Today we’re chatting to wedding photographer Evan Lo, founder of Oaktree Weddings. Evan got into photography when he was just 15 years old. He was instantly hooked, and soon became fascinated with how you could use a camera to transform the real world into a memory you could see on paper. Fast forward and Evan now has his very own studio with a collective of wedding photographers who all share the same passion for storytelling. They want to make your wedding day memorable, so later you can look back and feel all the emotions that made up your special day.
Below, we chat more about the Oaktree Weddings photography style, just how he goes about capturing all the important and emotive moments, and why videography is the perfect partner to wedding photography.
Hi Evan! Where are you based and how long have you been shooting weddings?
Bankstown, Sydney. I’ve been shooting weddings for 10 years.
Do you travel for weddings?
Yes and international. So far I have shot weddings in Japan, Hong Kong and Vietnam.
How would you describe your photography style?
Happy and simple and fun!
What is it during the wedding day that you find most important to capture in your images?
The ceremony and reception speeches.
You mention that you consider capturing how the couple felt on their wedding day. How does that show in the photos of the day?
I wait patiently and observe the couple’s emotional reactions and then I capture it without them knowing it.
What have been some the biggest changes in weddings since you started out as a wedding photographer?
Style has become more and more different then before, but overall I like to maintain the core value, which is simple and fun and happy.
What kind of trends have you noticed in the weddings you’ve shot recently?
Probably still country weddings are the hottest trend so far, I guess people want a more fresh and nature look.
You offer both photography and videography? What does a film add to the couple’s memories of the day – why is it important?
Photos can capture moments, but video can record the actual sound from that day. For example, the speeches – in 10 years time you’ll probably have forgotten what people have said, but because of videography you are able to record that sweet speech and listen and watch it many years later.
What’s your approach to a wedding, starting from when you first meet the couple? How important is it to make a connection with them?
Just simple basically: chat with them like a friend. The more you connect the more the couple can feel comfortable with you.
Do you offer engagement sessions? If you do, why do you recommend them?
Sometimes I do, if the couple really wants. The benefits of having engagement shot is to practise and feel more comfortable in front of the camera.
You pour so many hours of work into a wedding! What’s some of the behind the scenes stuff that couples might not realise you do, especially after the wedding?
It’s more about the editing and post-production. That takes a lot of time.
How do you balance your work life with your personal life? Any strategies?
Work on the weekend, rest during weekdays and spend 1-2 days on production work.
What are some of the places you’ve travelled to? Any recommendations that you can offer for honeymoons?
Japan!!! So many fun stuff to experience.
Thanks so much for sharing your story with us today, Evan! If you’d like to book the Oaktree Weddings team in for your local or overseas wedding, you can find out more about their services on their website, or head on over to the Polka Dot Directory!
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