What Would They Know? Glen and Sarah Edwards of Mr Edwards Photography

I think that being creative is one of life’s most soulful pursuits. So to be able to photograph the beginning of a couple’s journey into married life, is, in a way, a gift of trust that a couple gives to a photographer, with the photographer reciprocating, with the care and the love of his craft to produce a fine record of the day. Glen of Mr Edwards Photography and Design is one such photographer, producing images that are seemingly simple, but full of soul and joy. Here’s his story……

Please introduce the Mr Edwards team. Do you each have distinctive roles in the business?

Mr [Glen] Edwards – I am the photographer and director/founder of Mr Edwards Photography + Design. This is my dream and I am at the helm pointing this great ship in that direction and pretending I know what I’m doing, but the truth is every day is different, frightening and exciting but I love it.

Mrs. Edwards aka. Sarah is Everything. I would like to say I am the driving force behind all of this but the truth is Sarah holds it all together. She is my right hand (wo)man: co-director, second shooter, admin support and wife. If something needs doing, she gets it done and usually doesn’t get any credit for it. That’s who she is, and that’s why I married her.

Why photography? Are you creative in other areas as well?

Remember those kids from school that were good at everything they tried? Yeah, those were my friends growing up. I could never keep up with them. One day I just started taking photos and people started referring to me as the “photographer of the group” that was it. Photography had given me my identity, given me a place in the world. From then on I knew what I wanted to do and will do just about anything to make it happen.

I have studied arts and design through my life but I always go back to the camera. It’s who I am.

Do you have a particular style, and if so how would you describe it?

Yes, I still shoot film. No, I’m not living in the past. Yes, I’m aware digital technology exists. I use film because it’s the best medium to create the images I love to give my clients. I love the richness of colour film brings, the whimsical look it gives, the softness it has. In a fast paced world of ever growing technology and rapid change, film shouts out, “Hey! Slow it down. Take a breath. Look at what is right in front of you” then it lets me capture it. What’s more? It’s real. There is no photoshop trickery, nothing computer generated. It is simple – it is natural – it is beautiful.

What is the best piece of advice you have ever received?

Photography wise? Slow down. Really look at what you’re doing and tell the story, don’t create it.

In life? My dad once told me “Never buy a car you can’t push”  – pretty good advice.

The best way to photograph a wedding is….

Weddings are supposed to be the best day of that couple’s life. Make sure that happens and then photograph it. As the photographer I have the rare gift of being with the couple almost the entire day. This gives me amazing insight and sometimes the power to influence how the day is going.

I love taking a few moments out of the time allocated for the photos and giving the couple the chance to be alone. Just stop and be with each other. Realise that today they got married, and tomorrow they start the rest of their lives together. Please enjoy it.

Some advice I have for brides and grooms is…..

Create your day. Don’t let too many things from the outside influence you in what you are doing. Everyone loves looking through blogs and Magazines, but make sure you place yourself in your day.  Be creative and challenge the cliché!

Who most inspires you?

I have a lot of creative friends, photographers and others who are constantly doing things that make me re-think what I’m doing. Artists who have nothing to do with the wedding industry but create amazing things simply because they love to create. That really inspires me.

Your favourite place ….

The Ocean. However I have fallen in love for anywhere West of Dubbo. This country has some of the most amazing landscapes in the world and space to boot, but people hardly ever go and see it. Don’t believe me? Look up Gundabooka National Park and tell me that wouldn’t be the most amazing location for a wedding ever?

 What do you like to do in your spare time?

I keep taking photos! I always have a camera with me, but when I’m not shooting a wedding, I’m usually trying to catch a wave or two. Failing any surf, Mrs Edwards and I try to find the best food in whatever part of the world we are in!!

Thank you Glen for sharing your thoughts with us. I do hope that you get to do a wedding shoot in Gundabooka National Park (near Bourke, NSW) one day. It looks like an amazing place. Any brides and grooms willing to go on an adventure….?

All images by Mr Edwards Photography and Design.

Headshot by Melissa Perlman Photography