Interview: Love in Focus
When it comes to choosing your wedding photographer it is important to find out about them and their passion for what they do, today we chat to Bristol Wedding Photographer, Sandy McClure of Love in Focus and find out more about how it all began and what he loves about weddings.
How long have you been photographing weddings for and how did you get into it?
A little over 2 years full time now. I have been into photography since I was a student and had shot a few friends and family members weddings when I decided I wanted to change my career. I used to be a professional fire performer (yes that is actually a thing!) but after doing that for 7 years I got sick of driving all over the country and decided I wanted to do something more local to home. As people had always been very complimentary of my photographs and I had almost 10 years experience with cameras by then I thought I’d give it a shot at being a wedding photographer. It turned out to be much harder than I thought it would be but I’m glad I put the work in, I love my job.
What do you particularly like about photographing weddings?
Everyone is always happy, working with happy people makes me happy. I also love telling stories through images and weddings are great for that. You often get a load of people together who haven’t seen each other in years, the reactions when they see each other for the first time, the old jokes that come out, these are all wonderful things to photograph. I love taking pictures of people, I think expressions say so much and when I capture a shot that tells its own story I get a real thrill.
How would you describe your style and approach?
Ha! that’s tricky. Relaxed reportage I guess. I’m all about getting natural shots of people, I set up a few shots during the bridal shoot and obviously the formals but other than that I’m a very hands off photographer. I spend a lot of time shooting on my telephoto so I can get intimate shots of people without getting in their faces.
What advice would you give to couples looking for a wedding photographer?
Make sure you get one with them. Your photographer will be the most involved stranger at your wedding and they will be with you throughout the day so you need to get on with them. I always try to have a laugh with couples I work with. It helps them relax which makes for better shots and more than that, it’s just nicer to be with friendly people.
What tips would you share with couples to help their day go more smoothly?
Get a timetable and family formal shot list sorted out fairly early on and make sure your photographer has them. Timetable in enough time for your formal shots and the bridal shoot. I always tell couples to allow at least 3 minutes per family formal shot as rounding people up at a wedding is like herding cats. Also assign two people to find and round up each group while your photographer is shooting, this will help get through things much faster and give you more time to enjoy your day. Other than that, just relax and enjoy your day, you will have put in loads of work to get everything sorted, now that is all done just enjoy yourself.
Finally… Whats the best moment you’ve had as a wedding photographer?
Every time I take a shot of a couple that I know they are going to really love. I look at the back of my camera and think ‘This will be the shot they put on their wall’. Creating something that will be so important to people is a real honour.
Thank you for Sandy for chatting with us, you can view more of his work on his website here.