In a new series of candid interviews with a variety of wedding vendors, we have chosen to kick-off with an up close and personal interview with a professional wedding photographer. Through this interview, you will discover what you should consider when selecting a wedding photographer for your own wedding.
Today’s interview is with Austrian wedding photographer Nina Hintringer. Nina has been a professional photographer for the past 4 years and has developed a genuine passion for documenting the most wonderful day in the lives of her clients. She covers about 15 weddings a year, throughout Europe. Her photographs are emotional, touching and a little different from the rest.
CVW Blog: How did you develop your passion for wedding photography?
Nina Hintringer: After starting out in commercial photography, one day I was asked if I would cover the wedding of an old friend of mine. I agreed, not imagining what I was getting myself into. It was a tough and exhausting day for me as I accompanied the bridal couple during the entire day. That night I literally fell into bed vowing never to do it again. But a few days later, as I started sorting through the photos, the emotional memories of the day came flooding back to me and I realised I had just experienced a magical day in the couple’s lives and captured important memories that they would treasure for the rest of their lives. It was at that moment that I knew I was hooked. Such a special day deserves to be documented in a touching and attentive manner.
CVW Blog: What makes your work and your images special?
Nina Hintringer: I believe rapport is what makes the difference. Getting to know the bridal couple before the wedding, building up trust and reducing inhibitions through conversation, even if you are only able to do this over the phone. This prior contact means that on the day I can make myself almost invisible, and that the couple can relax and be themselves without feeling self-conscious. In this way, we create outstanding and emotional pictures, a true reportage of the wedding from an observers perspective. I go where the bridal couple goes and document everything.
When you consider how much time and effort is invested in planning a wedding – from the big items down to choosing the right bouquet, shoes and jewelry – I believe capturing these details and the reactions and emotions of everyone is a part of creating a complete record of a wedding.
Since my beginnings several years ago, I now photograph every wedding as a two-person team. Two cameras see more than one and with one telephoto lens we are able to take evocative shots from some distance away, completely unnoticed. We also capture every image in RAW format, back home in our studio we squeeze the best out of every image, create black and white and sepia versions and condense the top 400 to 500 images of the wedding for the bridal couple.
CVW Blog: Do you see any new trends developing in wedding photography?
Nina Hintringer: When you look at most European wedding photographer’s portfolios, you will see a big difference compared to those from the United States, Australia, New Zealand and even
Singapore. Covering a wedding is no longer about just taking pictures of two well-dressed people. Its about capturing the moment and the emotions. A movement driven from photographers from the above-mentioned countries, this new wedding photography style is often referred to as wedding reportage. This approach requires a photographer to be more flexible and able to handle his/her equipment in every situation. Different light from bright sunlight to dark rooms and the necessity to capture the emotions of the bridal couple as well as the guests, make this type of photography very challenging. You need to commit yourself to the event and to the couple and get really involved.
CVW Blog: What should couples consider when selecting a wedding photographer?
Nina Hintringer: You know, we have covered so many weddings and, I am proud to say, made a lot of new friends along the way. In my opinion, the two most important things are the photography style and rapport. The style comes down to whether or not you like the type of pictures the photographer takes. Ask to see their portfolio and you will soon find out if this is the case. In terms of rapport, it is vital to ensure that you respect and understand each other and that you feel comfortable with each other. A wedding involves lots of very emotional and private moments so you need to feel at ease sharing these moments with the person behind the camera. If you feel this connection, you will be able to almost fade out the photographer during your private moments, allowing you to live the moment fully and without restraint.
You should also consider how you will be getting the images. Do you prefer to get them on a CD or would you prefer to receive an album or coffee-table book designed for you? Consider that apart from your new husband/wife and your wedding rings, your photographs will be the only physical souvenir of your wedding. That is why it is important not just to go for the cheapest option. Think quality, and as we all know, quality has its price, but also consider that only quality prints will ensure photographs and colors that will last for generations.
CVW Blog: What special requirements are involved for a destination wedding?
Nina Hintringer: That depends on how much time a couple has and how flexible they are. If you would like to meet your photographer in person before your wedding but cannot do so during one of your on-site trips, then it would be a good idea to find a photographer close to your home and fly him/her to your wedding destination. Of course, this is also a matter of budget, but it might make some of the logistical considerations easier before and after the wedding.
If, on the other hand, you feel comfortable getting in contact using phone, email or skype to discuss your wishes, it would be more appropriate to select a photographer from the country where you are planning your destination wedding. In our case, we create a password protected online gallery for all of our couples, so that they can view their pictures and select some for their coffee-table book, thank-you cards and whatever else they have chosen, using their computer at home or even on their honeymoon! This is why its a good idea to discuss how you will receive the images and how you will be able to select your album photos.
Finally, don’t be fooled into thinking that for a wedding reportage it is important for the photographer to know the location beforehand as this is not the case. A qualified reportage photographer will know how to get the best out of any location. The most important thing is to select a photographer who is willing to do exactly that – make the most of any venue and situation – as we all know that every wedding has its share of surprises!
For more information or to view more of Nina’s beautiful photos, visit her website at: Nina Hintringer Photography
