Interview: Haydn Rydings
We love catching up with wedding photographers and finding out about their passion for their job and also great advice they have for couples, each week we chat to a wedding photographer as we go behind the lens. Today we catch up with Haydn Rydings a Manchester based Wedding Photographer.
How long have you been photographing weddings for and how did you get into it?
I’m just entering my 4th season as a wedding photographer prior to this I was pretty much solely a commercial photographer shooting for clients such as MTV, BBC, Nokia and a host of print magazines. Although I had a great time shooting with some very high profile people etc, I felt there was something out there for me that gave me the photographic freedom I was looking for, and with wedding photography I’ve found just that.
What do you particularly like about photographing weddings?
Simple, you get to see people at their best.
How would you describe your style and approach?
I’m not entirely sure my style falls in to one particular category, I am all about each couple having their day, letting their personalities and what they are all about as people, shine through in my photographs. The images as a whole, a set, are much more important to me than the individual ‘Hollywood’ shot, it always has been, and always will be, my priority to create a narrative.
What advice would you give to couples looking for a wedding photographer?
I guess it’s so important that couples who are looking for a little more from their wedding photos, make a connection on a personal level with someone. Someone who understands what you’re all about as a couple and share the same idea of how you want the day documented. There are a lot of very talented wedding photographers out there to choose from and I guess it can be a little overwhelming for couples at first, but go meet as many as it takes until you find the one where something just clicks between the 3 of you.
What tips would you share with couples to help their day go more smoothly?
Just let it go! Seriously, don’t get caught up in in the small details of the day. You’ve spent months, maybe years, planning and organising, and once the day arrives it’s time to put your complete trust in your suppliers and enjoy one of the best days of your life – remember why you’re all there in the first place.
Finally… Whats the best moment you’ve had as a wedding photographer?
I wouldn’t say there is one specific grandiuos moment, rather a collection of very subtle moments in time between people, and it’s a privilege to be part of.
Many thanks to Haydn for taking time to chat to us, you can find out more about him, view more of his work and get in touch via his profile page here.