Interview: Caro Weiss
In our latest wedding photographer interview we catch up with Caro Weiss, a Creative Wedding and Editorial Photography based in Scotland.
How long have you been photographing weddings for and how did you get into it?
I’ve been photographing weddings for the past 8 years now. To be honest, I did not think I would end up being a wedding photographer when I was studying photography in Brighton back in the year 2000. For all I knew, wedding photographers seemed to all be middle-aged guys with a beer belly that shouted at everyone and made Brides lie on car bonnets. Then a friend was planning her wedding and asked if I would take some photos, just documenting the events of the day with no posing, making a story with my images and what can I say, I loved it, caught the bug and the rest is history!
What do you particularly like about photographing weddings?
To me, every wedding and every couple are different. I get to travel to some amazing places to document that one day when a couple celebrates with everyone they love. The photos I give them will spark memories and conversations for years to come – that’s pretty special to me and I feel very lucky that this is my job.
What is your favourite part of the day?
That actually totally varies for me. Sometimes it’s all the buzz and excitement of getting ready, sometimes a beautiful ceremony, heartfelt speeches, everyone on the dance floor or when a couple totally relaxes when we do the couple shoot.
How would you describe your style and approach?
Relaxed, unposed, alternative, creative reportage (now that’s a mouth full ;))
Who, or what inspires you?
Elliott Erwitt, Eve Arnold, Astrid Kirchherr, Robert Frank, Chris Steele-Perkins, Harry Gruyaert – the list goes on.
Also, music and films!
What advice would you give to couples looking for a wedding photographer?
First think about what kind of style of wedding photos you like, check out blogs and see if any photographers they feature stand out to you. Have a realistic budget! It really is true that what remains of the day will be your photos so don’t skimp on the photography. Good wedding photographers get booked up a year to 18 months in advance especially for Saturdays in the summertime so as soon as you have set your date get your photographer booked!
What tips would you share with couples to help their day go more smoothly?
1.Don’t stress! If anything goes wrong (not that it will) someone else will sort it out for you.
2. Don’t sweat the small stuff – Absolutely nobody (apart from yourself) will notice that the ribbon on the napkins won’t match the Bridesmaid dresses.
3. Have fun – yep, as long as you are having the best time, everyone else will too.
If there was one place in the world you would love to capture a wedding where would it be and why?
New York – because New York and I are a match made in heaven!
Finally… What’s the best moment you’ve had as a wedding photographer?
Oh my, that’s a hard one! There’s been quite a few but perhaps one great moment recently was being named as one of the top 10 alternative wedding photographers by Stylist magazine.