Interview: Jay Emme Photography

Published by Sam, Editor -
Interview: Jay Emme Photography

Today we chat with Worcestershire based Wedding Photographer Jay Emme in our interview series where we find out about people behind the lens capturing your perfect wedding day.

Hans & Sarah, Bath Wedding Photography, 300814

How long have you been photographing weddings for and how did you get into it?
I’ve been doing weddings for nearly 6 years now, and I got into it by sheer fluke! I was already doing lifestyle photography (newborns in particular) and another photographer asked if I wanted to 2nd shoot him for a wedding. I said yes, and was instantly hooked! I couldn’t get enough of the day, and when he asked again, I said yes immediately. Soon after that, people asked me to photograph their weddings directly, and I’ve buzzed off weddings ever since!

Emma & Mark, Bedern Hall, York, May 2013

What do you particularly like about photographing weddings?
Everything. The adrenaline which constantly flows throughout the day (the clients and my own!), the people I meet, the photos I make, the laughs, the tears… Every single wedding is different, and because I travel so much, every single wedding is like a mini adventure. On top of all of that, I make some amazing friends along the way. Since I recently started photographing with film cameras, I love waiting for the wedding photos to come back from the film lab – it’s like Christmas all over again! And more than anything, above all, it’s one hell of an honour and pleasure to be asked to be tasked with, and involved in one of the most important days a couple might have.

Nicola & Martin - Hindley Hall Golf Club wedding photography, Wi

How would you describe your style and approach?
Absolutely laid back and casual. I do not like bossing people around, and very much prefer to blend in like a guest. I get a lot of couples who aren’t entirely comfy in front of the camera, so I help them in every way possible to get those incredible photos they’re after. They don’t feel any stress and are always amazed with the results – which is ace!

What advice would you give to couples looking for a wedding photographer?
Absolutely get to know them. That person is most likely going to be with you the entire day long, and you need to be able to get on with them like they’re an old friend. It’s not just about their photos, it’s about them, too. Teamwork is key, and it goes both ways! And don’t be afraid to ask questions if you’re unsure about something. Don’t ask questions from magazine articles, ask questions which apply to YOU and are IMPORTANT to you.

Rosie & Nick Hawes, The Old Library Custard Factory, Birmingham

What tips would you share with couples to help their day go more smoothly?
Your day will go more smoothly the second you stop worrying about it going more smoothly. 😀 The best weddings I’ve seen are the ones where the couple realise that, no matter what happened, no matter what went down, they were always going to have an amazing day. Delegate someone else to be the “firewall” on the day, and make it clear that you aren’t going to be dealing with any one else’s stress. You’re there to relax, party, celebrate, and enjoy it all with the people whom you’ve invited!

Corinne & Gareth, Ecclesall Woods, Sheffield, April 13

Finally… Whats the best moment you’ve had as a wedding photographer?
There are so many best moments…one of them was the first time I was asked to travel overseas to photograph someone’s wedding – that was amazing. I’d also say when two friends (independently) emailed me to tell me they couldn’t decide whether to have me at their wedding as a guest or as photographer – they desperately wanted me to do both! Corny as it sounds, I love when I get an enquiry…it’s like the beginning of another new story, and I always look forward to seeing how it’s all going to turn out!

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