Interview: Joab Smith

In our latest behind the lens interview series this week we chat with wedding photographer Joab Smith.

How long have you been photographing weddings for and how did you get into it?

Full time for around 9 years now, my sixth form photography teacher asked me to photograph her wedding and from there, I was hooked!

What do you particularly like about photographing weddings?

I get a real rush from them! I’m still always nervous before the day but then love the challenges involved and end the day on a huge high. The people you meet and share such a special day with are a pretty nice part of it too.

What is your favourite part of the day?

Honestly the party! It’s lovely to have seen people’s progression from smart and nervous in the morning to just having a blast in the evening, it’s a lot of fun to get in there on the dance floor!

How would you describe your style and approach?

Natural and unobtrusive, the couple’s enjoyment is above all else. I’m happy to make some suggestions to get awesome photos, but equally I’d hate to think I asked a couple to do something they weren’t comfortable with.

Who, or what inspires you?

Probably photographer’s from a variety of industries and film the most. There’s an awesomely high standard nowadays and it doesn’t have to be ‘wedding photos’, why not make a wedding look like a movie!?

What advice would you give to couples looking for a wedding photographer?

Be sure to view a full gallery as it’s relatively easy to have 10 nice portfolio photos, but much harder to take stunning photos all day, every wedding. Also I’d recommend meeting your photographer as it’s important they’re somebody who you gel with on the big day!

What tips would you share with couples to help their day go more smoothly?

Plan well before the day, but when it comes, just try to go with the flow and enjoy it whatever happens. It sounds simplistic but if you’re worrying about timings or details then you’re not enjoying the day as much as you could be!

If there was one place in the world you would love to capture a wedding where would it be and why?

I lived in the French Alps for a winter season and a ceremony on a snowy mountain followed by a cozy reception with a fire and too much cheese and wine sounds idyllic to me! – not that I’d start on the wine, the cheese maybe..

Finally… Whats the best moment you’ve had as a wedding photographer?

This is too hard! I’m skimming through a ton of memories and many of the best are just seeing the couple having a blast.. but perhaps the best single moment was during a NYE wedding I’d just captured midnight (which can feel pretty lonely!) and then the couple and their guests immediately bought me shots so that I would join in with them and party. It was lovely to feel so included and the party was a lot of fun too!