Are you looking for a wedding photographer in the South Wales area? Look no further than, Art by Design photography. We took a few moments with Steve, the face behind the name, to chat about all things wedding photography and find out where it all began!
1. Hi Steve, tell us how your company begin?
I started Art by Design over 8 years ago providing design and photography services. I have has an interest in photography since I was 20 and I am now 43 – so getting on a bit. I think as with most people it started out at a hobby and then I started selling photos to friends and family. I shot my first wedding around 15 years ago for a friend and then through recommendation stared building up clientele. When I started to shoot an average of 4 weddings a year I started up Art by Design to advertise my services and display my portfolio on my website. From there it has grown year on year.
2. How many years have you been in the wedding photography industry?
I have been in the wedding photography industry for 15 years but have been taking photos for over 23 years.
3. How many weddings do you usually photograph a year?
On average I shoot 20 – 27 weddings a year. I think for you to be provide the clients with consistent high quality photos every time you need to put the same amount of work into each wedding. A wedding doesn’t just consist of the wedding day, there is a least another 2 – 4 days editing the photos and creating the album. If you are shooting too many weddings a year then you can’t provide each client with the best results.
4. What is your favourite moment to capture during a wedding day?
I love shooting the service, capturing the moment with the groom in the church nervously waiting for his bride and capturing the moment when the bride sees the groom is priceless. You can’t reproduce that time when they look at each other and they are still nervous. Tears and smiles all at the same time.
5. Couples are becoming adventurous with their wedding photography, often adding props or signs, what do you think of this?
I think it is good as long as the props match the theme of the day. There is nothing worse than using props that look so at of place. I have used props in my shots and it allows the myself and the couples to be creative and have some fun with the shot. I think the main thing is to remember is to know when to to use or not use the props.
6. How do you like to get to know the bride and groom?
I have an initial meeting with the couple before the wedding to get to know what their personalities are like, what their likes and dislikes are. Every couple is different, some are shy, some like having their photos taken etc. I talk with the couple about their requirements for the day, find out what family members are going to be there, talk about what happens if it rains (Where wellies – I love wellies and wedding dresses), and what type of shots they like. After the initial meeting the couple email me or phone me with any questions they have right up to the wedding day. It is important to keep in touch so you know of any last minute changes.
7. If you could photograph one celebrity who would it be?
That’s a tough one but I think Johnney Depp just because if his charisma. I think it would be a very interesting shoot.
8. What’s your favourite movie?
I have lots but I am a sucker for vampire movies, please excuse the pun. Interview with a vampire is one of my favourites.
9. What is your pet hate?
Phones at weddings. People do not enjoy weddings these days. They are either too busy taking pictures with their phones or checking their social updates. I covered one wedding where 5 ladies were sitting down in the wedding reception and not one of them were talking to each other, they were all checking our Facebook and emails on their phones. If I had my way I would ban phones from weddings.
Are you looking for a wedding photographer in Bridgend or in South Wales? Art by Design is based in Bryncethin near Bridgend and Steve can cover weddings throughout South Wales. With over 20 years experience in photography Steve hope that you will find his work emotive, fun and creative. He will work together with you to make your wedding photography suit you and your personalities and requirements.
