time, forcing Jaune to block and dodge with more caution, as she now kicks at any opening she finds. Jaune slips into her guard again, forcing the two to lock blades. However, Raven takes advantage of this to blow a kiss at Jaune, who flinches and jumps away. Raven follows up with thrust, parry, and slice combination. Jaune noticed Raven switched to a two-handed style, and decided to respond in kind. The battle became more even as Raven began sweating from the effort she was putting in. Jaune leaped away, panting, and stuck his sword into the dirt.

Jaune: Okay, I'm done! I've had enough, Ms. Branwen!

Raven: Aw, what's the matter, baby. Are you losing focus from watching me move so gracefully? I'll bet you have so many nasty thoughts running through your head right now. (Rips open her shirt a little, revealing her cleavage) You want me so bad, don't you?

Yang: (Tears streaming from her eyes, Thinking) That's it. I've lost him. There's no way he doesn't want her after that. It's how she tricked Dad into loving her. (Crying) But, he can't just leave me for her! She just wants to use him as a plaything. If he left me, I at least want to be sure he'll be safe from any harm, but she... It's all my fault. All because of that stupid argument, he's going to leave me all alone!

Jaune: Ugh! Just shut the fuck up already!

Yang: Huh? (Realizes Jaune's holding her)

Raven: Excuse me?!

Jaune: I'm sick of hearing you talk! You're fucking weird, the way you talk to me makes me feel like a baby, and the fact you're putting down your own daughter just to impress a stranger like me, (Glares at Raven, Grinds his teeth) it makes me so fucking furious, I can't stand it! How could you say such foul shit about your daughter?! (Takes a deep breath, Holds Yang close) I love your daughter. I only love your daughter. I mean, yeah, you're attractive, with your nice-smelling hair and your curves and your swordplay, but that doesn't matter. But I wouldn't even be fawning over you if I knew how horrible you really were! (Feels Yang hugging him, Sighs) I'm sorry, baby. I just... I just got so upset when you said I wasn't good enough for you.

Yang: (Sniffs) I wasn't talking about you not being good enough; I was talking about me not being good enough for you. I got so worried that you'd abandon me, I couldn't bear it. I'm sorry it came out wrong to you. I just think you're so amazing, okay? You always rise up against any challenge, even when you know the odds aren't in your favor. You fought bullies, Grimm, my dad, and even the White Fang! You have so much confidence, I can't imagine why you would think you're not good enough! (Sobs) I love you, Jaune! I feel like if you left me, I would literally die!

Jaune: (Shushes her, Pets her hair) I love you, too, and I know what you mean. I feel like... It's like our souls are connected, you know? (Chuckles, Tear rolls down his eye) I'm sorry I'm so corny, and for our fight earlier.

Yang: (Chuckles) It's okay. I like us being corny, and I love that you can be so honest with me.

Jaune: (Chuckles, Kisses the top of her head) I'm so lucky I have you.

Raven: (Holding herself, Panting and squirming) Oh, this feeling~.

Jaune: (Looks up) Huh? (Looks over, Sees Raven half-naked and steaming with a dangerous aura) Uh...

Raven: Oh, Tai hasn't made me feel like this in such a long time~.

Yang: (Gulps) Raven?

Raven: But you, Jaune, (Lewd and wide smile, Sultrily chuckles) you're a whole different breed~! (Points Omen at him, Drooling) You're a man who knows how to put a bitch like me in her place and shows love to his girl after some tramp disses her! (She looks down, Hiding her face) It might be the bare minimum, but... (Looks up, Hungry eyes) I just have to have you! Now pick up the sword and listen carefully, because if you lose this fight, I'm going to make you my new slave! (Chuckles) Who knows? Maybe in a few years, you'll make for a fine bandit.

Shay: Wait, we used to be something before being bandits?

Raven: You can't refuse this, handsome, otherwise I'll kill Yang and give you no choice.

Jaune: Shit. Yang, this doesn't look good.

Yang: Hey, now, that's not the Jaune Arc I love! (Hands him Crocea Mors, Kisses his cheek) Kick her ass for me, okay, baby?

Jaune: (Takes Crocea Mors, Smiles) You got it, baby!

Vernal: Listen up, everyone! Our queen is about to go all out! The odds of her leaving us alive grow slimmer by the second! Know that all of you have been like family to me!

Shay: Even me?

Vernal: Shut up, Shay.

Raven: By the way, handsome, I don't want this to be over too soon, so keep that sword of yours in it's longsword form to keep it interesting. Because this shit's finna get nutty!

Raven wastes no time attacking Jaune, forcing him to block. He's pushed back several feet before side-stepping away. Raven continues until a red portal opens in her path, and she disappears into it. Jaune loses sight of her and barely has enough time to duck as she flies in from behind to strike. He rolls away, but Raven charges again, striking wildly with swings and thrusts. Jaune's muscles ache as he's forced to block and parry. Raven runs towards him again, disappearing into another portal. He looks behind, but doesn't see her. Yang warns him of the strike from above, and he leaps away in time. He notices a golden necklace on the ground, recognizing it from one of the bandits. Unfortunately, Raven was relentless as she continued her assault, and Jaune couldn't afford to stop and think. He decided to go on the offensive this time, clashing with her. When she was pushed back, he charged forward, but ran into her portal, and right into Vernal. The bandit lieutenant jumped away as Jaune thrusted, and he apologized as he she did. He turned in time to catch Raven's blade, but she disappeared as she retreated, using her portal repeatedly to confuse him. Jaune dropped his sword and stepped forward to the golden necklace. He tossed it into the air, forcing Raven to dive to him with her blade extended. She cackled with mad glee as she forced him to fall backwards, only to reel in pain when he kicked her in the face and away from Omen. Raven sprawled and climbed to her knees, looking at Jaune from the wrong end of her weapon.

Raven: (Panting) Jaune... That was... amazing... I feel so... exhilarated... You sapped me of all my juices. Or, well, at least half of my aura, anyways. I know you won, but couldn't you please reconsider and join my family?

Jaune: I don't want you! Damn! (Throws Omen aside) I'm with your daughter because I love her! I love her hair! I love her smell! I love her curves!

Raven: W-What are you saying?!

Jaune: I'm saying I love big-tittied bitches! Mostly your daughter, but the others are cool, too, I guess!

Yang: (Snickers, Covers her mouth)

Jaune: Also, you just let "your family" almost die in our fight! Who the hell does that?!

Raven: (Scoffs) The family knows the tribe is nothing without their queen. If they were worthy, they would be willing to die for me. (Stands up, Shakes her head) Such a sentimental fool. No wonder you're together. (Picks up Omen, Walks away with her tribe) You can have him, Yang.

Yang: ...Thank you, Raven.

Jaune: Wait, that's it?

Raven: Yeah, I don't need any bleeding hearts in my tribe. But you have my blessing, whatever that might mean to you. (Thinking) Fuck, now I'm thinking about him again. I should go chat with him. It has been a few months since our last "reunion."

Ayesha’s 1k+ Writing Challenge!

Writing Challenge Submission Masterlist

Hey, everyone, I'm so happy to be back online - I think I was only gone for a week so that announcement was very extra of me - and to be introducing my first writing challenge! I'm so honored and flattered that so many people enjoy my work, and I'm incredibly grateful for your support since I joined this community. Tumblr is my greatest escape, and you've made it a very welcome and comforting one. 

A sense of community and friendship is particularly important in these trying times, and I extend my heartfelt prayers to everyone struggling right now. I'm here to listen if there's anything you need to say, and I'm sorry I can't do much more than be a metaphorical shoulder to cry on, and to offer this distraction as a brief reprieve from whatever you might be going through.

In order to present a gift of relief, and to share and create more stories of heroism - not that any of it can ever compare to the courage displayed by our health professionals and essential workers these days - and to honor and promote our collective of Marvel fanfic writers, I've decided to host a writing challenge. You don't have to follow me to participate - although that would be appreciated - you just need to follow the rules I've outlined under the cut. If you need clarification on anything, don't hesitate to ask! I hope you'll join, and I look forward to seeing what everyone comes up with. 

Rules:

Your fic can be about any character(s) from the Marvel Cinematic Universe. You can also include original characters that you create. If you want to write a romantic fic, I think it goes without saying that it shouldn't be underage (or having an excessive age gap), non/dub-con, incest, abuse, power imbalance/manipulation (e.g. employer x employee or teacher x student), etc. 

The sky’s the limit when it comes to the type or genre of the story, so let your imagination fly! You can write reader-inserts, pairings of pre-existing characters, OCs, or even just solo fics about the character you've chosen. I'm open to canon fics, AUs, fluff, smut, angst, romance, platonic fics, and whatever else you guys can dream up. (If you're writing smut, please let me know, as there are some additional guidelines I'm setting for that.) 

Word count is minimum 250 words, and anything above 500 words must have a keep reading tab. Multi-chapter fics will obviously be accepted - and with a lot of enthusiasm! - but please make a masterlist for any such series.

Kindly include any and all warnings that apply to your story.

The deadline for submission is the 31st of December, 2020.

Please tag me @barnesandco​ in the completed fic - and in every chapter of a series if you've chosen to write one - and also tag your work with #ayesha1kwritingchallenge. If I don't acknowledge that I’ve seen your work within a week of you posting it, please DM me.

One entry is allowed per participant, and you can send in an ask or a DM to participate, in which you should mention the one prompt you would like to use and for which character(s) from the list below.

Prompts

Dialogue Prompts:

"You fell asleep on me." --Taken by @lancsnerd

"Screw you." --Taken by @need-a-fugue

"I've got this." --Taken by @filia-sapientiae​

"I'd never forgive myself for it." --Taken by @oreostars​

"I trust you." --Taken by @readerandcinephileingeneral

"Oh, I'm so offended." --Taken by @iamthe-shadow-on-the-wall​

"Who, me? I would never." --Taken by @kaunis-sielu

"I don’t want to hate her/him/them." --Taken by @suz-123

"I can't explain it, but loving her is just… easy." --Taken by @littledarlinwrites

"You're my everything." --Taken by @chrisevansdaddycap​

"Leave me alone." --Taken by @constantaking​

"That's disgusting." --Taken by @ruffalomakesmyday​

"What on God's green earth was that for?" --Taken by @sweetwritesx​

"Is that a threat?" --Taken by @glxy-otter​

"Promise. Please just- promise me." --Taken by @blue-like-barnes​

"Oh, I could kiss you right now, you brilliant, brilliant woman/man/person!" --Taken by @megthemewlingquim

"You know that'll never work on me." --Taken by @allaboardthereadingrailroad​

"I'd let you if you asked." --Taken by @wordywarriorwrites

"___, I swear to God, if you do that again, I'll feed you to Tony's stupid robot." --Taken by @nekoannie-chan

"You can't do this." + "Then I'll die trying."

"You're stronger than anyone I've ever known." --Taken by @companionjones

"How did I get here?" --Taken by @thestorydetective​

"Why are you smiling this wide this early in the morning?" --Taken by @tinymalscoffee​

"What's the worst that could happen?" --Taken by @phant0m-queen​

"I can't believe they haven't caught us yet." --Taken by @indyluckycharlie​

Song Prompts:

Watermelon Sugar - Harry Styles --Taken by @softpeachbarnes​

Finally//Beautiful Stranger - Halsey --Taken by @shield-agent78​

To Build a Home - The Cinematic Orchestra --Taken by @whistlingwillows​

Floating - Alina Baraz ft. Khalid --Taken by @chuuulip​

Summertime - Ella Fitzgerald

Wind Beneath My Wings - Bette Midler

To Die For - Sam Smith --Taken by @hailhydra920​

I Scare Myself - Beth Crowley

Speechless - Dan + Shay --Taken by @captain-kelli​

Growing Pains - Alessia Cara

Levitating - Dua Lipa --Taken by @samingtonwilson​​

Ain't No Sunshine - Bill Withers --Taken by @mermaidxatxheart​

Human - Christina Perri

10 000 Hours - Ella Mai

Despacito - Luis Fonsi ft. Daddy Yankee

Let's Do It - Ella Fitzgerald --Taken by @smediumsmeatbae​

Honey - Raveena --Taken by @opalsandlace

Talk Too Much - COIN --Taken by @subtlebucky​

Put a Little Love on Me - Niall Horan --Taken by @buckysbest​

Thinking Out Loud - Ed Sheeran

Meet Me on the Battlefield - SVRCINA

Centuries - Fall Out Boy

Titanium - David Guetta ft. Sia

Stay - Rihanna ft. Mikky Ekko --Taken by @jalapenobarnes-main​

Eyes Open - Taylor Swift --Taken by @helahades​

One-Line Prompts:

Recovery is tender, straining yellow-blue over his/her/their shoulders and delicate in the shadow of his/her/their smile. --Taken by @iced-capsicle

Laughter tastes like cotton candy. --Taken by @rogersumbra

" All the world’s a stage, and all the men and women merely players; they have their exits and their entrances; and one man in his time plays many parts, his acts being seven ages." -As You Like It, William Shakespeare --Taken by @shakespeareanqueer​

How do you miss something you never had? --Taken by @shellbilee​

They're stuck, and it's all ___'s fault. --Taken by @buckybarney​

Gabe Jones' French skills come to good use. --Taken by @raindroptv​

Self-discovery is a path nobody likes taking, but sometimes, there is no other choice.

"Demons run when a good man goes to war." - Doctor Who, Steven Moffat --Taken by @harley-sunday​

Star-crossed lovers find a galaxy to take refuge in from the rest of the universe. --Taken by @sgtjbuccky​

The Second Law of Thermodynamics states that everything goes from order to disorder. --Taken by @alyxkbrl​​

One-Word Prompts:

Sacrilege

Bibliophile --Taken by @nacho-bucky​

Soldier --Taken by @writing-mermaid​

Chrysanthemum(s)

Schadenfreude

Deja Vu

Picasso

Self-Partnered

Petrichor --Taken by @redhairedfeistynerd​​

Serendipity --Taken by @xoxoeeveewritez​​

Momentum

Equilibrium

Entropy

Resplendent

Anemone(s)

Effervescence

Sweetheart

Absolute

Echo --Taken by @wintersoeldiers​​

Nefarious

Picture prompts:

1. Taken by @infj-slytherclaw​

2. Taken by @starrysebastians​

3. 

4. 

5. Taken by @corneliabarnes​

6. 

7. Taken by @bucky-smiles​

8. Taken by @monarchofallisurvey​

9. 

Special thanks to the following authors, who not only inspired and initiated my desire to write, but then encouraged me, supported my work, and were - and still are - tremendously helpful. Others in the following list I befriended later on, and I'm so grateful that I did, because they've helped transform my experience on this site, too. Point is, all of these people are so kind and amazing and marvellous beyond what words can describe. Thank you:

@samingtonwilson @suz-123 @nacho-bucky @evanstarff @tropicalcap @kentuckybarnes @buckyreaderrecs @mermaidxatxheart @corneliabarnes @buckyland​ @bucky-smiles​ @sebbytrash​ @jalapenobarnes​

And thank you of course to my wonderful, magical followers who comment and reblog my stories, and give me all the praise I do not deserve. Thank you for your kindness and your enthusiasm - I cherish it and do everything I can to earn it. Special mentions:

@readerandcinephileingeneral​ @notsomellowmushroom​ @sonjashuterbugjohnson​ @anjali750​ @severelytinyeagle​ @redhairedfeistynerd​ @parmisaanowl @starnight-charmer​ @alyxkbrl​

I'd like to conclude by saying that I debated whether or not to host this writing challenge now, in a time like this. I decided to do so in the end because I need it. Call me selfish, but I need a reprieve. I need to feel like this disaster that has us surrounded right now isn't all there is to the world. And if I've learnt anything from being on this platform, it's that you're very rarely alone. So I hope that this activity can provide some semblance of hope for others that feel the way I do, and if not, then at least a little escape.

So my last but not least thank you goes to everyone who participates in this challenge and thereby makes this shelter from the world's storm, a little stronger, a little safer, and a little warmer. 

I’m excited to see what everyone comes up with, and I look forward to making some new friends. Thank you all and good luck!

1500 and Counting Challenge!

We did it, guys! 1500 followers! Wow. I appreciate each and every single one of you. I thought it would be fun to do a challenge for my fellow creators as I know I have several following me. 

Never created fan content before but always wanted to?? Here’s your chance. Open for anyone and everyone with any type of creative product. Fics, mood boards/aesthetics, drawings, whatever makes you happy my friends.

Send an ask with fandom/pairing and prompt.  Due Date 5-15-19

Here’s the rules: We’ll keep it simple for both of us. 

1. You don’t have to be following me but I’m awesome so you totally should. (I’m modest, too) Please reblog this post for a signal boost either way. Thank you!

2. No minimum or maximum word count. You do you. For the sake of my sanity please, please, please use the keep reading feature if over 300 words. I want to share your lovely work and this makes it so much easier.

3. Your Fic can be part of a series but please make the challenge part the first chapter so I don’t have to read nine chapters to get to it. 

4. Use the tag #kat’s1500challenge and tag me in the fic. If I haven’t acknowledged your post within 48 hours shoot me an ask to make sure I saw it, please. I will like posts from my main @kdcollinsauthor

5. As this is a blog of many fandoms, write for whatever fandom your little heart desires. (I prefer no anime or horror. Just not my thing)

6. Fluff, Angst, Smut, Crack and any mix thereof is welcome. Please Tag Accordingly. If you aren’t sure, tag it. (Especially the smut. Tag the hell out of it). Fic must be character(s) x Reader or character(s) x OC. Poly ships are welcome here, obviously.

7. Here’s your restrictions: No incest, this includes Thorki. However, family can be in a poly relationship with the reader or OC, just no contact between the family members. No underage smut. Non-negotiable. No aging up characters to try to get around this rule. No pedo. Just no. 

***

Prompts under the cut. I can add more in a category if I need to. 

Do your own spin here. I ask dialogue prompts stay similar other than that do your thing.

Song Prompts

1. Thinking Out Loud by Ed Sheeran

2. Bad Girlfriend by Theory of a Deadman

3. Speechless by Dan and Shay

4. Unkiss Me by Maroon 5 @xxwritemeastoryxx w/ Damon Salvatore

5. Perfect for You by Rachel Platten

6. Makin’ Me Look Good Again by Drake White

7. Movement by Hozier

8. Without Me by Halsey @sansa-bird w/ Loki

9. HIM by Sam Smith

10. Wanted by Hunter Hayes @missnmikaelson w/ TVD

Dialogue Prompts

11. “It’s just a flesh wound.”

12. “What is that thing and why is it in my house?”

13. “Big bear. Big bear chase me.” @babyblackmothwriting w/ Bucky

14. “Why is everyone singing?” @eyesfixedonthesun22 w/ Avengers

15. “I realize you’re bleeding but it’s like three in the morning. Couldn’t you bleed somewhere else?” @cuddlememerrick w/ Scotty

16. “Trust me. Everything will be fine.” @sexykitty96 w/ Deadpool

17. “Great, if we die we die smelling nice.”   @redfoxwritesstuff w/ Clint or Loki

18. “I miss all this. I haven’t killed anyone in years.”  @xxdragonagequeenxx w/ one of the Mikaelsons x OC

19. “I don’t believe in no-win scenarios.”

20. “Here hold this.” “Is this...why is this ticking?” @inmylifeilovedthemall w/ Kol

AU Prompts

21. Coffee Shop AU @elejah-wonderland w/ Elijah

22. Soulmate AU @heythereelejah w/ Kol

23. Criminal/Mafia AU @thesassmisstress w/ Kai

24. Professor AU @idkhaylijah (prob. Elijah)

25. Accidental Marriage AU

26. Roommate AU

27. Royalty AU @cassienoble2000 w/ Elijah

28. Police Officer AU

29. Athlete AU

30. Library AU @lucdarling

Bonus Prompts

31. There was only one bed!

32. Enemies to lovers! @eternityunicorn w/ Elijah x OC

33. Oh no! We’re snowed in together!

34. Fake date me!

35. My one night stand is my new boss! @mikaelsonwetdreams w/ Elijah

Cooking Lesson

Summary: Years in the future, after the war with the Galra is over, Hunk takes on a challenge he never thought he would do. Teaching Shiro's son on how to cook.

Rating: G

Characters/Pairings: Hunk/Shay (background), Shiro, and original character in Shiro’s son.

Author’s Note: This is just a fic idea that has been poking around in my day for a few days and had to get written down. Don’t know if I’ll write more stories in this setting, but for now you get this fluffy thing. LOL

“Uncle Hunk, please teach me how to cook.”

Hunk paused, rolled out from under the ship he was inspecting and removed his goggles.  Hiro stared at him, backpack hanging off one shoulder and both hands tucked into his pants pockets.  Hiro wore the same uniform all the kids on the Atlas wore, although Hunk noticed it was beginning to look a bit snug on Hiro.  He probably had hit another growth spurt without anyone knowing.

Yet, it was impossible to ignore the look of determination shining in the boy’s eyes.  Hunk had only ever seen that kind of expression in the fiercest of warriors...and also Pidge when there was only one peanut butter cookie left on the plate.

Hunk rose to his feet and reached for a rag to wipe his hands.  “Not that I’m against you learning how to cook, but why the culinary interest all of a sudden?”

Hiro was a smart kid, he was always reading books and absorbing them like a little sponge and he loved it when he and Pidge told him of their latest projects.  Cooking, on the other hand, had never been an area Hiro seemed to care about.

Hiro’s black bangs hung over his eyes as he silently removed his backpack and reached inside.  He brought out a container and held it out to Hunk for inspection.  Not sure if he should be curious or fearful, Hunk glanced inside.

The contents were unappealing, to say the least.  There was some kind of watery tomato sauce on top of a pile of white mush and some pieces of burnt meat on the side.

“What is this?” Hunk asked.

Hiro sighed as he zipped up his backpack.  “It’s supposed to be spaghetti and meatballs.”

Hunk opened and shut his mouth.  “Spaghetti and- Did the cafeteria make this?!  I swear I taught Vrepit Sal better than this - what kind of kitchen disaster does he think he can get away with?”

Hunk hadn’t gone there last night.  He and Shay had gone to his parents' anniversary dinner.  If this was what they were serving, he was going to have to take a page out of Dayak's book.

However, Hiro shook his head.  “No, Dad did.”

Lightbulbs went off in Hunk’s head as he slowly nodded.  “Ooooh,” he muttered quietly.  “Shiro’s on a cooking kick again, huh?”

Hiro’s heavy sigh was more than enough confirmation.  Hunk couldn’t blame the kid.  Shiro was a great leader and pilot, but his cooking skills were an absolute disaster.  It hadn’t been a problem when Hiro had been a baby and was content with bottles of milk.  It hadn't been a problem when he moved to baby food and Pidge declared her intent to 'puree everything', and it hadn't been a problem when they moved on to finger foods.

However, in the last few years, unless someone else had volunteered to cook Shiro would usually take Hiro to the cafeteria for their meals.  Every few months, though, Shiro would begin to worry that he wasn't providing his son with enough proper home cooked meals and would try to rectify the situation.

Shiro’s last attempt before this had been meatloaf.  At least, Hunk was hoping that that charred brick had been intended as meatloaf.  Honestly that lump of charcoal could have been the remains of just about anything, but the thought of turning anything but ground meat to that kind of substance was kind of terrifying.

Hiro clasped his hands together as he looked up to Hunk with pleading eyes.  “Please, teach me,” he begged.  “I figured if Dad can’t cook, maybe I could?”

Hunk frowned as he rubbed his neck.  Hiro was eight years old and that was about the age Hunk learned to cook things besides toast.  “Did you talk to your dad about this?”

Hiro chewed his bottom lip.  “No, I know I should, but I don’t want to hurt his feelings.”  Hiro bgan to fiddle with his backpack strap.  “Also, he’s always so tired when he gets home and I thought it be nice if I could make dinner for us.”

Hunk’s heart melted at that.  Hiro was a good kid.  Hard to believe he was already this big.  Hunk still remembered all those years ago when they had received the distress calls from the small colony of Delta Seven.  The people there were being attacked by some renegade soldiers that were trying to cling to the fading glory of Zarkon’s empire.

They arrived in time to capture the soldiers, but not in time to save the colonists.  It was heartbreaking, but they decided to check for survivors and by some miracle Lance had found a baby. The sole survivor of the whole colony.

They had taken the baby back, but try as they might none of them could find any connection to the child's family.  The only thing they knew was that “Hiro” had been sewn into his clothing.  Not long after giving up the search, Shiro had decided to adopt Hiro as his son.  A lot of people had been surprised by the decision, some had even attempted to dissuade Shiro from the idea.

Shiro was captain of the Atlas and he didn't have anyone to help raise Hiro.  Whenever someone brought up the challenges of the single parent, though, Shiro would usually end the argument with a glare - assuming the other paladins or the Holts weren't there to speak up in his defense.

Still, being a single dad hadn't been easy, but looking back on it, Shiro had probably felt a connection to Hiro.  He too had lost his parents at a young age and only had his grandfather to raise him.  Shiro had been in Hiro’s shoes and probably felt it was only right he did the same.

“Uncle Hunk?” Hiro asked with a raised eyebrow.  “You listening?”

Hunk shook his head to dispel the memories and crossed his arms.  “Yeah, sorry, lost in thought.”  He kneeled and held up a finger.  “I’ll teach you a few things, but you have to promise me you’ll only cook when there’s an adult with you.”

Hiro wrinkled his nose.  “Why? I’m not a baby.”

“No, but if you burn or cut yourself, you’ll need someone to help you,” he said, echoing the words his own mother told him years ago when he began.  “So, promise me?”

Hiro frowned, but then gave a firm nod as he held out his hand.  “Okay, I promise.”

Hunk grinned as they shook on it.  “Alright, it’s a deal.”  He rose and reached for his toolbox.  “I was just about done anyway.  Let me just put away my tools and then we can get some ingredients.”  He looked to Hiro, considering the best starting point.  “First thing to teach you is how to make a salad.”

Hiro scoffed as he rolled his eyes.  “I already know how to make a salad.”

“Oh,” Hunk said as he arranged his tools into the box.  “How do you do it?”

“Take lettuce, wash and tear it up and pour on some dressing,” Hiro explained.

Hunk wanted for more words to follow, but when they didn’t he leaned against the table.  “And?”

Hiro blinked in confusion.  “And what? What else is there?”

Hunk sighed as he rubbed his eyes.  “Yeah, okay, we are definitely getting tomatoes, mushrooms and croutons.”

“What are croutons?”

“What has Shiro been feeding you?!”

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“Good job,” Hunk assessed as he watched Hiro spread the cooked noodles in the pan.  “Now just mix in the tuna with those seasonings we mixed up earlier.”

“Okay,” Hiro said as he reached for a can opener and tried not to trip over the apron hanging above his ankles; Hunk made a mental note to find one more appropriate for Hiro’s size.  “And I drain the water from the can?”

“Yup, you got it,” Hunk said as he stood back and watched.  “Once that's mixed evenly, just sprinkle the grated cheese on top, okay?”

Hiro nodded and proceeded to follow the directions as he glanced to the clock.  “Dad will be home soon.  I should go and set the table-”

Hunk ruffled Hiro’s hair.  “I got it, kiddo, just focus on getting that into the oven - and don't forget the garlic bread!”

Hiro nodded as Hunk left to fetch the dishes.  Shiro’s quarters weren’t huge, just like everyone staying on the Atlas he had a space about the size of a small apartment.  They were currently stationed on Earth, and the Garrison did provide rooms on the base when the Atlas was docked, but Shiro preferred to stay near on his ship.  Hunk imagined the Atlas preferred to have Shiro close by too, as did Hiro.

He set plates on the table, and started to arrange cutlery as the door opened.  Shiro entered, pausing mid-step as he spotted Hunk at the table.

“Hey, Shiro,” Hunk greeted warmly.  

“Hey,” Shiro said as he shut the door.  “What are you doing here?”

Hunk pointed his thumb towards the kitchen.  “Giving your son a cooking lesson.”

Shiro opened his mouth, but then blushed as he rubbed his neck.  “He ah….told you about last night, didn’t he?”

“Yyyeeaahhh,” Hunk said as set out the cutlery.  “What did you do to that pasta?  I thought I was looking at a pile of mashed potatoes.”

“I don’t know, I thought I followed most of the instructions in the recipe,” Shiro said as he removed and hung up his coat.

Hunk blinked.  “How do you manage to follow 'most of’ the directions?”

Shiro gave a sheepish smile.  “Um well, I lost track of how long the pasta had been boiling.  I wanted to make sure it was fully cooked, so I figured I better keep it going for the minimum time listed on the box.”

Hunk blinked and shook his head.  “Okay, we're going to have to have words about the meaning of 'al dente', and I’m scared to even ask what you did to that sauce.”

Hiro poked his head out of the kitchen.  “Hey, Dad, welcome home!  Give me a tic and I’ll have garlic bread out of the oven.”

“Sounds great,” Shiro said as he approached.  “How about I help-”

Hiro stood his ground and shoved at his approaching father’s chest.  “No way!  You stay out!  I’m cooking this!”

Shiro gave a fake gasp as he placed his robotic hand over his chest.  “My own son, casting me out.  Truly, the greatest tragedy of all time.  Everything...growing dark...”

Hiro paused as he looked up toward Shiro's face.  “Um...well...if you really wanted to-”

“I’m just teasing,” Shiro said as he gave Hiro a hug.  “I am fully aware how unskilled I am in the kitchen.”

Hunk briefly thought of suggesting Shiro wouldn’t be ‘unskilled’ if he just bothered to follow basic instructions, but he kept his mouth shut as Hiro smiled and hugged back.

“Okay, it’s almost ready,” the boy then paused as he turned around.  “Oh, Dad, did you know you can add these toasted tiny bread things to a salad?”

Shiro blinked.  “You mean croutons?”

Hiro frowned and tilted his head.  “You knew about them?”

“Yes...Hiro, you’ve eaten croutons before,” Shiro argued.

Hiro looked skeptical as he crossed his arms.  “When?”

“In the cafeteria, whenever I get you a salad,” Shiro remarked with a raised eyebrow.

“You always just told me that I should eat my greens, you never mentioned there was bread in it,” Hiro argued.

Hunk covered his hand over his mouth to stop snickering, having to fight laughter right up until the kitchen began to beep.  Hiro growled as he glared into the kitchen.  “Dad, tell Atlas to stop setting off the smoke detector.”

Shiro frowned in confusion as Hiro ducked inside and looked to Hunk.  “The smoke detector?”

“It’s been going off and on, and everything is totally fine.  I checked,” Hunk explained while pointing to it.  “I think your ‘partner’ is just being over protective again, or acting like that's you in the kitchen.”

“Ah, I see,” Shiro said as he went to sit in a chair.  “That would explain why she kept poking at me to rush home.  At least she’s not just disabling the stove outright.”

Hunk nodded.  Shiro shared a link with the Atlas the same way the lions did with the paladins.  However, in the Atlas’s case she had more control over their environment and seemed to take it upon herself to be Shiro’s co-parent.

When Hiro was a baby, the Atlas would sometimes shut off the lights or turn off electronics in Shiro’s quarters to help the child sleep undisturbed.  Granted, that was nothing compared to when Hiro started to walk and the Atlas kept locking doors to ensure he didn’t wander off.  It took a week of crew complaints before Shiro could get her to relax about that.

They heard the stove door slam shut before Hiro emerged, grinning proudly as he held out a foil covered object with his oven mitts.

“Uncle Hunk, I think the garlic bread is ready,” Hiro said as he held it out.

“Awesome,” Hunk said as he did a thumbs up.  “Won’t be long before we can eat the casserole.”

Shiro leaned on his hand.  “You joining us?”

“I need to taste-test Hiro’s efforts,” Hunk remarked as he sat down.  “Shay is getting home late tonight anyway.  So, it’s fine.”

Shiro nodded as he rose.  “Can I at least be trusted to pour drinks?”

 “Ask Hiro, he’s the chef today,” Hunk said as he pointed.

Hiro frowned, and went quiet.  Hunk began to wonder if Hiro was actually debating the question seriously or not.

“Okay, you can pour,” Hiro said as he pointed.  “But stay away from the oven.”

“Understood,” Shiro said with a mocking sad sigh.  “My own child, having so little faith in me.”

Hunk chuckled as he leaned back in the chair.

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Dinner was served promptly, and Hunk praised the meal with full marks.  Hiro grinned and began to ask Hunk what they should make next, until Shiro pointed out they needed to eat the leftovers they would likely have from this meal first.

Truthfully, Hunk had planned it that way.  The more leftovers they had, the longer it would be before Shiro tried to cook again.  Not long after dinner, it was time for Hiro to get ready for bed.  The boy pouted at this, but didn’t argue.

Hunk offered to wash dishes as Shiro went to attend to Hiro.  After Hunk finished the cleaning and had put away the leftover food, he crept to where he heard movement from Hiro’s bedroom.

Hiro was already asleep, with the black and white winged lion plushes Lance had made for him years ago.  Shiro looked at him with a content smile as he used his robotic arm to tuck him in and then then kissed Hiro’s forehead.

“Night, Kiddo,” he whispered as he sat up, the lights dimming without a word or motion.  Hiro buried his face into his pillow as Shiro stood, and the proud parent quietly waved to Hunk as he shut the door.

“Thanks for the help,” Shiro told Hunk.

“No problem,” Hunk said as he crossed his arms.  “You know I’m always happy to teacher when it comes to cooking.  Day after tomorrow I should be free to give Hiro another lesson.”

Shiro laughed as he rubbed his neck.  “Still, it's kind of sad I can’t make a decent meal for my own kid.”

Hunk patted his shoulder.  “Hey, we all have our strengths and you’re a great dad.”  He narrowed.  “Even if you can’t make a grilled cheese sandwich without burning it.”

“Hey, I like them crispy,” Shiro remarked and then they both laughed.

“There's crispy, and then there's suitable to be armor plating.  Anyway, I should be home to meet Shay,” Hunk said as he headed for the door.  “See you in the morning.”

“Sure thing,” Shiro said as he looked to Hiro.  “Although, I’m going to at least try to make Hiro pancakes.”

Hunk froze, turning to Shiro.  “Really?”

“...Frozen pancakes that I just need to reheat.  And by that I mean have the Atlas reheat,” Shiro argued.

Hunk internally cringed but gave a nod as he left.  He had a feeling he was going to have a long list of things to teach Hiro.

Tips To Overcome Bad Weather From 14 Wedding Pros

Although we’ve seen a cluster of beautiful wedding images in the rain and snow, not many wedding photographers look forward to getting soaked for the shot. We asked a selection of our Apex award-winning photographers what techniques they love to use when faced with bad weather and what gear they rely on to make these shots happen.

The first thing you’ll need is a couple of Ziploc bags for your off-camera flashes, so if you’ve got a wedding coming up and bad weather in the forecast, we’ve got you (and your flashes) covered!

Melissa Jill – Website | Instagram

“My best technique is simply planning ahead & creating a game plan! For this rainy day wedding, we brought umbrellas (clear ones so that the subjects faces wouldn’t be too heavily shaded). After strategizing with the bridal party under the cover of a tent, we ran out to grab the shot, with my 2nd shooter holding another umbrella over my film camera. It took planning prior to the wedding and in real-time with the bridal party, but it was all worth it!”

Jared Gant – Website | Instagram

“Who defines what is good and bad weather? Okay, maybe if a hurricane is coming in we should all duck for cover, but all too often, I see both photographers and clients unnecessarily hiding from a little bit of snow or rain. When the weather is starting to look different than expected, I try to remind my clients to go with the flow and be playful. One of my favorite techniques is to back-light the couple with a MagSphere. This throws light in all directions and exaggerates the appearance of the weather. I always keep a few large zip-lock bags in my bag to cover up and protect the flashes.”

JD Land – Website | Instagram

“As a primarily documentary photographer, I absolutely love the challenges that I’m faced with when the weather isn’t considered to be “ideal.” The weather 100% affects a couple’s emotions on their wedding day so that part of the story NEEDS to be documented and told through photographs. Accomplishing that is the hard part as a couple will only spend a few moments out in the weather. To make sure I am able to tell the entire story in these brief moments, I am always using either my 24-70mm f/2.8 or 35mm f/1.4. Both of these lenses are wide enough to allow me to include the environment, or the weather, in the composition.

This photograph is a bride getting ready to head into the church and her feelings about the weather are written all over her face as she prepares to be escorted in by the umbrella-toting driver. I needed every bit of a 35mm to make sure I was close enough to be in the moment with her but also include the umbrella in the frame to show why she is having the reaction she is.”

Aaron Story – Website | Instagram

“Shooting predominantly in the UK means that I’m often faced with wet weather; it’s something I used to worry about a lot, but as I’ve grown with experience, I’ve learned to go with it. The way I think about it is if I’m anxious, then it’s likely that will rub off on my couple and that will affect their day (and photos). In the photo above, I went out beforehand to set everything up and wrapped my flash in a clear plastic bag (I keep a few handy, just in case). I found an usher to help me out in getting the right settings, and once I was set, I invited the couple out with umbrellas. We were out for a matter of seconds – this is the result made with a Canon 5D Mark III, Canon 24mm f/1.4L II,  one Yongnuo 600 EX-RT Flash in a Ziploc bag and Op/Tech Rain Sleeve for the camera and lens.”

Dave Shay – Website | Instagram

“Backlighting rain or snow with bad weather isn’t a new trick by any means (I used a MagSphere for this), but the most important part about shooting in bad weather is to get your clients excited about it. If you can convince your clients that you’re the expert and that they should trust you, you have so many more opportunities to make something incredible. Once your clients are on board, the only thing you’ll need is a weather-sealed camera (thanks, Nikon!), a few Ziploc bags to throw your flashes in, and a horrible pun to make some magic.”

Paco Van Leeuwen – Website | Instagram

“Last year I had a wedding I’ll never forget, it was raining the entire day… Although there wasn’t a real couples session planned, they did want a few nice images at these different locations. At times the rain was coming sideways so I had to come up with a solution. Thanks to the SLR Lounge flash courses I had the knowledge and confidence to pull this off. I just left the couple dry inside and got soaking wet myself. For both shots, I used a gridded flash, underexposed the ambient light by 1-2 stops and set the flash power accordingly.”

[Read: 8 Rainy Day Wedding Photography Tips You Need To Know]

Scott Josuweit – Website | Instagram

“Group composites are one of my favorite tricks when the weather isn’t ideal. The bride and groom wanted an “epic group photo” in this one space of their venue but they wanted to be able to see all of the greenery in the background. My assistant held a Godox AD200 with a MagGrid, MagSphere, and 1/4 CTO MagGel on it and lit each member of the wedding party one at a time, and I snapped a photo each time they moved. I ended up using 13 different frames to put this composite together.”

Matt Gruber – Website | Instagram

“Sometimes a couple is really adventurous, but more often than not you want to get photos outside without having them soaking wet afterward (or holding umbrellas for every photo). Many venues will have some sort of awning or covered valet area somewhere on the property. I love to place the couple under the awning and use a telephoto lens to get beautiful bokeh and compression. Mix in just a small amount of flash to blend in with the ambient light behind them and no one will have any idea it was even raining at all.”

Alex Pasarelu – Website | Instagram

“I improvise a lot, but mainly try to take advantage of the bad weather and create beautiful memories no matter what. I always encourage my couples to enjoy the rain and be brave, they need to live the moment. I tend to use the water on the ground to create beautiful reflections, use umbrellas to help compose the frame, or just have the couple dancing in the rain if they are willing to. I always try to capture the day how it really was.”

Shannon Cain – Website | Instagram

“How do I convince my clients to step out into the rain and wind for some beautiful portraits?  Before I ever pull them outside, I completely set up the shot so that when I do ask my bride & groom to step outside, it only requires them to be in the elements for a fraction of the time.  And when particles of any sort are in the air, choose to backlight!  I always carry ziplock bags with me to cover my Godox AD200s from the elements as well as two clear umbrellas.”

Nicole Chan – Website | Instagram

“During inclement weather, I always encourage my couples to embrace it. I mention that during perfect days, there are dozens of couples fighting for the same spot at the same time. I remind them that all relationships are different and that having non-cliche engagement and wedding portraits is a pretty awesome thing. For Brian and Maryanne’s portrait session, it was sub-zero temperatures in Boston. Brian recreated one of their early dates and gave Mary Anne special mittens that had been crafted specifically to allow two people to hold hands while wearing the mittens.”

Christophe Viseux – Website | Instagram

“I actually see bad weather as a fantastic opportunity to create spontaneous photos with a different feel and sometimes gorgeous light like before a storm. From a gear point of view, you still want to make sure your camera remains safe and sound in dry conditions. I always carry an emergency rain cover in my bag.”

Christi Chambers – Website | Instagram

“I always get excited when there’s a little precipitation in the forecast (hopefully late in the day). My go-to is a simple backlit shot to catch whatever’s in the air (rain/snow/fog). Of course this works best with lower ambient light (if you don’t have a super powerful flash with you). My couples are always blown away by the results!”

Abul Shah – Website | Instagram

“I consider myself lucky to live in one of the most amazing countries in the world. But, as I’m sure many of you know, or will have experienced first-hand if you’ve ever visited the UK, good weather is not what we are known for! Grey is an all too familiar colour to us, and the stats say that we only see the sun for about one third of an average year. Yes, that’s right. The rest of the time, it’s overcast, raining, or we get what we Brits like to call ‘drizzle.’

So, achieving creative or dramatic photos requires direction and a plan, and keeping the bride and groom dry at the same time can be a challenge. The majority of brides don’t want to ruin their hair in the rain, and some won’t even consider stepping outside. At times, we are expected to deliver maximum results with minimum effort from our client.

When I want something dramatic, with soft light and good contrast, a good option that I come back to now and then is one of the simplest. I look for a window with good light and little distractions in the frame, so I don’t lead the viewer away from the subject.

There’s no need for umbrellas, no need to light the scene or zip lock your speed lights, no wet wedding dress and most importantly, the couple stays warm and happy.

I use prime lenses on my Nikon D800 bodies 90% of the time, namely the Sigma Art 35mm and the 50mm f/1.4 lenses, because I like to shoot wide open and they are incredibly fast lenses. The window light (in the above scenario) may not be strong, and as I like to make an effort to keep my ISO as low as possible, my choice of prime lens always responds perfectly.”

Tips from Abul:

When placing your subject by the window, the natural light fall off can be rapid, so don’t be afraid to have their shoulder almost touching the window if the light requires it.

Try and avoid getting the window itself in the shot, as it will be bright and distracting in the final image. Perhaps try leaning against the wall and breaking the ‘gazing space’ rule. Get it right in camera.

You may find that a good window location may be in an obscure or strange place. Your couple may not understand what you are seeing and might seem uncomfortable, but if you’re there then you know they trust you. When you get a good shot, show them. Sometimes showing them a shot once or twice on the back of the camera and telling them how good they look will help them relax, and help you get the best out of your couple.

Tips For Rainy Day Wedding Photography | Summary

Make sure your gear is weather sealed and if not invest in plastic covers to protect it from getting ruined.

Always have an umbrella on hand (this can just be a regular white lighting umbrella) because you never know when you’ll need it.

Always test the shot before bringing your couple into the scene to prevent them from getting cold or wet.

Use flashes to backlight the particles in the air and compression lenses to yield better bokeh results.

from SLR Lounge https://www.slrlounge.com/rainy-day-wedding-photography-tips/ via IFTTT

El Ahwa

 An "Ahwa" is an oriental Egyptian Cafe usually the place where the average Egyptian man Spends his leisure time. Growing up the Ahwa was associated with the unemployed men that served as a burden to the economy. An Ahwa was viewed as a place where men would go kill time while smoking Shisha, play backgammon and talk about non-sense. Having that thought as I grew-up I always despised men who spent too  much time in such a place that is of no use to society.                Time has past, I graduated school and have become holder of a bachelors degree with honors. Prepared to face the world and hoping to be a part of great changes for my country. Soon you realize that it isn't going to be that easy. I had put all plans on pause until my military situation was clarified that alone took 5 months minimum. During that time I was unemployed and that gave me license to behave like one. For me I just needed a proper break between major milestones of life and trust me 6 months wasn't enough.               Experiences that I have been through during my still relatively short life have taught me many things. The one thing I'm glad I learned was not to judge anything until I experience it first hand and to avoid judging someone just by what I see of them, because I truly believe that what we can't see is far more elaborate than what one lets us see. Having that said I stopped judging the Ahwa culture with such hasty generalization.               When one of my dearest friends suggested we go sit in an Ahwa I hesitated for a second than I remembered that if I don't have that experience I can never judge it with justice. At that moment I agreed immediately. The first time I went I was too busy talking to that friend that I barely grasped the name of the place. But as time passed and sitting in El-Ahwa became a habit I was able to observe such a culture up-close.               For starters the person whom we call the "waiter" in a modern cafe is usually high on something and half of what he will be saying makes no sense. As part of the fun its always nice to be seated on chairs that has an upfront street view, so basically you would be sitting on the pavement. If you want to  make an order to scream at the guy and say "Ya Rayes .... then u list ur order" other than that you would probably wait for a while. Its common to have two kinds of tables, a small metal high-table where the drinks are served and another big one that comes upon request if you ask to play backgammon. Chaos certainly has a system.               In the few times I have been to el-ahwa and after loosing to a game of backgammon and while having to wait for the other two that I went with to finish their game, I would always sit and observe the explicit diversity in the customers of el-ahwa. Even though the place has a shockingly wide range of different people from different social standards and backgrounds, it seems like every Ahwa has almost that same mix of customers regardless of where it is.               If you go after working hours it is definite that you would have multiple tables around you where middle aged men are seated in their formal attire usually discussing political, economic or social issues as they keep their hands busy with a game of backgammon and a cup or tea *shai Koshary*. I have realized that in every Ahwa there is a lonely guy who has a favorite seating spot in the place and would usually sit there alone while he firmly grabs on to his Shisha and slowly releases its smoke. If you decide to lean over an pickup a few lines of you neighboring tables conversation you would probably have the entertainment of your life. And with the generally Egyptian habit of being loud it won't need much effort.              Some men go to El-ahwa because they need a break from their spouse, some go because they want to meet their friends and spending so much to see a guy friend isn't worth it, some feel comfortable to the absence of the female element since there will be no need to impress, and some even go because its the one place thats a mood changer. I personally go their to order my 1 pound worth cup of tea or my all time favorite pomegranate and most importantly to play backgammon.             In the way an Ahwa works its necessary to build a friendly relationship with the person serving you if you plan on being a regular customer. Being part of the Ahwa experience made me realize that its a place where people exchange valuable knowledge, enhance their gaming skills, catch up on each others lives or even sit silently and think. Its a place for everyone and anyone.             Now Finally ill briefly explain the scenery from my last visit to an Ahwa. After work a friend suggested we go sit in an Ahwa not very far from work and so we went. This was the second time i sit in that specific place. After sitting for a while and after again losing in a game of backgammon I paid attention to the scenery. We were seated in the last table inside close the the wall so everything was visible. Beside us were 4 past 50 men that have met up after work and were constantly teasing each other like teens as they also played a round of backgammon. on my left was that lonely guy who also came back after work to sit there, but surprisingly he doesn't smoke shisha. However, he dragged the chair until it was perfectly centered in-front of the TV and hugged his folded newspaper and watched. Every once in a while he would lean forward and spit under his feet then wipe it with by stepping on it. I don't know if that was some kind of mechanism to clean the bottom of his shoe but I don't think it was working. Shortly, he got up and went to the nearest kiosk, bought a bag of chips, came back in dragged the chair again and said silently while he crunched on every bit of his valuable chips. After a while another lonely guy who appeared abnormal walked in, sat in one of the corners, and ordered his shisha. As he smokes his cigarette and Shisha simultaneously you could see him talk to himself without any consideration to the presence of others around. Others around were mostly teenagers gathering to challenge each other in a game of backgammon.                      This experience taught me not to take what society tells me for granted and to explore things myself before I take a stand. It also showed me that there can be beauty in almost everything. I hope having a glimpse of El-Ahwa has inspired you to do the same. *Challenging Conventional Wisdom* *The Ahwa Culture*

Tips To Overcome Bad Weather From 14 Wedding Pros

Although we’ve seen a cluster of beautiful wedding images in the rain and snow, not many wedding photographers look forward to getting soaked for the shot. We asked a selection of our Apex award-winning photographers what techniques they love to use when faced with bad weather and what gear they rely on to make these shots happen.

The first thing you’ll need is a couple of Ziploc bags for your off-camera flashes, so if you’ve got a wedding coming up and bad weather in the forecast, we’ve got you (and your flashes) covered!

Melissa Jill – Website | Instagram

“My best technique is simply planning ahead & creating a game plan! For this rainy day wedding, we brought umbrellas (clear ones so that the subjects faces wouldn’t be too heavily shaded). After strategizing with the bridal party under the cover of a tent, we ran out to grab the shot, with my 2nd shooter holding another umbrella over my film camera. It took planning prior to the wedding and in real-time with the bridal party, but it was all worth it!”

Jared Gant – Website | Instagram

“Who defines what is good and bad weather? Okay, maybe if a hurricane is coming in we should all duck for cover, but all too often, I see both photographers and clients unnecessarily hiding from a little bit of snow or rain. When the weather is starting to look different than expected, I try to remind my clients to go with the flow and be playful. One of my favorite techniques is to back-light the couple with a MagSphere. This throws light in all directions and exaggerates the appearance of the weather. I always keep a few large zip-lock bags in my bag to cover up and protect the flashes.”

JD Land – Website | Instagram

“As a primarily documentary photographer, I absolutely love the challenges that I’m faced with when the weather isn’t considered to be “ideal.” The weather 100% affects a couple’s emotions on their wedding day so that part of the story NEEDS to be documented and told through photographs. Accomplishing that is the hard part as a couple will only spend a few moments out in the weather. To make sure I am able to tell the entire story in these brief moments, I am always using either my 24-70mm f/2.8 or 35mm f/1.4. Both of these lenses are wide enough to allow me to include the environment, or the weather, in the composition.

This photograph is a bride getting ready to head into the church and her feelings about the weather are written all over her face as she prepares to be escorted in by the umbrella-toting driver. I needed every bit of a 35mm to make sure I was close enough to be in the moment with her but also include the umbrella in the frame to show why she is having the reaction she is.”

Aaron Story – Website | Instagram

“Shooting predominantly in the UK means that I’m often faced with wet weather; it’s something I used to worry about a lot, but as I’ve grown with experience, I’ve learned to go with it. The way I think about it is if I’m anxious, then it’s likely that will rub off on my couple and that will affect their day (and photos). In the photo above, I went out beforehand to set everything up and wrapped my flash in a clear plastic bag (I keep a few handy, just in case). I found an usher to help me out in getting the right settings, and once I was set, I invited the couple out with umbrellas. We were out for a matter of seconds – this is the result made with a Canon 5D Mark III, Canon 24mm f/1.4L II,  one Yongnuo 600 EX-RT Flash in a Ziploc bag and Op/Tech Rain Sleeve for the camera and lens.”

Dave Shay – Website | Instagram

“Backlighting rain or snow with bad weather isn’t a new trick by any means (I used a MagSphere for this), but the most important part about shooting in bad weather is to get your clients excited about it. If you can convince your clients that you’re the expert and that they should trust you, you have so many more opportunities to make something incredible. Once your clients are on board, the only thing you’ll need is a weather-sealed camera (thanks, Nikon!), a few Ziploc bags to throw your flashes in, and a horrible pun to make some magic.”

Paco Van Leeuwen – Website | Instagram

“Last year I had a wedding I’ll never forget, it was raining the entire day… Although there wasn’t a real couples session planned, they did want a few nice images at these different locations. At times the rain was coming sideways so I had to come up with a solution. Thanks to the SLR Lounge flash courses I had the knowledge and confidence to pull this off. I just left the couple dry inside and got soaking wet myself. For both shots, I used a gridded flash, underexposed the ambient light by 1-2 stops and set the flash power accordingly.”

[Read: 8 Rainy Day Wedding Photography Tips You Need To Know]

Scott Josuweit – Website | Instagram

“Group composites are one of my favorite tricks when the weather isn’t ideal. The bride and groom wanted an “epic group photo” in this one space of their venue but they wanted to be able to see all of the greenery in the background. My assistant held a Godox AD200 with a MagGrid, MagSphere, and 1/4 CTO MagGel on it and lit each member of the wedding party one at a time, and I snapped a photo each time they moved. I ended up using 13 different frames to put this composite together.”

Matt Gruber – Website | Instagram

“Sometimes a couple is really adventurous, but more often than not you want to get photos outside without having them soaking wet afterward (or holding umbrellas for every photo). Many venues will have some sort of awning or covered valet area somewhere on the property. I love to place the couple under the awning and use a telephoto lens to get beautiful bokeh and compression. Mix in just a small amount of flash to blend in with the ambient light behind them and no one will have any idea it was even raining at all.”

Alex Pasarelu – Website | Instagram

“I improvise a lot, but mainly try to take advantage of the bad weather and create beautiful memories no matter what. I always encourage my couples to enjoy the rain and be brave, they need to live the moment. I tend to use the water on the ground to create beautiful reflections, use umbrellas to help compose the frame, or just have the couple dancing in the rain if they are willing to. I always try to capture the day how it really was.”

Shannon Cain – Website | Instagram

“How do I convince my clients to step out into the rain and wind for some beautiful portraits?  Before I ever pull them outside, I completely set up the shot so that when I do ask my bride & groom to step outside, it only requires them to be in the elements for a fraction of the time.  And when particles of any sort are in the air, choose to backlight!  I always carry ziplock bags with me to cover my Godox AD200s from the elements as well as two clear umbrellas.”

Nicole Chan – Website | Instagram

“During inclement weather, I always encourage my couples to embrace it. I mention that during perfect days, there are dozens of couples fighting for the same spot at the same time. I remind them that all relationships are different and that having non-cliche engagement and wedding portraits is a pretty awesome thing. For Brian and Maryanne’s portrait session, it was sub-zero temperatures in Boston. Brian recreated one of their early dates and gave Mary Anne special mittens that had been crafted specifically to allow two people to hold hands while wearing the mittens.”

Christophe Viseux – Website | Instagram

“I actually see bad weather as a fantastic opportunity to create spontaneous photos with a different feel and sometimes gorgeous light like before a storm. From a gear point of view, you still want to make sure your camera remains safe and sound in dry conditions. I always carry an emergency rain cover in my bag.”

Christi Chambers – Website | Instagram

“I always get excited when there’s a little precipitation in the forecast (hopefully late in the day). My go-to is a simple backlit shot to catch whatever’s in the air (rain/snow/fog). Of course this works best with lower ambient light (if you don’t have a super powerful flash with you). My couples are always blown away by the results!”

Abul Shah – Website | Instagram

“I consider myself lucky to live in one of the most amazing countries in the world. But, as I’m sure many of you know, or will have experienced first-hand if you’ve ever visited the UK, good weather is not what we are known for! Grey is an all too familiar colour to us, and the stats say that we only see the sun for about one third of an average year. Yes, that’s right. The rest of the time, it’s overcast, raining, or we get what we Brits like to call ‘drizzle.’

So, achieving creative or dramatic photos requires direction and a plan, and keeping the bride and groom dry at the same time can be a challenge. The majority of brides don’t want to ruin their hair in the rain, and some won’t even consider stepping outside. At times, we are expected to deliver maximum results with minimum effort from our client.

When I want something dramatic, with soft light and good contrast, a good option that I come back to now and then is one of the simplest. I look for a window with good light and little distractions in the frame, so I don’t lead the viewer away from the subject.

There’s no need for umbrellas, no need to light the scene or zip lock your speed lights, no wet wedding dress and most importantly, the couple stays warm and happy.

I use prime lenses on my Nikon D800 bodies 90% of the time, namely the Sigma Art 35mm and the 50mm f/1.4 lenses, because I like to shoot wide open and they are incredibly fast lenses. The window light (in the above scenario) may not be strong, and as I like to make an effort to keep my ISO as low as possible, my choice of prime lens always responds perfectly.”

Tips from Abul:

When placing your subject by the window, the natural light fall off can be rapid, so don’t be afraid to have their shoulder almost touching the window if the light requires it.

Try and avoid getting the window itself in the shot, as it will be bright and distracting in the final image. Perhaps try leaning against the wall and breaking the ‘gazing space’ rule. Get it right in camera.

You may find that a good window location may be in an obscure or strange place. Your couple may not understand what you are seeing and might seem uncomfortable, but if you’re there then you know they trust you. When you get a good shot, show them. Sometimes showing them a shot once or twice on the back of the camera and telling them how good they look will help them relax, and help you get the best out of your couple.

Tips For Rainy Day Wedding Photography | Summary

Make sure your gear is weather sealed and if not invest in plastic covers to protect it from getting ruined.

Always have an umbrella on hand (this can just be a regular white lighting umbrella) because you never know when you’ll need it.

Always test the shot before bringing your couple into the scene to prevent them from getting cold or wet.

Use flashes to backlight the particles in the air and compression lenses to yield better bokeh results.

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