Interview: Christian Michael Photography
Today in our interview series we chat with Christian Michael, a wedding photographer based in Cornwall.
How long have you been photographing weddings for and how did you get into it?
I have been photographing weddings since I was 17! So just over a decade now. I developed an interest in photography when I did activities week at school aged 14. I shot and developed a roll of black and white film and upon seeing the photograph appear through the murky chemicals I was excited about capturing moments in time. I realised shortly afterwards that there is no better place to capture moments in time than at a wedding; and was fortunate to document my first wedding at age 17.
What do you particularly like about photographing weddings?
I like that it covers a wide range of photographic styles, I love that one moment I’m a commercial photographer, the next a landscape photographer and then in a blink of an eye I’m shooting beautiful portraits. The atmosphere of a wedding is like no other, the high emotions always ensure you can produce a wide range of stunning images.
How would you describe your style and approach?
I shoot in a photojournalistic style and tend to limit posing as I believe there is nothing better than shooting a wedding day as it happens; this allows couples to on receipt of the images to relive their day as it actually happens and not by the photographers desire to produce unrealistic and un natural posed images.
My commitment to producing these images doesn’t stop at the end of the first dance! I then spend around 60 hours on each wedding individually looking at all the images to enhance them to show them at their best. My editing (as you can see for yourself) is in a very natural and timeless style with no “job lot” filters applied which many photographers seem to be adopting nowadays. Personally I think there is nothing worse than a beautiful image that has had the time and effort spent into being captured stuck into photoshop and having a generic vintage effect.
What advice would you give to couples looking for a wedding photographer?
Find a photographer than suits your style, and don’t expect everything for nothing.
I appreciate my style isn’t for everyone, if you want someone that will do group shot upon group shot then I’m not for you! Also if a photographer is cheap, there is usually a reason for that.
What tips would you share with couples to help their day go more smoothly?
Book suppliers with a good reputation, that way you know they know what they are doing, this will help you relax on your wedding day as you can just worry about the important things like becoming husband and wife.
Finally… Whats the best moment you’ve had as a wedding photographer?
It’s really hard to narrow it down to one as each and every wedding has it’s own special moments. What makes it more rewarding than anything else is the thank you cards and little emails from each wedding, it really is a lovely feeling knowing I’ve helped capture that day for them.
A big thanks to Christian for chatting with us, you can find out more and about him and get in touch on his profile page here.
If you would like to be featured then do get in touch.