Photography is a bit like clothing … there are heaps of different styles out there. I think it’s important that when you’re looking for a photographer, you look at their style carefully. Many people hire photographers and then blame them when they don’t get the images they were after. Alhtough I do like to taylor my style to suit each individual client, there are some things that I will do more naturally. If you are looking for studio type shots on a white background then then I’m not your photographer. Or, if you’re looking for extreemely photojournalisic-style photos that are all black-and white and quite moody then I’m probably not for you either. For me, finding my style has come gradually, but lately I feel like I’m starting to develop one. Here’s a few things about my photography style:
1) I love colour – bright blue skys, green grass, blue ocean. I love to play with the colour in my images so they stand out from the crowd.
2) I like variety - I don’t like any two of my weddings or shoots to look the same – each person in different, each environment is different and I want to reflect these in my portraits.
3) I usually take posed but relaxed looking photos.
One of my recent couples asked me when looking at some engagement photos if I just follow them round with a camera or if I give them some instructions. Obviously, a lot of a Wedding day does consist of documentary photoraphy, where I will stand back and “observe the day” and take photos of what’s going on. However, during your location shots or engagement shoot I do give guidance and instructions to help people feel comfortable. Although watch out if you sneak a quick kiss or cuddle - If I catch it, I’ll include it in your photos!
4) I fully edit every proof photo
Some photographers, especailly for weddings will do quick batch editing, or sometimes none at all. For me, this is not the case as all. I see editing as being as important as the actual taking of photos. Obviously you need a good image to begin with, however without some basic editing, as well as colour enhancing, skin touch-ups and cropping, a photo, although technically correct will look dull and lifeless.
Here are some before and afters:
Keep in mind that these first photos were taken on a professional camera, with good lenses and with the correct exposures. However, things needed to be done to it it bring out the colour, sharpen the image and bring out the subjects (BTW – for those who are wondering the black fringing is because I had a polarising filter over my UV filter – I crop wider to compensate for it but in this case it worked in the photo so I enhanced it rather than eliminating it). It takes a lot more than a good camera to produce really good quality images.
OK, so this doesn’t become an essay, I’ll speed up now.
5) I love to use creative angles.
6) I love to include the environment in my photos. I’m always on the look-out for locations with interesting textures, door-ways, stainwells, walls, beautiful landscapes … basically anything that will look good when I add people to it.
7) I love natural expressions – cheesy smiles don’t turn me on. I like genuine smiles, and natural poses that don’t always involve looking at the camera.
8) l like carefully chosen props and accessories. Umbrellas, beenies, baskets etc, are fun if they are thoughtfully used. However, I don’t go over the top with these as it can detract from the subject.
9) I take lots of photos and cull from there. I tend to like to play around with angles and settings to see which one works the best. I do not show my clients every photo as the editing process would be way too cumbersome, however if a few angles or settings work, I will show a variety with the best expressions.
10) I love life-style type shots.
Although I do pose people, what I’m aiming for is shots that look natural and real. I like shots of people walking, talking and interacting like they usually would. Of coarse I always take some of them looking at the camera, but I’m always aiming to get a few life-style shots.
