In Conversation With Wedding Photographer Bryony Rebecca
Bryony Rebecca stumbled into the world of wedding photography through her work in publicity and events, quickly discovering a profound passion for capturing the multifaceted beauty of wedding days. Combining elements of romance, fashion, documentary, and artistic storytelling, Bryony's approach to photography is deeply personal and effortlessly emotive, drawing inspiration from the joy and love that radiates from the couples she works with.
Interview Alexander Ross
“It fills my cup getting to document so many beautiful people on the happiest day of their life - I don’t have to look far to feel inspired.”
What inspired you to pursue a career in wedding photography, and how do you continue to find inspiration in your work?
I stumbled into the world of wedding photography through the connections I’d made working in publicity and events.
What I realised very quickly is wedding photography transcends formats and genres. It’s a beautiful coming together of romance, fashion, documentary, event production and artistic storytelling. I immediately fell in love!
I’m all about good times with good people, so I find inspiration in the couples I work with and the incredible days they’ve put together. It fills my cup getting to document so many beautiful people on the happiest day of their life - I don’t have to look far to feel inspired.
How do you approach capturing the unique essence and personality of each couple in your photographs?
Getting to know my clients before their wedding day is a big part of the process. I quickly get a sense of their personalities and what lights them up - as well as how comfortable they are in front of the camera - and adapt my shooting style to bring out the best in them.
For the most part, I aim to capture a wedding day with as little intrusion as possible, but support with guidance when needed. It’s photojournalism with a splash of art direction to make sure we get unique images that reflect them as individuals.
Of course, weddings aren’t just about the couple getting married. It’s about the love all around them! So capturing their friends and family having an amazing time, is just as important to me.
Can you share some of the key elements you believe are essential in creating timeless and captivating wedding photography?
Photos that stand the test of time are honest and uncomplicated. They feel effortless.
I focus on light and emotion. Emotion can be found in every photo - from anticipation to excitement, pride and pure happiness. I capture the day as it was felt - and that includes the couple (and all their loved ones) being in the moment.
The creative use of light is incredibly powerful - there are so many ways it can be used to elevate the intimacy or natural beauty of a moment. I use natural light for the majority, as that’s how the naked eye experiences it. However, I’m also a big fan of flash photography at night, especially in an epic party! I absolutely love recreating the “Oscars After-Party” vibe.
In your opinion, what sets apart exceptional wedding photography from the rest, and how do you strive to achieve this in your own work?
Personally, I believe exceptional wedding photography dances the line between editorial and documentary. It blends art with emotion, yet feels refined and polished.
It doesn’t just focus on the big moments - it also captures those fleeting moments of joy and freezes them in time. From the proud parents holding hands, the children doing twirls when they’re supposed to be sitting still, the larrikin groomsman winking at his mate, the couple beaming at each other with a “OMG we’ve just done it” look for the first time. It’s often these moments, or the feeling of these moments that we want to preserve.
I like to think of it as professional romanticising - and that’s exactly how I approach a wedding day.
What techniques or strategies do you employ to ensure you capture every special moment and emotion during a wedding day?
It’s quite simple really. I never sit still!
A big part of it is creativity in the moment. Looking at a scene differently to capture unique perspectives, with interesting compositions, focal lengths and playing with light.
Aside from the technical elements, I love getting to know the guests too - building rapport and getting in on the fun definitely helps me get more playful, candid photos throughout the day!
How do you handle unexpected challenges or changes during a wedding shoot, ensuring a smooth and stress-free experience for the couple?
I completely freak out! (Haha just joking)
Wedding day and stress shouldn’t even be in the same sentence, but the reality is that isn’t always the case. Unexpected things do pop up - it happens. After ten years of working in PR, events and weddings, I’ve learned how to deal with challenges on the day, and most importantly, remain calm and positive.
Rarely are challenges a cause for concern - they can always be worked through, especially when you have a team of professionals working on it.
Can you discuss any recent trends or innovations in wedding photography that you find particularly exciting or impactful?
This isn’t necessarily new but recently I’ve seen more couples leaving disposable cameras out for their guests to take their own photos. It’s a bit of a chaotic roulette - you never know what you might get!
Finally, what advice would you offer to couples searching for a wedding photographer?
Picture yourself in their photos. Do they give you goosebumps or keep you scrolling on repeat? Photography is all about a feeling. If you find yourself obsessed or completely connected with a photographer’s portfolio, you’ve probably found the one.
Bryony Rebecca can be found on THEODORE by CLICKING HERE or on Instagram at @bryonyrebecca_photography
DISCLAIMER: We attempt to credit the original photographer/source of every image we use. However, in most circumstances, the images we use are provided by the brands spoken about, and we rely on them to inform us of the image source. If you think a credit may be incorrect, please contact us at info@theodoremagazine.com
More For You
