For me photography is about art, history, fashion, books and film; I love to stay creative by using all artistic forms to inspire visions for my clients. I’m now reaching out even more to clients around the world who truly love and appreciate art…”
Alexandria French, Wedding Photographer
Alexandria French is a wedding photographer based on the border of Yorkshire and Derbyshire who travels all over the UK, Europe and further afield to document weddings. Here we discuss the painterly quality Alex brings to her work and where she finds inspiration…
C&B: “Alex, your work is beautifully romantic, and often with a fun, editorial and quirky edge to it! What first inspired you to pursue a career in wedding photography, and how has your style evolved over the years?”
AF: “I first completed my diploma in analogue photography and was drawn to capturing people. A friend of mine asked me to photograph her wedding day nearly 10 years ago, and the rest is history. During the first few weddings I photographed, I focused on the technical aspects of photography; however, as I grew and developed as an artist, my focus changed to documenting emotion and the ‘feel’ of a wedding day…”
C&B: “Yes, it’s often the case that once a photographer starts in weddings, they love the experience so much they want to remain involved. What would you say sets your work apart from other wedding photographers?”
AF: “I take inspiration from my favourite artists and art movements, also posing and composition found in 90s Vogue. During a wedding day I’m working to ensure that beautiful moments are composed creatively and working with couples on mood boards before their wedding day to create stunning portraits…”
C&B: “There’s an almost ‘painterly’ effect in much of your imagery – how do you ensure that you fully capture the unique individuality of each couple in that special way?”
AF: “It’s very important to me that we work in partnership on the lead up to the wedding day. We come together with inspiring images, or words from their favourite novels and poems and use this to inspire the look and mood of couple portraits…”
I meet with couples over video calls where we come together to discuss the photography aspect of their wedding day. My phone is always on for phone calls, WhatsApp messages and texts so couples can keep dropping ideas they find along the way…”
Alexandria French, Wedding Photographer
C&B: “We love that you put so much effort into creating something totally unique for your couples. What techniques or equipment do you use to create that signature look?”
AF: “My techniques are simple; I aim to use a selection of focal lengths and compositions for key moments giving different perspectives of that time. When it comes to editing those images I don’t use a preset, instead the colours, highlights and shadows are intentionally manipulated to be true to life with a soft hue…”
The most challenging aspect of creating art is when a couple have a vision but their venue of choice doesn’t match the concept, however, where there’s a will there’s a way and I am a huge believer in finding the pockets of gorgeousness to bring visions to fruition…”
Alexandria French, Wedding Photographer
C&B: “Finally, Alex, what advice would you give to couples who are looking for a wedding photographer, such as yourself, to ensure they find a perfect match for their vision?”
AF: “Finding the perfect photographer is definitely a mixture of discovering somebody’s work you love, which is clearly very important, and also finding someone who’ll fit with your day on a personal level. You want to enjoy your experience with your photographer. In my opinion, it really doesn’t matter how beautiful an image is; if you didn’t enjoy the experience, you will attach that memory to the image every time you see it. And with your wedding photos, these are photographs you will have forever to remember your commitment to one another. The person taking your photograph should be someone you loved having with you to document this special day for you…”
CONTACT: http://www.alexandriafrenchphotography.com
