Interview: Freckle Photography
In our latest behind the lens interview we chat with Emma from Freckle Photography, a Devon based wedding photographer.
How long have you been photographing weddings for and how did you get into it?
The story is really convoluted and probably a bit dull but I will try to summarise… I moved to Exeter, fresh faced and excited to live in the South West to start a degree in photography and within month found myself assisting a wedding photographer and loved it!! I probably worked more assisting and then second shooting than I did on my studies but I learned heaps!! Lots of stuff went down in my twenties so I had a change of heart and trained to become an Art teacher… oh man – hats off to teachers, my smiley face was not suited to the profession and I got eaten alive by the year 9 kids!! My soft heart is way more suited to wedding photography so back I came and set up this little Freckle thing of mine. I have been full time wedding photographing for 3 years again now but with stints throughout all my years since I was 19 – so a fair few years.
What do you particularly like about photographing weddings?
The love in the room, the tangible feelings that get into your bones, the nerves, the giggles, the wave of emotion as forever promises are uttered. In more practical terms it is always a challenge as you literally never know what you are going to get light wise – I get a huge buzz out of working in brilliant light but equally maximising and working creatively with ‘poor light’. It is a rollercoaster.
What is your favourite part of the day?
This is different for every wedding – I always get a lump in my throat or teary but it always takes me by surprise at different points in the day.
How would you describe your style and approach?
Like a comfy woollen jumper. No really – I think that analogy is the best one I could come up with. My ‘thing’ is making folk feel comfy and able to be themselves, completely. I document the day but by getting in amongst the action, by blending in but not at arms length. I have no idea how I do it but I like to think I’m invisible and it seems to work. I read situations intuitively and go with the flow for pretty much 90% of the day.
I do set some stuff up – but only during the couple portraits – and only by taking couples to their comfy place within a space that works visually. And group photos – we all need a few photos with our grans and uncles, nieces and best mates… I LOVE looking at old family photos – the family groups and giggling about hairstyles and fashion choices, it’s a rite of passage and something that I think we should continue in wedding photography.
Who, or what inspires you?
My couples, nature, their choices for their weddings. It’s a weird thing, if I try to force it it doesn’t work, I have to just feel my way through the day.
What advice would you give to couples looking for a wedding photographer?
It is always the same, it has to just feel right, go with your gut.
What tips would you share with couples to help their day go more smoothly?
Just have a great time, don’t be afraid to let go and get messy, perfection is in the imperfection.
If there was one place in the world you would love to capture a wedding where would it be and why?
I just love outdoor weddings. And I love where I live, I’m a bit of a homebird so really any bit of Devon and Cornwall suits me just fine.
Finally… Whats the best moment you’ve had as a wedding photographer?
As cheesy as it sounds there are just too many best moments to choose from, my life is made up by all the moments from other’s best days ever. But I do love a nice cup of tea during the wedding reception. And the sweaty hugs on the dance floor when guests say how ace I’ve been all day. Those are selfishly good moments.