The raw emotion of a newly married couple kissing, a bride wiping away tears, or a groom hugging his mother, are the moments that last…”
Daniel Tomczak, Photographer
Daniel Tomczak, a photographer based in San Diego, began his journey in wedding videography six years ago and quickly developed a deep passion for every aspect of the craft. Consistently impressed by many of the photographers with whom he worked, he subsequently took the leap and ventured into wedding photography.
Clearly a thoughtful, calm, and authentic presence, here is our conversation with Daniel, which includes advice on how to best choose your wedding photographer, how he ensures he captures all the key shots, and how he overcomes any challenges that may arise on the day…
Beyond the creative aspect I already enjoyed in videography, I felt I had what it took to shoot weddings; I found that my directing skills and eye for composition really set me apart…”
Daniel Tomczak, Photographer
C&B: “Daniel, congratulations on transitioning from videography into photography. How would you describe your style, and how does it influence the way you capture weddings?”
DT: “My style of photography is definitely photojournalistic, with a touch of fine art and a moody, dreamy flair. In wedding photography, there’s a fine line between having too much influence and not speaking up when you should. I pose when it’s necessary, but most of the time, I’m capturing raw, candid emotions from a distance. The way I see it, I pose only when the setting calls for it. If there’s unique architecture or interesting props, I’m there to make sure the couple looks great in that space. Once I’m happy with the staged shots, I step back and stay ready for the natural, unscripted moments to unfold…”
C&B: “Can you describe your process for working with couples to understand their vision for their wedding day?”
DT: “I believe most couples already have a certain theme or feeling they want their wedding photos to convey. As a photographer, I do have some creative liberty to help shape and direct that vision, and that’s where reading them as people and as a couple becomes very important. I have to figure out: Are they the type to let their wedding dress get a little sandy? Are they leaning more traditional? How would they feel about a more abstract, moody approach? I keep the communication open, encourage them to send me example photos they like, and I share my ideas as well. Then, I blend the two. They hired me for my vision; anything they contribute to help bring it to life is icing on the cake…”
The beaches of California inspire me – you can’t beat a sunset off the coast of San Diego!”
Daniel Tomczak, Photographer
C&B: “What are some common challenges you encounter at wedding shoots, and how do you address them?”
DT: “Aside from travel challenges and keeping track of key people, one issue that tends to come up again and again is time. A wedding day runs on a timeline, and with a great planner, there’s usually room to breathe, but often, there just isn’t enough. I try to stay sharp by thinking quickly on my feet and having plenty of backup plans. If there isn’t time for something now, can we fit it in later? If we can’t capture a moment here, can we adjust the location or who’s involved? There are so many ways to rework the formula of how to manage time on a wedding day and that’s the mindset I bring. At the end of the day, the client’s experience comes first…”
C&B: “Yes, keeping track of key individuals and avoiding the timeline being altered too much must be a major challenge. How do you ensure that you capture all the key moments throughout the wedding ceremony and reception?”
DT: “I memorise the timeline, keep it handy in case I need to reference it, and I communicate regularly with the planner. I also try my best to have a list of the shots that I want to be taken in the specific locations – it’s not super detailed, but I know what I absolutely want to capture and also what would be nice if circumstances allow…”
The Rancho Valencia Resort is one of my favourite venues; I love that at every angle there is a vibrancy and warmth that just makes every embrace that much more meaningful…”
Daniel Tomczak, Photographer
C&B: “Wedding photography is always evolving; how do you stay updated with the latest trends and techniques?”
DT: “Trends aren’t forever, and the art of wedding photography is constantly evolving, especially in the age of social media and smartphones. I see what’s out there on Instagram, and some of it is genuinely unique and interesting. I’ll adopt what I think is cool and apply it to my work, but at the end of the day, I go with what I believe looks best. The raw emotion of a newly married couple kissing, a bride wiping away tears, or a groom hugging his mother, are the moments that last. I don’t view my clients wedding as my private photoshoot for Instagram; it’s a cherished event, and I’m there to document it as authentically and honestly as I possibly can…”
C&B: “It’s very admirable and encouraging that you think that way because many vendors at weddings can’t see past how their work will look on social media, which isn’t really the point of a hugely significant occasion in the life of the couple – particularly as the couple is paying for it all! Keeping in mind that you’re one of those most intimately involved with the couple on their big day, what advice would you give them when first selecting their photographer?”
DT: “Look for someone whose work makes you stop and say, ‘WOW!’ Make sure they’re experienced in the industry and genuinely personable. If something feels off or doesn’t sit right, keep looking, these images will live on forever, often displayed on your walls, so take the decision seriously. And yeah, I know I’m a photographer, so this might sound a little biased, but you really do get what you pay for. If photos mean a lot to you, aim high and choose the right people to help document your big day…”
CONTACT: http://www.danieljtomczak.com
*Detail images from Rancho Valencia Resort courtesy of Instagram
