In this exclusive interview series, we have the pleasure of highlighting the skilled people behind Liam Collard Photography by Stam and Liam. They are world-famous wedding photographers from the busy city of London. They love French bulldogs and have an insatiable desire to travel, collecting passport stamps from their adventures destination weddings across four continents.
In this blog, Liam and Stam graciously share their expertise, unveiling the artistry behind their captivating wedding photography styles and tips. This gives readers a look behind the scenes at how they make their stunning wedding photos. They provide helpful advice on every step of the wedding photography process, from finding the perfect location to making the couple feel at ease in front of the camera. If you're a couple planning a fairytale wedding or engagement photoshoot, you'll find inspiration and practical advice in this blog.
ELW Team: Thank you very much for your time and interview.
Liam & Stem Collard: Our pleasure. We love what we do and sharing our experience with brides and grooms planning their wedding.
What’s your background in wedding photography?
We have been photographing weddings all over the world for the last ten years. We are a husband and wife team and used to be based in Thailand before we relocated back to Europe. When not taking photos we love travelling with our two bulldogs Bob and Bica. We work with couples mostly from The UK, USA and Australia and are currently in the Top 25 Photographers globally as ranked by our peers in the industry over at Fearless Photographers.
How did you get into wedding photography?
Having seen some friends upset by their wedding photos many years ago we decided to make our passion our career and help brides and grooms get the photos they deserve from their celebration. We believe our portfolio is only half the job. We like to make the experience as smooth and enjoyable as possible and always be on hand to guide our couples if they need our help on or before the day itself.
How would you describe your photography style?
Creative documentary with a sophisticated editorial feel for the portraits.
How do you make clients feel comfortable on their big day?
Relaxed and confident that we have everything covered for them.
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What are the most common challenges you face in wedding photoshoots? Can clients offer helping hand?
It can be a challenge for the bride in the early part of the day to fit everything in and leave enough time to enjoy putting the dress on and having some beautiful photos taken in it. Always ask hair and makeup to finish an hour before you think it needs to be finished, as it always overruns. This will save a lot of stress and make the day more fun.
05 wedding photography tips you'd like to recommend to clients?
1. Meet your photographer before booking them. Liking them is as important as loving their work.
2. Do an engagement photo session as it will get you comfortable working with your photographer before the big day
3. Do not put too many things into your schedule – it will overwhelm you if you do not have any breathing space
4. Think about the lighting after dark, lots of cozy candles or fairy lights will add atmosphere.
5. Relax and enjoy the day – you only get to do this once. Take ten minutes away from the wedding guests with just the two of you to really soak in the moment.
In your opinion, what things clients should consider when choosing a wedding photographer?
🔸Do you like them as well as their work.
🔸How many weddings do they do per year? the more they do the less time they will have for you.
🔸How will they capture different parts of the day if they work alone.
🔸Ask to see a full wedding if you want to book your photographer, taking ten good images is very different to taking 600 good ones.
What do you think is the future of wedding photography? AI, Drones, VFX etc.?
I think in its current format it will have a future but AI can help improve post production by saving time and allowing more focus on perfecting the smaller details of images.
What makes your work stand out?
We have a developed style of using off camera lighting in tandem with each other after dark, this allows us to capture all the magic and atmosphere of the reception and party without the photos lacking depth and colour that on camera flash lights create. It is well worth looking at all photographers night time work as it makes a big difference to the final images being able to capture wedding photographs in this way.
Conclusion
Whether you're having a intimate small wedding or a grand party to celebrate your marriage, one thing will stay constant: the need for professional wedding photography. Liam and Stam Collard from Liam Collard Photography have offered a priceless gift to all couples planning their special day through their shared wedding photography styles. We'd like to thank Liam and Stam from the bottom of our hearts for sharing their knowledge and valuable ideas, which will be helpful in capturing every precious moment of your wedding day in photographs. Take their advise into account if you want your memories to last a lifetime!
Follow Liam Collard Photography‘s work on their website and Instagram.
