Interview: Jason Pierce-Williams
Today we catch up with London based wedding photographer Jason Pierce-Williams of Neopan Photography.
How long have you been photographing weddings for and how did you get into it?
I have been shooting weddings for ten years. I have been a street photographer for many years before that and found that a wedding can be a perfect vehicle for this style of photography.
What do you particularly like about photographing weddings?
Again, as a street, reportage style photographer, I find that many weddings are perfect vehicles for my style of photography. They are generally emotionally charged and culturally rich and eventful. I also enjoy the relentless photographic challenges which a typical wedding offers.
How would you describe your style and approach?
My approach and style are candid, discreet and energetic. I shoot a wedding in much the same way that I approach street photography – unobtrusive, fast and highly observant, continuously looking out for the little, unrepeatable moments which most guests at a wedding may miss.
What advice would you give to couples looking for a wedding photographer?
Simply, make very, very sure that you love the photography. If the photography talks to you then you will almost certainly find that the photographer, as an individual, will be someone that you will be comfortable working and engaging with also.
What tips would you share with couples to help their day go more smoothly?
Don’t overplan. Yes, there is a lot to organise, but after a certain point, the organisation may disintegrate into paranoia! The most important aspect of a wedding is that it is supposed to be the happiest, and most enjoyable day of the couples lives. Organisation, important as it is , will only take you so far in making the day an enjoyable, special event. Also, keep group shots to an absolute minimum. And above all…delegate responsibilities to people you can trust to keep it together. Keep it simple, don’t over organise, and…….have fun.
Finally… Whats the best moment you’ve had as a wedding photographer?
I’ve had many wonderful, memorable moments, but a particularly random opportunity was when I was shooting a couple under the statue of Eros in Picadilly. I became aware of a presence behind me, turned around and saw about two hundred zombies closing in on myself and the couple, It happened to be international zombie day and the couple got into the spirit of the whole thing wonderfully, jogging around the staue looking terrified and being pursued by hordes of zombies. Hilarious!
Thanks to Jason for taking time out to catch up with us, you can find out more about him and his work via his profile page here at Neopan Photography