Interview: Joseph Hall Photography
In our interview series where we chat with the wedding photographers behind the camera, today we catch up with Joseph Hall, a Bristol based Wedding photographer.
Firstly Joseph, how long have you been photographing weddings for and how did you get into it?
Around 8 years ago my photography lecturer at University asked me if I would shoot her sons wedding. At the time there was still a strong old school ‘tacky’ stigma attached to wedding photography, so my first reaction was dismay! However she persuaded me to shoot in my own style and I loved it, as did her son and wife!
What do you particularly like about photographing weddings?
The people and the emotion! I love being able to capture the life and the love that surrounds a wedding. Weddings are full of passion and excitement, they’re always different and always individual. I think my style attracts fairly creative couples, so I have been pretty lucky as each wedding I shoot is always so unique: It’s never a case of capturing the same day twice! It’s a funny thing but the more I shoot the more I love it.
How would you describe your style and approach?
Reportage or documentary wedding photography would be the obvious term to describe my style, although I have a definite creative edge to my work. I love working with natural light, so I rarely use my flash and I am always influenced by the wedding itself; the people and the natural surroundings of the day.
What advice would you give to couples looking for a wedding photographer?
Ah, well! It depends how you look at it, there are so many wedding photographers now (some fairly useless and some completely brilliant), it can be a bit of a mission. Rather than Google photographers by location, I would suggest that you start your search by looking through websites like Your Perfect Wedding Photographer as well as other wedding blogs and work out what style you like. If photography is an important element of the day to you, I wouldn’t recommend scrimping on your budget: you nearly always get what you pay for. Finally, if you’ve got a selection of photographers in mind, look through lots of their work either in person or on the web and look for consistency. Then, if they’re free, book them fast!
What tips would you share with couples to help their day go more smoothly?
Relax, relax, relax and enjoy the day! The day is essentially a big celebration with all your closest friends and family, eating drinking and dancing. It easy to focus on the details and the stuff, but as long as your guests have good food and booze and a place to enjoy themselves, the day will be perfect!
Finally… Whats the best moment you’ve had as a wedding photographer?
Although a Bristol wedding photographer, I travel all over the country and love to do so. This year was an especially exciting year as I got to shoot abroad in France and Spain as a destination wedding photographer, which was really amazing. But I think the most special part of my job is when I hear great feedback from my clients, that’s always very moving!
If you would like to find out more about Joseph then check out his profile here.
If you would like to be featured then do get in touch.