Apart from the birth of a child, a wedding day is probably the most important day of your life. We speak to Sydney wedding photographer RONNY HENDRIKS about choosing the right photographer to suit the right occasion – there’s more to it than ‘meets the eye’ …
Ronny, what personal qualities should people be looking for when choosing a wedding photographer?
People should first and foremost look for someone they feel totally at ease with. Someone who is great to get along with, makes them feel relaxed but is very professional at the same time, it is after all one of the most important days of your life.
The only way to do this is actually to meet your photographer. Don’t decide because you like his emails or the website looks fantastic. That is why I always like to meet potential clients, and offer a free pre-wedding shoot so I can get to know them better and more importantly, they get to know the person behind the camera and the way I work.
All of this with one goal in mind, to ensure a bride and groom feel at ease with me which will create beautiful relaxing photos on their wedding day.
As I always had a very keen interest in photography I started by taking photos of friends’ weddings. I would make these photos into a wedding album and give it to them as a wedding present. The comments I received from that where great, even to the extend that they wished I was there main wedding photographer! Or that the main videographer asked me to join the wedding couple on there location shoot as they felt more relaxed with me. I did this for many years on a amateur bases until I decided, (after some good discussions with my wife).. to go and start my own business.
Is it more inspirational to be a wedding photographer in Sydney because of the fantastic locations you and the wedding parties can go to?
When people think about Sydney wedding photography locations, their overwhelming urge is first to be connected with the key Sydney icons such as the Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge. But many people prefer a more low-key visual backdrop, such as more natural parts of the harbour such as Parsley Bay, Fagan Park or even in Centennial Park.
Is it better, from a wedding photography point of view, to get married in the morning or in the afternoon?
It’s highly unlikely to have your wedding in the morning because of the bride’s preparations. Also in late afternoon the orange light of the sunset is very flattering to human skin so it’s much better to schedule your post-ceremony photo session in late afternoon.
It’s important to be precise because people’s wedding receptions usually start between 6 and 7pm so there’s a window of opportunity where the photos will be flattering and romantic.
Family Portraits
Are there any secrets to taking family portraits?
I don’t use a studio but you can make a great studio environment in the family home. The key is that children often get bored or lose concentration after 5 or 10 minutes, so a home location is better because there are things they can do.
If you go on location then one of the best places is to have family photos taken at a beach, then I simply follow the kids around, being unobtrusive and taking photos of them as they’re at play.
What other events do you take photos for?
I do quite a lot of engagement party photos, pre-wedding shoots and commercial photography. Also staff parties, baby photography and increasingly I take photos for business people who need to develop an appropriate social media profile.
Wedding Photographer Sydney
For any enquiries or bookings you can contact Ronny
0404 304 984 or email ronny@rh-photography.com.au or check out his website www.rh-photography.com.au
