There are three important things I think everyone should look for when considering a wedding photographer: style, personality, and professionalism.
STYLE. Style is difficult to define in words, so I hope my portfolio tells you most of what you need to know. When I’m taking photos, I look for a story, interesting emotion, personality, and especially joy – the kind that causes the couple to tear up in the middle of the ceremony, that creates genuine smiles, that makes my eyes water behind my camera, that’s obvious to anyone viewing your photos.
I aim for interesting compositions, colours, great light, and beauty, but I have to admit that all of these aesthetic things leave me cold if there’s no emotion or storytelling. Even the posed portraits should show the way people are feeling that day, especially the real love between them.
PERSONALITY. It’s important that your wedding photographer’s personality meshes with yours and suits what you want as a part of your wedding day. That’s why I try to show as much of myself on this site as possible, from this somewhat long about page and my behind-the-scenes video to my personal blog and Facebook/Twitter accounts. Getting to know each other online is great, but if you live in Victoria, I’d love to meet up with you over drinks or dessert.
My ideal client (or luckily enough, my typical client) is easy going and fun-loving, wants their wedding to reflect their personalities and be a great time for all of their guests, and wants to preserve the amazing moments throughout their day more than they want a billion model-like portraits of themselves. On wedding days, I’ve been mistaken for a guest or family, I’ve been offered champagne and wine, I’ve been asked by a guest if I wanted her to take photos while I danced. I want to be a part of the day, as unobtrusive as any other guest, so everyone will feel comfortable enough around me to let their true selves shine through.
PROFESSIONALISM. Running a trustworthy, professional business is very important to me. Hearing stories about people getting cheated by their wedding photographer genuinely makes me hurt. I want you to be not only in love with your photos but truly happy with the whole experience of working with me, from prompt and friendly communication to helping make the day as stress-free as possible. I want my clients to be able to give a glowing recommendation of me to all of their friends, and really mean it.
I love photography. I guess that’s pretty obvious. I’m not a girly girl. I do have a weakness for colourful shoes (especially my red TOMS wrap boots & Puma ballet flats). I love movies – they inspire my photography more than photographs do. My favourite film is Dead Man because of its stunning black and white cinematography, haunting Neil Young Soundtrack, and quirky humour. I’ve watched The Princess Bride & Superbad more times than I can count. My favourite directors are Wong Kar Wai & Jim Jarmusch for aesthetics and Alfred Hitchcock & Frank Capra for story-telling. I have a serious obsession with Ireland (and Irish men, accents, beer, movies, and music) and I would move there if I could. I spent a month living in Dublin, but wish I’d explored the country more and met more Irish people. I love live music and theatre. I wish I was better at singing or acting. My favourite books are creative non-fiction (like Hunter S. Thompson & Tom Wolfe). I suppose my favourite photographs are also creative non-fiction. I used to be a bit of an indie snob, and I still listen to a lot of obscure music. But a good radio pop song can really brighten up my day. I love travelling, but I can also be a bit of a homebody. I love my cat Freddie and snuggling up inside on a rainy day. I’m a bit of a wuss about bad weather, but I’ll risk it for a great photo session. My name rhymes with Sarah (in case you were wondering).
Feature on Lara at Garnished Weddings
Kurt & Cat’s Rustic Farm Wedding on The Inspiration Room at Weddings In BC
Rebecca and Graham’s Intimate Wedding on Lace and Ruffles
Warren and Laura’s DIY Wedding on Hi-Fi Weddings
Wendy & Lisa’s oceanfront elopement on So You’re Engayged
Lara and Steve’s Abigail’s elopement on Wedding Obsession
Feature on Lara Eichhorn Photography at Dramatis Personae
Interview with Lara at Vancouver Island Photography Blog
Read the FAQ. Or see my personal blog.