Interview: Andrew Brannan
Today we chat with Andrew Brannan a wedding photographer based in Bath, in our interview series where we chat with the people behind the camera.
How long have you been photographing weddings for and how did you get into it?
I have been shooting weddings for four years. I started out my career as an editorial photographer working for Getty Images in New York City when I was introduced to an award-winning Brooklyn based wedding photographer through a mutual friend. Having been intrigued with wedding photography for a while, I asked him if I could come along to see how things work. As our relationship progressed, I began working with him as an assistant before becoming the second shooter. As a professional photographer I (very naively) guessed that I could just walk into a wedding and shoot it, but I could not have been more wrong. It is SO important that you have a solid foundation and learn your way up!!!!
What do you particularly like about photographing weddings?
I love the spontaneity and pace of weddings. They are all so very personal and individual and every single one is completely different from the next. To be able to go off to work to an environment that is packed full of anticipation and joy is a real privilege.
How would you describe your style and approach?
My style is very natural. I never ask any of my couples to pose, as I love to capture the raw happiness and energy of the day. My approach very much centers on being as unobtrusive as possible, so that I may document each wedding naturally. I take great pride in the strength of my ability to consistently capture such powerful emotion in my candid photography.
Technically, I shoot ‘wide open’ so that I can achieve a soft natural look and is a technique that is particularly flattering on skin tones. I do very little post-production work and favor clean, sharp images that will stand the test of time.
What advice would you give to couples looking for a wedding photographer?
You are going to be spending a great deal of time on your wedding day with your photographer, so it is really important to like their personality as well as their skills with a camera. Ask for a meeting before signing any contracts, if they can make you laugh than you have found the one! Couples should aim to find a photographer whose style matches their aesthetic and vision. Asking a photographer, or anyone creative for that matter, to do something that works against their natural instincts could very likely result in images you are less than thrilled with.
What tips would you share with couples to help their day go more smoothly?
Clear communication is always crucial to ensure that the relationship between the couple and wedding photographer is as successful as possible. I always ask my couples to fill out an in depth questionnaire a week or two before the big day. This is the point in which we clarify the schedule and timings for the day, as well as create a listing all of the desired formal shots and any other special requests. Having everything clearly spelled out beforehand not only ensures the possibility of getting every shot you are hoping for, but it helps me do my job more effectively and your day less stressful.
Finally… Whats the best moment you’ve had as a wedding photographer?
My “best moment “is more of a series of moments than a particular story. My favourite part of any wedding is the quiet time when I break away with the couple to do their portraits right after the ceremony. It is when all of the excitement and love bubbles to the surface. It is such an honor to be a witness to it – and it makes for some incredible photos!
Thank you for Andrew for chatting with us, you can view more of his work and get in touch with him via his profile page here.