Curating Candid Moments

Wondering how a photographer works behind the scenes?

Canterbury Bride asked Kathryn Louise Weddings for some insight into the wedding photography process.

How would you describe your photographic style and approach to your couple’s wedding day?

I’ve always gravitated to candid moments with my photography and so my style and approach has really revolved around that. I’m more likely to hang in the background and look for special connections and moments, or mix with guests, as well as guide couples into actions rather than traditional posing. These relaxed interactions can represent a lot of the day and the emotions of our loved ones celebrating with us. I’m known for timeless black and whites that capture the emotions even further.

How do you build your relationships with your couples?

Getting to know my clients! I love using questionnaires to get to know couples as individuals as well as their ‘together selves’. Making that effort to know who you’re working with goes leaps and bounds towards capturing them relaxed, comfortable and truly themselves. The questionnaires also mean I can pick up on areas where anyone needs help or a little guidance. Even if it’s not the first time, a wedding can be quite the affair to organise and I’m here to help in any way I can.

How do you stay innovative and ensure your work remains fresh?

This might be a little controversial, but I ignore the trends. I have a few photographers that I look up to for their style and imagery, but outside of that, I focus on my own work. How that work makes me, and others feel. A trend is only a trend. Candid photography is about capturing the off-guard moments, connections and relationships. I’m the kind of person who continuously tries to better myself and my work, so I take note after a wedding of things I might do differently next time, or different lighting I could work to perfect before the next wedding. We are constantly learning, so I think being ‘innovative’ is more about finding what areas you could learn about or do differently. Not so much what everyone else is doing.

How do you ensure each image tells a compelling story?

I’m an intentional shooter, so unless the image is blurry as hell and completely unusable, it goes into the editing pile. A wedding itself is only a part of the story, and I don’t feel like any one image can truly tell the entire story. Generally, with my editing, I apply presets to my colour style, make sure every image is perfect before sending off. I make sure clients have a sneak peek the day after the wedding, a slideshow of highlights within eight days, and usually the full gallery can be sent through four to five weeks after the wedding day.

How important is it to scout locations and plan for lighting conditions?

I’d say it is very important! Location is great to check out prior to the day with couples, especially if you haven’t been there before. It helps to give suggestions and find out more about what and how they are thinking about the venue. I personally love to join a wedding rehearsal to do this.

What is it about the golden hour that enhances the beauty in photographs?

Golden hour helps to create a magical, soft and dreamy light for portraits, but is not the be-all and end-all of a wedding. If a gorgeous one is bound to happen, I’ll try and sneak the couple away for a private moment to themselves away from the chaos of the wedding party, but it’s not a complete mare if it doesn’t happen. We talk through all photo possibilities before the wedding.