In Conversation With Jaz From In The Mood For Love

With a deep passion for the way photography can make us feel and remember, Jaz from In The Mood For Love (an Adelaide-based wedding film and photography duo) strives to capture weddings in an intimate and meaningful way, creating timeless memories that evoke the emotion of a special day. Through her photography, she ensures each wedding is beautifully documented.

We recently sat down with Jaz to get an insight into her life as a leading wedding photographer.

Photo Of Jaz by Lei Lei Clavery.

“I have a deep passion for the way photography can make us feel and remember - in what I guess you could say: the art and legacy of photography.”

Firstly, tell us a little about your photography journey and how you became the exceptional wedding photographer you are?

I started my photography journey all the way back in 2000 (I was 15 yrs old) when my Nanna gave me her Olympus OM1. At the same time, my Dad was working on the Big Day Out, and I used to join him backstage, teaching myself how to shoot side stage. For my last years of high school, I was solely focused on photography, pretty much living in the darkroom. When I graduated, I moved to Melbourne to start my next journey in photography at the Photography Studies College. During most of my twenties, my focus was to travel as much as I could and photography helped me a lot with that. It took me to villages in Nepal for documentary projects, into incredible studios in London and Perth for commercial work, helped me make deeper connections and supported me while I travelled in Western Europe and Mexico and then back home to Cairns, where the last photography work I did before starting my own wedding photography business was underwater photography.

What drew you into the world of wedding photography?

I have a deep passion for the way photography can make us feel and remember - in what I guess you could say: the art and legacy of photography. And, I believe wedding photography is one of the best areas for exploring that and creating meaningful work. It is truly amazing being a wedding photographer - every weekend I get to hang out in gorgeous places with the best people on one of the best days of their lives. Everyone is having a great time and dressed so damn well. It pretty much brings together the best and sometime most creative opportunities to photograph stunning locations, fashion, and of course, awesome candid moments.

How would you describe your style of wedding photography?

I feel like my style of wedding photography is ever evolving and shifting. I am always looking for new inspiration and ways to tell my couples story with still images. I try to be honest with my work and have my couples inspire my style and approach to their day. And, I draw on styles I find in cinematography, fashion editorials and classic photojournalism. I aim to create an album that is full of precious memories, candid moments and some gorgeous portraits that the couple will love.

We're sure you get inundated with booking requests, so what are some things you specifically look for in a that really make a couple stand out to you?... the enquiries that make you think "I really want to shoot this wedding"…

The couple’s excitement. I love it when the couple is excited for their wedding and making it something awesome and memorable - plus it makes my job easier. And, one of my favourite things to hear from a couple is that they consider their photos to be important and are willing to give me time for them.

Do you have a specific style of wedding that you just LOVE to photograph?

I LOVE weddings that have been planned with thought, style and reflect the couple. I have seen so many different styles of weddings and the best are when you can see the couple in everything. Personally, I do love the edge between timeless classics and mixing in some non traditional styles. An example of what I mean by this is Ben and Charlie’s wedding. They wore classic tuxedo tailor suits from Oscar Hunt but in coloured velvet. They requested that their guests wear formal white and black. Their wedding was well styled with timeless classics like the grooms in tuxedos drinking martinis and a white marquee for the reception. But, there were so many twists on tradition and their personalities mixed into everything - best to just check it out to see what I’m talking about CLICK HERE.

We know couples can be a little nervous when it comes to their wedding photography, what are some tips you offer couples to stay relaxed and enjoy the moment?

I like to bring couples back to each other. During their photos it is about them - I know my partner makes me feel comfortable, and when we’re together we’re always having a good time. So, I use that. Instead of thinking about the photo session as a nervous time in front of the camera I explain that is the part of the day when the couple gets to hang out together as newly weds. I like to use music to ease any awkwardness, have the couple say nice things to each other or bring up inside jokes. Moreover, if the couple drinks - having a glass of champagne can help ease nerves if they still have them. But, usually after the ceremony the couples nerves have gone.

Share with us some wedding moments that you've experienced that stand out for you…

This is really tough… I have tried, and I keep ending up with so many:

1. So many couples emotional faces as they see each other on their wedding day and/or so many special vows (yes I’m often trying to stop myself from tearing up behind the camera).

2. So many parents happy, proud and getting emotional

3. So many amazing speeches

4. So many great dance moves

5. So many stunning outfits

6. So many epic sunsets

7. So many awesome locations

But, for the sack of answering the question, I’ll highlight one: Ben and Charlie entering their ceremony (in a cinema) to Madonna’s Future Lover - the moment was so them, they were so happy, the energy, love, emotions, excitement between them and all their guest - EVERYTHING about this wedding moment stands out massively CLICK HERE.

What are some ways you work with couples to really ensure that their wedding photos are a true reflection of them?

I start by catching up with them to chat about themselves and their wedding ideas, plans and all that jazz. I have a questionnaire with a bunch of questions I find helpful for getting to know more about the couple and how to capture their day. Also, I create a visual mood board that I feel reflects the couple so I can visualise how I'm going to approach the photos before the day. Lastly, we do a final catch-up in case anything has changed since our initial catch-up and to dive deeper into any questions or thoughts anyone has had.

Give us your NUMBER ONE piece of wedding planning advice…

My #1 piece of wedding planning advice is: Bring in a wedding planner/on the day coordinator! Enjoy your wedding planning journey and have someone experienced and suited to you and your wedding to help with all the not so fun stuff. You will never know all the things that will come up between now and on your day and it is great to have someone who can make your day the best it can be. All my favourite weddings have been because of planners (I believe) - I don't think it is discussed how important they are and they should really be a must. I could rant on for ages about why a wedding planner/on the day coordinator is my number one piece of advice - but I'll just say "do it!" And, feel free to get in touch if you'd like to hear my rant about this.

And finally, where can couples find you? Do you travel all over Australia?

I am based in Adelaide with my partner who is a videographer. But, we travel around, for ourselves and for weddings So, we are open to chatting about travelling for your wedding.

You can find In The Mood For Love on THEODORE Magazine by CLICKING HERE, at inthemoodforlove.com.au or over at Instagram @inthemoodforlove.jaz

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