In addition to being featured on various wedding blogs such as Style Me Pretty, Glamour & Grace, and Brides, to name just a few, my travel photography has also been featured in Marie Claire and Grazia. I was named The Luxury Travel Guide’s Wedding Photographer of the Year for 2019/2020, as well as Weddings & Honeymoons Magazine’s Top Wedding Photographer in Greece for 2020…”
Maxeen Kim, Destination Wedding Photographer
Maxeen Kim is an award-winning, UK-based destination wedding photographer. Originally from South Africa, she is now based in the Cotswolds. During the summer months, Maxeen divides her time between the UK and Greece, where her Italian husband’s business is located. Here we discuss what first attracted her to her career and the favourite aspects of her work…
C&B: “Maxeen, photography is your second career – what was it that first prompted the transition from finance to something more in line with your background?”
MK: “After working in finance in London for five years and finding it unfulfilling, I was asked to shoot a friend’s wedding. I come from a family of creatives – designers, illustrators, painters, and architects. I’ve always been drawn to the arts, and when I picked up a camera, it just felt right. After shooting that first wedding, I began experimenting with photography on weekends. Eventually, I left my office job and founded Maxeen Kim Photography – a decision that has completely changed my life.”
I generally take on luxury weddings and events in the UK and Europe; the destination weddings I cover tend to be multi-event celebrations encompassing welcome party, wedding and post wedding chill-out events…”
Maxeen Kim, Destination Wedding Photographer
C&B: “There are so many beautiful locations around the world; where does your work take you, and which venues are your personal favourites?”
MK: “While my work focuses mostly on UK and European destinations such as France, Italy, Greece and Spain, I’ve been lucky enough to travel to further afield to Egypt, South Africa, Reunion and Mauritius to cover weddings too. However, I love shooting in the UK and Hedsor House is one of my favourite UK venues…”
I’ve been a photographer for 12 years, and when the event calls for it, I have a team of trusted photographers who work alongside me. I’ve built the team over the last decade, and they share my vision and attention to detail, ensuring everything is captured perfectly…”
Maxeen Kim, Destination Wedding Photographer
C&B: “We know that the field of wedding photography is highly competitive; what would you say is your USP and why do your clients book you?”
MK: “I would say my ability to create light, dreamy, and emotionally evocative images that capture the essence of luxury destination weddings and elopements. My soft editorial style, combined with a passion for travel, allows me to blend into the celebrations seamlessly, ensuring that every moment is documented with a sense of freedom and natural beauty. I find my work resonates with couples wanting classic, timeless imagery filled with emotion and a hint of adventure. In recent years, I’ve had couples come back and book me for family sessions and events…”
C&B: “Using the right equipment is so crucial to the end result; what equipment do you generally use for your work?”
MK: “Canon is my brand of choice. Some of my earliest memories involve family holidays with my father and grandfather taking photos on a Canon. So, when I bought my first camera, it seemed the logical – if not sentimental – choice. When shooting a wedding I always take two camera bodies, multiple lenses and a flash for each camera to ensure I’m covered for all lighting conditions…”
C&B: “What would be your dream project?”
MK: “Growing up in South Africa, I have always wanted to go to the Namibian desert. I think shooting a wedding there would be an absolute dream. The landscape and venues are both uniquely different and breathtaking at the same time. Coupled with the sunset light I feel it would make for the most iconic imagery…”
“Then, if we’re talking Europe, my husband is Italian and I have totally fallen in love with his country; I find weddings in Amalfi or Como are always a dream to shoot. Having said that, I love exploring new places and find some of the dreamiest projects I work on are the ones in lesser-known locations. In my experience those are the ones that really ‘wow’ you as you have no idea what to expect!”
CONTACT: http://www.maxeenkimphotography.com
