Behind the Lens: How I Capture the Real Magic on Wedding Day

It's not perfect - it's real. That's what I look for.

Weddings — they’re beautiful, emotional, occasionally chaotic, and always full of surprises. No two are ever the same, which is exactly why I love photographing them.

I’m not here to turn anyone’s big day into a fashion shoot or a movie set. My goal is to capture the magic as it happens — the real moments, the weird moments, and all the love in between. Here's how I approach photographing a wedding without losing my mind (or missing the shot).

“Some moments are too special to be remembered only by memory'".

📋 Planning ahead... but not getting too attached to the plan

Yes, I like a good plan. I always start by chatting with the couple to find out what matters most to them, what the timeline looks like, and if there’s anything I absolutely cannot miss (like Grandma’s surprise dance moves or a shot of the custom cake topper that looks like their dog).

If I can, I’ll scout the location in advance or at least do a solid Google deep-dive. Knowing where the good light hits or where the ceremony’s actually happening helps a lot. But let’s be honest — weddings never go exactly to plan, and that’s fine.

Raining during your outdoor vows? We’re rolling with it. Forgot the bouquet? I’ve seen worse. Part of the fun (and the job) is being ready for anything.

📸 Candid vs. posed: A bit of both, thanks

I’m all about catching those in-between moments — the nervous hand squeezes, the eye rolls during speeches, the cousin who thought the open bar meant tequila at 2pm. Those are gold.

But I know the posed shots matter too. You want that nice photo with your parents (and so does your mum). So I’ll guide you through the portraits, keep things relaxed, and make sure you don’t feel like you’re in a school photo.

My goal: make you feel comfortable enough to actually enjoy it. If you're laughing or smirking in your portraits — good. That means you're not faking it.

🌤️ Lighting: Chasing the good stuff

Light is always changing — and weddings move fast. There’s no time to chase the “perfect glow,” so I work with what’s real in the moment.

Natural light is beautiful when it’s available, whether it’s soft window light in the morning or a dramatic cloudy sky before the ceremony. But when the sun dips or the candles come out, I’m ready.

I use a matte flash that keeps the mood intact — no harsh LEDs, no overexposed faces. Just enough light to keep things clean, clear, and timeless. It’s subtle, intentional, and always in service of the story we’re telling.

🫣 Being there, without being there

I’m not the type of photographer who’s constantly shouting directions or blocking the aisle like a human tripod. Most of the time, you won’t even notice I’m around — which is exactly how it should be.

I read the room, move quietly, and know when to step back or jump in. That way, the photos feel real — not staged, not forced, just you being you (and maybe a little sweaty if it’s July).

Couples often tell me, “We didn’t even realise you were there half the time” — and honestly, I take that as a huge win.

💬 Final thoughts

Weddings are a mix of beauty, chaos, emotion, and laughter — and somehow, I get to photograph all of it. It’s not always glamorous (hello, 12-hour days and questionable buffet coffee), but I wouldn’t trade it for anything.

It’s not just a job — it’s an invitation to be part of something real, for one incredible day. And I’m always grateful to be the one holding the camera.

Let’s create a wedding gallery that feels like you. Message me to get started.

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