Telling your wedding day story through pictures in an artistic and emotional way is the creative strength of a good photographer. It is through their record of the day that you will remember long forgotten details. So choosing the perfect photographer who you feel a connection with, is so important. Amy of Amy Skinner Photography has a beautifully soft and timeless quality to her work – seemingly unadulterated and natural. There is emotion in her pictures and when you look at them you wonder about the story of the people in the image. That’s what I think a beautiful photograph should do – make you wonder, remember and dream. Here’s Amy’s story about her passion for photography, Freo and renovating!

Have you always been creative – or taking photographs for as long as you can remember?

I was always creative when I was younger, probably because I spent a lot of time with my Nan and Grandad. My Nan would always have a paintbrush in her hand, my grandad a camera. They both always encouraged me.
I enjoyed expressing emotions through pictures and this passion continued through school, art college, university and now in my chosen career which I absolutely love.

Describe your thoughts on what you call ‘creative reportage’. What does this mean in terms of your photography?
‘Creative reportage’ describes my style of photography. During a wedding day, I try to document the day as it naturally unfolds like a news reporter would tell a story through words, I tell the story through pictures.

You love all things vintage. How would you describe the vintage wedding photography element of your style?

I am obsessed with the way vintage film looks; I think it is just so timeless and will never go out of fashion so I try to recreate that look in all my work. I’ve recently bought a beautiful vintage Mamiya film camera which I am super excited to start using on my weddings.

Your images have a soft quality. Is this a deliberate expression of your style?

Yes absolutely, it all comes down to me wanting my work to look more like film and less like digital. I use very specific lenses that were only ever used on film cameras to give me the creamy soft background. I could talk about this all day but then I really would sound like a total geek!

Why do you love photographing weddings?

I’ve never really thought about it before, I just think this is what I was made to do! I am so incredibly happy when I have a camera in my hand and to get to photograph two people so madly in love that they want to commit their whole lives to each other is an utter privilege.

What are the best moments to capture – that you are most excited about?

There are 100s of amazing moments throughout the day but my favourite is when the bride and groom are finally on their own during couple pictures and they realise they are actually married! There is always one moment where they are looking at each other with the biggest smiles; that’s the picture I love to take.

How do you ensure that you’re in the right place at the right time?
Years of experience helps! Plus being really organised and having a detailed timeline with my brides. I am all about being organised and I love a good list!

Any advice for brides and grooms?
Throw the rule book out! It’s your wedding have it your way! I wish someone had told me that when I was planning my wedding.

Do you enjoy seeing the different wedding styles and bridal couples putting their own stamp on the wedding?

100%! I get so excited to see my couples’ visions come together, especially when they are a little bit quirky and vintage.

What do couples receive with the packages you offer?

My packages cover a wide variety of needs from a small wedding only needing four hour’s coverage to a whole day from start to finish. Every package includes a USB with 100s of edited images and a second photographer who is just another set of eyes who sees the day from a different angle to me. You can also include a beautiful fine art album at any stage.

Do you suggest an engagement session with you to break the ice and get used to being photographed?

I can safely say every couple who has had an engagement session with me has found having their wedding day pictures taken, so much easier and relaxed. It gave them more confidence to be ‘them’ instead of worrying about how they look.
Any more tips for feeling comfortable in front of the camera?

Choose a photographer that you really connect with. If you can’t relax around them when you meet them the chances are you won’t be able to on your wedding day – that is the key to beautiful, relaxed images.

You express a love of Fremantle? Why is this such a special place to photograph?
What is there not to love about Freo? It has everything you will ever need for your wedding day – historic buildings, the beach, parks, funky venues and that beautiful Freo vibe.

What other interests do you have other than photography?

Whenever I am not working I am renovating my very dated 1970s house. I am a total ‘Block addict’ and just love knocking down walls and choosing interior décor.

What are you reading at the moment?

I am actually reading anything I can get my hands on about film photography (I did say I was a camera geek). It’s such a dying art form that I really want to incorporate it into my work.

Where is your favourite place to go for a holiday?

I absolutely love the south of France. I spent many years as a child going there for my summer holidays and now adore taking my kids there for their holidays. The south of France has everything I love in this world, beautiful weather, amazing food, stunning scenery and so much culture and history I really, really love it!
Thank you, Amy, for sharing your story. It’s never boring poring over wedding photos, and these are filled with emotion and love. To find out more about Amy Skinner Photography visit the website.

All images in this post by Amy Skinner Photography.