One of the most common questions I get as a photographer is:
Do you photograph weddings?
I do … but …
You see, when I started out some 20 years ago, weddings were an important part of what I did. But I quickly learned that if I want to capture your wedding in a way that is up to my standards:
I can only do a very limited amount of weddings each year in order to stay fresh and go all out. A photographer may be able to do some jobs on routine, but your wedding deserves better than a copy/paste of the previous wedding.
A long time ago I used to be pretty good at imitating other photographers, but I’m even better at being me. Over the years I’ve developed my unique style and a vision. So if you want the kind of pictures I make, you’ll have to trust me and let me do my thing. If you want something else, I’ll be happy to refer you to a photographer that’s better suited to what you want.
We are going to spend a loooong day together so we better “click” from the start. Therefor I like to have a video call long before the wedding to make sure that I’m the right person to photograph your day.
All the pictures on this page are in black and white because I believe monochrome is the best way to create a timeless document of your wedding. However I understand that you’d like to have a recollection of the color of you flowers (and that crazy ugly dress your boss choose to wear), so I will supply a color version of every picture as well. I avoid trends and fashions because I want these color edits to be as timeless as possible.
Guest with camera (who knows how to use it)
I document your wedding from within, not from the outside. See me as one of your guests who happens to have some good cameras and knows how to use them (oh, and the privilege to roam around when the other guests have to stay seated). I don’t “set up” moments, I believe in capturing the real deal.
Most of the time, you won’t notice that I’m there (despite the fact that I’m 1m99). But when you need me, I’ll calm down your mom, tell people where to stand for a group photo or gently tell your uncle he shouldn’t be taking pictures with his iPad in front of the altar.
This is how I work
GETTING READY
Your last unmarried moments, I absolutely love to capture this part of the day. I usually arrive when the bride is still getting ready and photograph those last preparations, the connection with your friends and family and the energy of these unique moments.
CEREMONIES
Weather it’s at civil, religious or other ceremony, it’s time for me to be a fly on the wall. A pretty busy fly that is, because I have to move around to capture the key moments and the stuff that happens behind your back. I move around as much as I need but always with respect to the ceremony.
I don’t necessarily photograph every person that signs a register (it’s not like you want to hang those pictures on your wall, are you?) or every couple that leaves the church. But I prioritise capturing the atmosphere, emotions and the story of the day.
One tip: make that “first kiss” a long one! Makes my job a lot easier.
THE STUFF THAT YOU DIDN’T SEE
Throughout the whole day, I’m looking for those little things that you didn’t see. Maybe someone is preparing a surprise, maybe your dad gets emotional behind your back, maybe some kids get hold of a glass of bubbles, … whatever it is … my eye automatically gets attracted to those little stories.
HUGS AND KISSES
Hey, hugs and kisses are still the best way to show love, and isn’t that what it’s all about? I’m endlessly fascinated by people’s emotions, connections and the way these are shown. So be prepared for a lot of pictures of affection. And if needed, I’ll be happy to give you a free hug.
PORTRAITS AND GROUP SHOTS
You don’t have to do couple portraits if you don’t want to. But trust me, it’s not as painful as it seems. In fact, it’s fun and gives you a bit of time away from the craziness that is a wedding day. We’ll make some classic portraits that will delight your (grand)parents and we do some creative portraits for your own living room.
Group shots may not be the most arty pictures but I highly advise to do at least a few basic configurations. Group pictures are time capsules, and become even more valuable over time. How often do you get all your friends and family together? Imagine looking at these pictures in 20 years time.
RECEPTION AND DINNER
There’s only so many pictures you can make of people with a glass of bubbles in their hand. And wether you’re going for haute cuisine or a barbecue, people with food in their mouths aren’t the best photo subjects either. So for me, this is the first time all day that I get to slow down a little. I’ll always be ready to capture any fun moment. And I’ll also have time to photograph some details and fuel up for the rest of the night.
LET’S DANCE
That first dance deserves a really cool picture. I might ask you about it, talk to the DJ about the lighting and even setup some light of my own to capture a great shot in just a couple of minutes. And as soon as the dance floor fills up, you’ll see me and my camera dancing around, capturing all the fun and craziness. I’ll wrap up around an hour after the first dance because let’s be honest: what happens after that is usually not suited for publication.
The Aftermath
Just like you, I’ll need a good night of sleep and some strong coffee to recover from your epic day. (If you really need to know, I never go to sleep before backing up all my memory cards.) I try to get you your images as soon as possible, I know you’re anxious to see them. It usually takes me around two weeks (maximum three) to select all the good pictures and edit them in both black-and-white and color.
I don’t believe in promising you a set amount of pictures. It’s about quality, not quantity. But let me tell you that I’ve never delivered less than 400 pictures of a full wedding day. All these images will be presented to you in a wonderful online gallery that you can share with your friends and family. You’ll get the full resolution images but if you’re looking for a really nice big print for your living room or an album, I can take care of that for you.
It’s all about the money
No it isn’t, in fact if I’d won the lottery, I’d probably shoot your wedding for free. But since I haven’t and my family requires a roof over their head and some food from time to time, I’ll have to charge you for my services. A full wedding day starts at 2.750 euros (and most often it stays at that as well).
Some things you may want to know
Ask my kids, I’m an absolute freak when it comes to backups, charged batteries and file management. I generally keep my gear simple but I’ll bring way too much gear to be on the safe side.
I work with some of the best gear and spend a considerable amount of time editing and optimising your images. However I do not retouch wedding pictures. I believe you are perfect as you are so I would see it as an insult to you if I did. Also, if you want someone removed from a picture, don’t invite that person.
I don’t care about your age, sexual preference, size, wealth, … As long as you really love each other and you want an authentic, slightly quirky account of your big day, let’s talk.
What if something happens to me? It has never happened in 20 years that I couldn’t make it but theoretically it’s possible. I can’t 100% guarantee that I’ll find someone to take my place but I have a large network of talented photographer friends that would help out.
If you have any more question, get in touch.