Where Feeling Becomes A Photograph
Kenzi St George approaches wedding photography with a deep belief in authenticity, connection and the beauty of being fully present. Moving between Australia and the USA, she brings an observant eye to the different ways people celebrate, always encouraging couples to create a day that feels true to them. For Kenzi, the most meaningful photographs are not simply beautiful, but filled with feeling, capturing the people, atmosphere and in-between moments that might otherwise fade with time. Her love for photography extends beyond weddings, inspired by nature, community, family and the everyday beauty around her. At the heart of her work is a simple idea: one day, these photographs will become part of a family’s history, carrying the details and emotions of a day back to the people who lived it.
What do you think makes a photograph feel like a true memory rather than simply a beautiful image?
The art of authenticity is what separates a regular image to a feeling you get when you look at a photograph. I personally connect with people who show up as who they are and confidently approach their wedding day as that person.
What have weddings taught you about the different ways people express love?
The patience and kindness underlying a relationship shines through on a wedding day. No matter what personalities a couple has, a love built on a strong foundation of these virtues will always be evident.
When you meet a couple for the first time, what are you most curious to discover about them?
Im curious to know how they met, how they connect, what hobbies they may have. This is all important to know to be able to capture their wedding day in a unique and personal way.
Is there a particular type of moment that you find yourself getting unexpectedly emotional while photographing?
Most would think it is the vows but for me, its the intimate shoot where the couple get to be together without the noise and chaos of a wedding day. They get to reflect on their day together, hold one another, and enjoy a moment before re-entering their reception to dance the night away. It’s always the couples’ favorite time of the day, too.
How do you think photographing families and couples outside of weddings has influenced the way you photograph a wedding day?
When I am blessed enough to have photographed for families or couples before their wedding day, it allows them to become more comfortable not only with myself as their photographer but also in front of the camera. They’ll show up more relaxed knowing its about being present, not a performance.
What is something you have learned from your clients that has stayed with you beyond the wedding itself?
Time is a thief and life truly does move so fast. One minute you’re planning a wedding and the next you’re looking back at photos. Weddings have taught me to be in the moment, not to stress the small things, and to appreciate the people around me each day.
Do you have a photograph in your archive that feels especially representative of who you are as a photographer, and why?
Although not taken by myself, my mom recently gave me a film strip from a photobooth she had taken as a kid. She must have been about 10 or so. Looking at that image just really reminded me that at some point we were all just kids, riding our bikes, only focused on what was right in front of us, with a whole life ahead. That’s the root of my passion for photography. Thinking about the people who will be holding these images in their hands some day, curious of the details. “What was the weather like?,” “Who was in the background of the photograph?,”What emotions were they feeling that day?”
When you are not photographing, where do you find yourself looking for inspiration without even realising it?
My inspiration comes from Gods creation, from nature, from connection in community, from love, and the joy we have in life. There is so much to be grateful for and my way of holding that gratitude close by photographing the beauty around me. I dont think theres a day that goes by where I don’t take a photo.
You move between Australia and the USA throughout the year. Does working across two very different places change the way you see or approach a wedding?
For sure! While Australia and The USA aren’t too different on the surface, the culture differentiates quite a lot and you can see that in the way they celebrate.
I find The US is a little more traditional with their celebrations. The majority of weddings have a large guest list, a large bridal party, and follow traditions. Whereas the Aussies tend to go against the grain a bit. Im seeing more elopements or intimate weddings, smaller bridal parties and skipping the formalities. Neither is right or wrong, I always encourage couples to host the kind of wedding they would love to attend themselves!
When you look back at your work years from now, what do you hope your photographs will say about the people and lives you were lucky enough to document?
In 10 years time, I suppose I’d like the photographs to tell the true story of how couples felt on the day they were married. I’d want them to look back knowing the decision they made on their day were exactly right for them, and that the best decision was each other.
Above photo of Kenzi
For more information visit .kenzisphotography.com and @kenzistgeorgephotography
Kenzi St George
