My style has been developed through my love for documentary photography, my interest in observing people and the way they interact, and the challenge of capturing an image that tells a complete story. It’s easy nowadays to take a pretty picture; almost anyone can do it with their phone. However, consistently delivering quality imagery throughout an entire day is a challenge that I greatly enjoy…”
Joséphine Elvis, Wedding Photographer
Joséphine Elvis is a French-born photographer who primarily specialises in wedding photography but also covers events and family occasions. Based in London, she collaborates with wedding planners to provide services for destination weddings around the world. Here we discuss Joséphine‘s style, and the importance for couples to choose a photographer they have rapport with…
C&B: “Joséphine, what first inspired you to pursue a career in wedding photography, and how did you develop your unique style?”
JE: “Firstly, I was born in the city where photography was invented, Chalon-sur-Saône, France, so I have an intimate and intricate relationship with the medium. I’ve been taking pictures for pretty much all my life. I decided I wanted to pursue street and documentary photography; however, when everyone started using an iPhone, I realised it might be wise to specialise in something more niche. I then asked myself where I could still people-watch and make a living, and that’s when the idea of wedding photography came to me…”
“Couples, please don’t ask a cousin or an uncle who is ‘into photography’ as a hobby to capture your day. Don’t skimp on your photography – the food will be eaten, and the flowers will fade; however, at the end of it all, you will have the images. Therefore, ensure that you have a professional capturing one of the most important days of your life…”
Joséphine Elvis, Wedding Photographer
C&B: “Can you describe your process for capturing the essence of a couple’s love story through your photography?”
JE: “In order to capture a couple’s essence, I need to connect with them. I need to be invested in their story, in their day, know what’s their vision so I don’t impose mine, notice how they interact with each other… etc. For example it would be very awkward to ask a couple to kiss if they are not into public display of affection. Also it’s not a picture that would capture them as a couple. So my process is to have long chats with them, or even meet them. So far, I’ve made the effort to go and meet in person most couples I’ll be photographing this year and it’s been delightful. Sharing a drink or a meal, sharing life stories and connecting on a deeper level definitely helps them to be more relaxed on the day; I’m like a friend with a camera…”
C&B: “Wedding photography can be quite demanding and there’s a whole process you have to go through from first meeting the couple through to providing the end photographs. What type of packages do you offer your couples?”
JE: “Just as every couple is unique, my photography packages are very varied. For the Londoners who want short and sweet, intimate wedding coverage, there’s a 4-hour package. For the couples who would like their whole day captured, I have a 8-hour digital package. For both packages the couple receives a full set of professionally edited images on a private online gallery within a few weeks of their wedding. There are also destination wedding packages, on top of the full day coverage; these include a few hours of photography coverage of the day before, or after, the wedding. Couples can also add to their package the fantastic handmade wedding albums, prints and other items found in my online shop…”
After the couples’ big day, I completely understand that they’re eager to see the photographs, so I’ll send them a few preview images within 72 hours. This is also a good way for them to share a snippet of the day with those friends or family members who were unable to attend the wedding. The full set of images is then ready within five weeks…”
Joséphine Elvis, Wedding Photographer
C&B: “Which are your favourite venues/locations that you’ve shot in, and why?”
JE: “I don’t have favourite venues as such, as my favourite weddings are more about the couple and our connection, than the location. If I had to pick one venue, though, it would probably be Finca Son Togores in Mallorca. The main reason is the light! There’s no light like the Mallorcan light! Also, this venue has different gorgeous outdoor spaces, so couples can have their ceremony under a gorgeous tree, the cocktail reception in the gardens, and the wedding breakfast in the courtyard. There’s also a very charming indoor space. I love the variety and beauty of so many spaces in what is not too big an area…”
C&B: “In your opinion, what are the key elements that contribute to creating captivating and timeless wedding photographs?”
JE: “One element that really helps in getting captivating and timeless images is to make sure the styling of the wedding is on point. For this, a wedding planner is very helpful, if not essential. They are professionals, so the couple must communicate their vision to them, and they’ll make their dreams come true. That’s for the captivating side. For timeless images, I believe the couple just needs to enjoy the moment and not worry about whether everything is going according to plan or if they look good. It’s our job as photographers to take care of that. I believe everyone looks their best when they are naturally having a good time. So ‘be present’, and forget everything else!”
Every couple getting married is looking for inspiration so I believe it is important to represent all kinds of aesthetics and not only the trendy ones. Also being black myself, I tend to attract couples from diverse cultures and backgrounds. As a result my work represents a wide variety of aesthetics that naturally resonates with diverse couples…”
Joséphine Elvis, Wedding Photographer
C&B: “Can you share a memorable experience or standout moment from a wedding you photographed that significantly impacted your artistic vision?”
JE: “The most memorable moments are usually when something does not go according to plan and we have to think harder in order to get the desired results. In Italy, I was photographing a gorgeous Nigerian wedding and at the end of the day, the wedding breakfast was taking place in the courtyard. It was a superb set-up for 150 people – big long tables, lots of flowers, outdoor arched lamps, the whole shebang. It took a dozen people and a whole afternoon to install all of it. When the team finished installing, just half an hour before the dinner, it started raining! Fortunately it stopped after 45 minutes but the staff had to dry everything and the guests were very hungry! I had literally five minutes to take pictures of the couple at their top table and the styling of the wedding breakfast before everyone arrived. It was very stressful but taught me to capture details very fast!”
Couples aren’t short of photographers to choose from, so the most important thing is to ensure they connect with their photographer 100%. That connection is far more important than their portfolio. Additionally, the couple shouldn’t base their decision solely on their well-curated Instagram page and website. Ask to see a full gallery to ensure they can deliver great pictures of the whole day…”
Joséphine Elvis, Wedding Photographer
C&B: “Looking ahead, what are your aspirations for your photography career, and how do you see the evolving landscape of wedding photography influencing your work?”
JE: “Within the next couple of years, I’m hoping to establish solid connections with a few planners whose work aligns with mine so we can regularly work together and make it easier for couples to find their dream suppliers. I used to follow the trends to keep up with what I believed couples wanted, but I’ve evolved and realised that staying true to myself and my vision is the only sustainable way to enjoy capturing a wedding…”
CONTACT: http://www.joelvis.co.uk
