Belle Amour: Wedding Ideas Less of the traditional. More of the original.

Very happy to bring you another interview today. This one with fab photographer Eliza Claire. Some of you may have seen Eliza’s work recently in the amazing Rock n’ Romance shoot with Kat of Rock n’ Roll Bride. If you have you’ll already know she’s a skilled photographer. Here are more gorgeous examples of her work along with interesting info about the lady behind the lens…

The interview

Introduction:
I’m Eliza and I specialise in contemporary, fun wedding photography. I was a bride myself just 5 years ago, and I remember the process well, so I try to be more than just a photographer, but also a friend and a listening ear to my couples. I’ve been told that I’m a calming influence on brides… I don’t know, I just love the whole day, and encourage my brides to enjoy it as they won’t get another wedding day!

Location:
I am currently based on the Kent/London border, but I’m moving to Berkshire next week. I cover weddings throughout the UK though.

When and how did you fall in love with photography?
I think I inherited a family love of photographs. Growing up, we had ancient family photos all over the house. I used to get my friends to pose for me, snapping away on my Canon AE-1 (which was my dad’s before it was mine, and is the same age as me. I still have it.). During my university years, I completely stopped taking photos but then, when my children were born, I started to take more photos again. I started a Photo a Day project on Flickr in 2008, and my love really grew from there.

Have you had any formal training?
I’m completely self taught. I’m a bit of a geek though, so the first thing I did was learn the details of how my camera works. I’d love to do some workshops next year though.

How would you describe your photography style?
I’ve been told it’s a bit quirky. It’s hard for me to see a style, as I just take photos the only way I know how. I like to make people look beautiful, and I like to mix reportage with creative portraiture.

What inspires your work?
I’m inspired by love. Shooting a couple who are so in love is just the best experience. I got married in 2005, and being a wedding photographer, I get to relive that excitement every time I shoot a wedding!
I love looking at other photographers’ work, especially people like Kyle Hepp whose style I adore, and Ryan Brenizer who captures the most amazing reception party images.

When did you first shoot a wedding?
August 2008, I was invited to second shoot for a local photographer (a friend of a friend) at a huge wedding in Sussex. I loved it! I think I started to build my website that night!

Where in the UK are you based and how far would you travel to shoot a wedding?
I’m based in the South East, and I love to travel. I love driving and I’ve shot weddings all over the UK, as well as a destination wedding in Italy last year, which was an amazing experience.

How many weddings do you shoot per year?
I aim to shoot between 30 and 35 weddings per year. I want to be able to concentrate solely on weddings, and as all of my packages come with a pre-wedding shoot, this keeps me incredibly busy!

What has been the best wedding you’ve captured so far, and why?
It’s so hard to choose just one. I’ve been lucky in that I’ve honestly loved every single couple I’ve worked with. It’s very important to me to feel that connection with my bride and grooms, as I will be spending the majority of their day with them. My favourite one is always the next one on the calendar! I look forward to wedding days so much!

What would be your idea of a dream wedding to photograph?
Something that reflects the couple’s personality, something a little different that means that they’re super-excited about their day. This is a great time in the wedding industry, there’s so much choice out there that weddings are becoming so much more than they were even 5 years ago. I just love capturing their emotions on the day, and the joy and happiness of their guests.

Has anything gone wrong when shooting a wedding? And if so, how did you cope with it?
Touch wood, nothing has gone wrong for me yet. My background is in IT Security (told you I’m a geek!) and so I’m ultra-careful about backing up images, swapping cards regularly, using two cameras and a multitude of lenses, so if anything went wrong, I am prepared.

What camera(s) do you use for photographing weddings?
I love my Nikon D700, it’s my third baby! I also have a Fuji S5 Pro.

And your favourite lenses?
For versatility, my 24-70mm, but my most beautiful portraits come from my 50 1.4.

Do you use any lighting equipment?
I have an SB800 and an SB900 which I use on occasion, but I prefer natural light wherever possible.

What advice would you give to wannabe wedding photographers?
Don’t do it unless you truly love it! And be prepared to spend more time in front of your computer than you do in front of your camera, the business side takes a lot of work.

What has been your proudest moment as a photographer?
I got a thank you card recently that made me cry, it was so lovely. That’s the stuff that really counts. Although, I must admit, the publicity from my Rock n’ Romance shoot with Kat (Rock n’ Roll Bride) made me feel quite proud of how far I’ve come since starting the business.

Out of all the photographs you have ever taken, which is your favourite and why?
I have so many of my family that mean a lot to me, but professionally I think it’s probably this one because I think it captures a moment when, for them, the whole world disappeared except for each other – as every first dance should be.

Damien & Nadia’s first dance:

If you could capture anybody or anything on camera what would it be?
I wish I had a photo of my children in the moments following their births. I have one of my daughter, Ysella, when she was about 15 mins old, taken on my phone, but we forgot the decent camera both times!

Just so we can find out a bit more about the person behind the lens, could you tell me 5 things you like that are completely unrelated to photography?

• Skiing, I love skiing and it’s been too long since I last went.
• Going to the cinema – I love the escapism. I’ll watch anything, except westerns.
• Potato. Mashed, fried, roast, in fact I’ve yet to find a potato I’ve not liked.
• Music. It changes my mood completely, and I can’t imagine life without music.
• Friends. Nothing beats a night out with a group of girlfriends.

And 5 things you dislike?

• Rudeness.
• I’m a grammar pedant, but I try not to be.
• Cacti. They give me nightmares. I know, it’s odd. I visited a Cactus garden in the Nevada desert to try to beat this fear, but it hasn’t worked.
• Dishonesty.
• 5am. I only wish my kids felt the same.

What are your aspirations for the future, in photography or otherwise?
To keep getting better, to keep loving it. I’m so excited about my move to Bucks, about what this new chapter in my life will bring. Mostly, my aspirations are simple: to make my little boy and baby girl happy and proud.

Debs & Eliza

Photographer Details:
Eliza Claire Photography website
Eliza’s blog
Contact Eliza
Phone: 01474 871342
Mobile: 07976 656112