Welcome
I'm Andre, the creative force behind Weddings by Andre. My journey into wedding photography is a story of passion, inspiration, and a love for capturing life's most beautiful moments. I'd like to share with you how I started, what drives my work, and the unique approach I bring to every wedding I photograph.
These were some of the first pictures I ever took, circa ~2013... Peep those Instagram filters in the bottom row.
A Lifelong Passion for Photography
From a young age, I was captivated by the magic of photography. I remember the sheer excitement of begging my parents for a digital camera when I was just eight years old. It wasn't merely a passing whim; it was a deep-seated desire to capture the world around me. The idea of freezing a moment in time and then being able to draw it fascinated me. Little did I know that this childhood curiosity would blossom into a lifelong passion.
Growing up, my dad was a wedding videographer, and I often tagged along on his workdays. Those experiences were more than just casual outings; they were formative. I vividly remember the first time I picked up one of his unused cameras. There was an instant connection. Holding that camera felt like discovering a new language, one through which I could express emotions and stories without uttering a single word. The thrill of capturing candid moments, the fleeting glances, and genuine smiles became a pursuit I couldn't resist.
The Path to Weddings by Andre
My journey to becoming a full-time wedding photographer was anything but straightforward. For over a decade, I honed my skills behind the lens, starting with simple snapshots and evolving into a more sophisticated craft. When Instagram emerged, it became a platform for me to share my work, initially with photos taken on an iPod Touch. Each post was a step toward refining my style and understanding the kind of stories I wanted to tell.
During my college years, my photography business (previously known as Seatownphoto) took a backseat as I juggled studies and eventually a job in private equity. However, the corporate world never felt like home. The decision to leave my job and pursue wedding photography full-time was both daunting and exhilarating. It was a leap of faith fueled by the belief that my true calling lay in capturing the most important moments in people’s lives. Thus, Weddings by Andre was born, a testament to my dedication to this art form.
Why I Love Photographing Weddings
Weddings are not just events; they are profound celebrations of love, unity, and commitment. What I love most about photographing weddings is the privilege of witnessing and capturing these intimate moments. There is something incredibly moving about two people coming together, surrounded by the warmth and support of their family and friends. Although weddings can be stressful, the beauty lies in these shared experiences, the laughter, the tears, and the quiet moments of reflection.
One of the most poignant aspects of weddings is the realization that this might be the only time in a couple's life when everyone they care about is gathered in one place. It’s a convergence of lives, histories, and emotions that creates an atmosphere like no other. Over the years, I’ve come to deeply appreciate the significance of these gatherings. My role is not just to take photos but to preserve the essence of these fleeting moments. Every detail, every expression, every interaction holds value and deserves to be remembered.
My Approach to Wedding Photography
My approach to wedding photography is deeply rooted in authenticity and creativity. I strive to capture the day as it unfolds naturally, but I also bring an artistic eye to my work. I am not entirely hands-off like a documentary photographer; I engage with my subjects, guide them, and create opportunities for beautiful, spontaneous moments. My style balances the genuine atmosphere of a wedding with the elegance of fine art photography.
Bride and groom portraits are my favorite part of the wedding day. This is where I can truly unleash my creativity and make the couple feel like the stars they are. These portraits are not just pictures; they are heirlooms that will be cherished for generations. I aim to create images that are both timeless and unique, reflecting the couple's personality and love story.
Making Clients Feel Comfortable
Ensuring that my clients feel comfortable and natural in front of the camera is one of my top priorities. I understand that not everyone is used to being photographed, and the idea of posing can sometimes feel daunting. To help ease these concerns, I make it a point to connect with couples well before their wedding day. This often involves a detailed discussion about their vision, preferences, and even a walkthrough of the day’s schedule.
I share tips and tricks from my many years of experience to help them relax and feel confident. This might include simple posing advice or prompts that evoke genuine emotions and interactions. For instance, I might ask a couple to recall a funny memory or share a private joke during a shoot, capturing their natural smiles and laughter. These interactions help to build a rapport and trust, making the photo sessions feel more like spending time with a friend than a formal photography session.
Overcoming Challenges
Every wedding comes with its own set of challenges, whether it's unpredictable weather, tight schedules, or unexpected moments. However, these challenges also offer opportunities to capture truly unique and memorable images. One of the most significant lessons I’ve learned as a wedding photographer is the importance of adaptability and staying calm under pressure.
One of the most memorable experiences was a wedding in Aruba, where the couple decided to do a "trash the dress" session by running into the ocean at the end of their wedding day. This spontaneous moment, filled with joy and laughter, resulted in some of the most vibrant and carefree photos I’ve ever taken. It's moments like these that remind me why I love what I do – capturing the unplanned, unscripted joy that defines these special days.
Some photos from my trip to Bali, a life changing experience!
What I Hope Couples Take Away
My ultimate goal is for couples to have memories that last a lifetime. I want them to look back on their wedding photos and not only remember how the day looked but also how it felt. These images should evoke the same emotions and warmth years down the line as they did on the actual day. I hope to provide couples with a collection of photos that they can proudly share with their children, family, and friends for years to come. It’s incredibly rewarding to hear from couples who tell me how much they cherish their wedding photos. Knowing that I’ve played a part in preserving their memories and that these images bring joy and nostalgia is the greatest compliment I can receive.
Influences and Hobbies
Outside of photography, I have a deep love for travel, experiencing new cultures, painting, and art in general. Each of these interests influences my work in unique ways. Traveling exposes me to different perspectives and ways of seeing the world, which I bring back to my photography. Each new culture I encounter teaches me something new about storytelling and capturing the essence of a moment.
Painting and other forms of art help me to hone my eye for composition, color, and detail. They push me to see beauty in unexpected places and to approach my work with a fresh, creative mindset. This blend of experiences enriches my photography, allowing me to offer something unique to each couple I work with.
Staying Current and Classic
While I stay aware of current photography techniques and trends through Instagram and internet research, I also believe in the timelessness of classic methods. Trends come and go, but the fundamental principles of good photography – composition, lighting, and capturing genuine emotions – remain constant. I strive to blend contemporary techniques with a timeless approach, ensuring that my photos will look as beautiful decades from now as they do today.
You made it this far!
Choosing the right wedding photographer is a significant decision, and I'm honored whenever a couple selects Weddings by Andre. My journey, passion, and approach are dedicated to making your wedding day unforgettable. If you're looking for a photographer who captures the genuine emotions and unique moments of your special day, I'd love to connect and discuss how I can help preserve your memories.
Thank you for considering Weddings by Andre. I look forward to the possibility of working with you and capturing the beautiful, once-in-a-lifetime moments of your wedding day.
