What are you looking for in a photographer for your wedding? If passion for the artistry of the craft, the willingness to go the extra mile, an eye for detail and the ability to deliver images that feel like paintings, then Chris at Blue Print Photography is your man. Images that remind you of the emotions you felt, the fun you had and the love that enveloped you on the day are forever precious no matter what life throws at you. And as Chris says ‘Photography is a means of capturing the present, to be viewed in the future, and, in turn, reminds us of the past.’ Let’s take a peek into Chris’ day.

Was photography a passion in your life for as long as you can remember?

Oh yes definitely. My mum was an artist and I was always surrounded by her paintings at home. As a kid, I always loved looking though all my parent’s black and white photos, and wondered about their life in Greece. At high school, I was wowed by the experience of seeing an image appear on a blank piece of paper in the darkroom, almost like an apparition. Photography has been with me ever since.

You are also a commercial and family photographer. What do you enjoy about these different aspects of your work?

The commercial side of my business specialises in architectural and interior photography. It’s a different way of shooting and seeing light, which gives me new creative ideas that I can bring to my clients’ weddings.

Wedding photos mark the first chapter in a couple’s life together. The portrait side of my business records the next chapter when kids join the family. It’s all about recording the ongoing narrative of a family’s history. I want future generations to look through their timeless, family photos the same way as I did with my parent’s black and white photos.

Who or what influences your photography?

Of late, Australian artist such as Rick Amor, Russell Drysdale and Jeffery Smart have been big influences. Their use of colour, light and contrast has gives me new perspectives for my couples’ weddings. I am also heavily inspired by the Australian documentary photographer Trent Park and the drama with which he tells a story with his images.

 

Why is capturing a wedding day in images so important?

Photography is a means of capturing the present, to be viewed in the future, and, in turn, reminds us of the past. Photos hold details, memories, emotions, and meanings to our lives. They are the only permanent record we have of the day, which makes having a collection of wedding images, in print, so important.

When do you meet with the couple?

The Initial meeting is in the studio, to get to know more about what they have planned, any themes and how they would like their story told.

Three weeks before the wedding we catch up to confirm all the wedding details and provide a running sheet. Then it’s their big day.

Once they have seen their amazing on-line gallery of photos, we catch up, in the studio, to custom design their artistic wedding album over a box of chocolates and coffee. This is usually done four to five weeks after their wedding. Also arrange Skype sessions for all my interstate clients.

Do you shoot the wedding on your own, or do you have a second shooter?

I predominantly shoot the wedding on my own as my clients are after my artistic, documentary style.

How do you plan the shots for the wedding day?

Definitely, after 15+ years of photographing weddings, I know some of the best and most interesting locations to shoot. I also work on an itinerary with the clients to ensure we have plenty of time at each location, which helps keep everyone relaxed and able to fully enjoy the experience.

My main plan of action is to always look for the best quality of light first and then document the wedding day as it unfolds naturally in front of me.

I don’t try to make introverts into extroverts or vise versa. I capture the natural relationship and emotion amongst all the important people on the day. It’s these hidden moment photos that compliment all the key shots, to tell the full story.

I will also scout a location before the wedding to see what the best lighting will be, and what wet weather options we have if it rains.

How do manage to be in the right place at the right time, on the day?

The variety of different religious and cultural weddings I’ve photographed, since 2004, plays a big part in being at the right place at the right time. Fifteen plus years of experience, constantly learning new techniques and what will work in a specific situation, is a big advantage for my couples.

My ears also act as my eyes at times. For example, when I hear a sniffle or laugh, while shooting, I quickly turn around to grab that shot of mum and dad getting a little emotional in the church.

You often do ‘grand shots’ using interesting angles, or the surrounds to add drama to the shot. Are details also important to you?

During the location photos I love using strong leading lines, dark shadow, silhouettes, reflections to create a dramatic backdrop. It’s these little details that make all the artistic difference when capturing a stunning scene. These are often the images that become an exciting wall art portrait, that couples are most excited about, and proud to display in their home.

What do you offer the bridal couple to preserve their photographs? Do you also provide image files to the couple?

I get quite nostalgic holding a printed photo of my great grandparents wedding, knowing that they have also held and enjoyed the same photo. This is why preserving a couple’s wedding story in print/albums is so important.

Yes all my couples receive the image files to make their own prints but it’s the printed album and framed wall art that takes it to the next artistic level. Each of my printed images are individually retouched with my signature style like the image below. Photos are printed, to an archival level, so your great grandkids will be able to enjoy them in the future. It’s also the amazing experience of feeling the paper and scrolling through the pages that computer screens just don’t offer.

The beauty a fine art album/print has over image files is that you do not need any technology, like USB, cloud storage, hard drives, to be able to view and enjoy the photos instantly.

What is your favourite time during the whole wedding journey from the time the couple books you, to delivery of the images?

Favourite time will always be photographing all the emotion on their wedding day. The next favourite part is delivering their final wedding album and seeing their eyes light up.

What do you pride yourself on as far as your photography and service is concerned?

Getting to know what’s important to my couples, how they met, and what they love doing together. I’ve photographed at the bride’s parent’s historic farm estate where she grew up, to the Carlton Football grounds where the groom went with his dad at the age of 5. The more I get to know my couples the more ideas they give me to capture photos that are personal and unique to them.

Couples remark on how you captured the atmosphere of their wedding. What is that special something that allows you to do this?

Simply always looking for the best light, knowing what’s important to them, and allowing their story to naturally reveal itself as I capture their day.

What are some of the strangest things you’ve done to get the perfect shot?

OK it’s standard practice to see me lying on the ground or occasionally climbing a tree, to get that perfect angle and shot. I once stood waist deep in salt water (the arch enemy of camera equipment), with very a very expensive camera. Well worth the shot and no, the camera didn’t get wet.

As a photographer, do you see the world a little differently from other people. What do you notice?

Oh good question! I always look at the lighting first, and often see beauty in the subtle details. For instance, the way light hits a subject at a particular time of day, can transform it completely. Take the late afternoon sun casting light onto a tree. It can be one of the most beautiful and surreal images. Then add the rules of composition and perspective and I find myself setting up photos in my head….even when I’m not on a shoot!

Do you travel to shoot weddings? Do you have a favourite place you’ve visited in the course of your work?

I’ve traveled around Australia to capture some amazing weddings. Place me on a beach in Queensland or a winery in South Australia and I am a very happy person.

With weekends and long work hours, how do you maintain a balance in your life?

Prior to having kids no, but now with a young family, I find it so important. As a photographer my hours are never 9 to 5, I mostly work evenings and weekends, but my job does allow me the flexibility to take time out during the week to drop the kids off at school and to be there for important events.   Any free day on a weekend we always try to make family day which usually includes brunch and bike riding. I’m just very lucky that my wife also loves photography and understands that it is important for me to do what I love.

What do you enjoy about living and working in Melbourne?

Well it’s the food, the coffee, the food, the coffee, oh, and it’s strong arts scene. Then there’s the amazing low lying light, we get, being so low on the globe, but that just me being a photographer.

Thank you Chris for sharing your story. Memories of your day are so important and sentimental – not only for you but for future generations. To find out more about Blue Print Photography visit the website.

All images by Blue Print Photography.