Interview: Julie Pepin Photography
In our behind the lens wedding photographer interview series we chat to Julie Pepin.
How long have you been photographing weddings for and how did you get into it?
I photographed my first wedding in 2007 when one of my best friends couldn’t find a photographer that she liked enough to hire, so she hired me! People saw the photos from that wedding and hired me for another and another and it just snow-balled from there.
What do you particularly like about photographing weddings?
I really like the photojournalistic aspect to it. I like being present for the myriad of emotions that happen over the course of a wedding day and that I am allowed to photograph them happening.
What is your favourite part of the day?
I don’t have a specific time that I like more than the rest … I really think it’s the day as a whole that I really love, when all of the different parts and people come together over the course of the day to make one big wedding “quilt”, if you will.
How would you describe your style and approach?
I am definitely a watcher. I try and be patient and wait for the sincere moments rather than push people into standing and smiling for the camera. And when I do give direction, I like to give a little and then see what they do with it. I give time for them to process it in their own way so it’s always the client and their vibe coming through in the pictures.
Who, or what inspires you?
Everything. The weather, light, movies, books, music, the people around me …
What advice would you give to couples looking for a wedding photographer?
Pick someone that produces photos that they have a strong emotional connection to.
What tips would you share with couples to help their day go more smoothly?
Create a great schedule and then just trust the people you chose as your vendors, give yourselves over to the day and all it’s moments and just really lean into the flow of whatever is happening whether it was scheduled or not.
If there was one place in the world you would love to capture a wedding where would it be and why?
Scotland. Because I have never been and it looks amazing! And I would love to shoot more in England. Pretty much anywhere, the country is just breathtaking.
Finally… What’s the best moment you’ve had as a wedding photographer?
Every single time a client emails me that they are over the moon about their wedding photos is the new best moment for me.
Many thanks to Julie for taking the time out to chat to us and giving us an insight into her world of photography.