The photographer is all too often the unsung hero of a wedding day. They stand in the shadows on high alert making sure no smile or tear goes amiss, waiting patiently for the perfect frame and that effervescent slice of golden sun. Without them, memories of your wedding day slowly blur at the edges, eventually fading to black and white.
But in a new series we’re calling Behind the Lens, we are bringing photographers straight into the spotlight. We ask them to pick out five of their favourite shots and discuss all things wedding photography including photographic styles, advice for brides and grooms and just why you’ll want to keep your memories in technicolour.
So, to start the series off with a bang, we’d like to introduce you to the wildly talented Rebekah Molloy. With a curiosity for light that she dates back to childhood, Rebekah’s portfolio sees this natural element illuminate creative ideas and the most raw and intimate of moments.
Read the full interview below…
#1 Rebekah, to start off, how would you describe your photographic style?
“I lean more towards a documentary style. Some people prefer a little more guidance – but even with that, there is a point that their interaction becomes organic and completely unique to them. At the end of the day I love creating art and seeing how humans interact with one another. Getting people in front of my camera and getting a little weird is my collaboration process. Each shoot is totally different – based solely upon connection – between the couples together as well as with myself.”
#2 What advice do you have for brides and grooms when it comes to taking photos on their big day?
“If your photographer offers an engagement session TAKE IT. This has been such a wonderful way for me to get to know couples in a much more relaxed setting. I get an idea of what makes them move, how they interact, what prompts work best to get them feeling more comfortable. And they also get an idea of how I work. We get to actually know each other, so when I show up on your wedding day (and will likely either be in your face or lingering close by all day) I’m not a stranger.”
#3 What differences have you found between capturing weddings and shooting elopements?
“Weddings are a deliciously frenetic production. Emotions (and floral arrangements) are big. There is a real energy about a wedding day that you just can’t recreate. The conceptualisation of two different people and what represents them together – in a party setting – fascinates me. Plus, I’m a sucker for a good tablescape.”
“I would say the elopements I have shared are the complete opposite. Quieter. Still with big emotions but perhaps more bespoke to the couple as they don’t have anyone to appease. They feel more spiritual. There isn’t the energy of finding scissors for the bouquet ribbon that was all wrong or arranging extra plating for last-minute guests. The energy of the day focuses on being with each other – fully.”
#4 What inspired you to get into photography?
“I think I have always looked at light a little differently than most. A lot of my visceral memories – especially from childhood – include the way the light was during certain moments. I taught myself how to work an old film camera when I was 15. I was awful. The magic, for me, was bringing the images to life in the darkroom. Learning how to capture light, manipulate it and finally show others how I had always seen it.”
#5 And finally, why were these your favourite five shots?
“Let me tell you – this question is like asking who your favourite child is. It has taken me so long to narrow it down – and I could easily add 100 more. I love these all for such different reasons. But, they each take me back to how the day felt. All of these weddings or elopements were so different from one another, but with the same important promises between two humans. The light, the energy, the vibration and all that big love smooshed into one frame. It really is a bit of magic, isn’t it?”
Discover more work from Rebekah Molloy here.
For more inspiring photography and wedding shoots, head back to Your Day.
