Timeless, emotive wedding photography
Taken by Mitch approaches wedding photography with a focus on genuine, authentic and fun storytelling, creating imagery that allows couples to relive exactly how they felt in each moment. Working with a documentary sensibility, she blends into the background of the day while offering gentle direction to keep couples relaxed and natural in front of the camera. Her inspiration comes from both striking visual moments and the quiet in-between exchanges, with an emphasis on work that evokes feeling as much as it documents. Alongside photography, she also explores wedding floristry and is developing her use of film, drawn to its nostalgic, raw quality and storytelling depth.
How would you describe the personality of your photography, and what do you hope couples feel when they see themselves in your images?
Genuine, authentic and fun. I want couples to look at their images and remember exactly how they felt in that moment.
How do you approach a wedding day so that the experience feels relaxed, enjoyable and full of those unfiltered moments couples love?
The biggest compliment that I have received as a wedding photographer was that the couple didn’t even know I was there. I want couples to be so engrossed in their day that they don’t even notice me capturing it all. I am also known to be the couples biggest hype girl, I bring energy and enthusiasm whilst giving enough direction that couples don’t feel awkward.
What sparks your inspiration when you are shooting, whether it is a pocket of light, a fabulous outfit or a brilliantly chaotic moment on the dance floor?
There are so many things but I like to keep shifting my focus on a wedding day because it is those subtle genuine moments that really make me buzz. The big moments are the ones you hang on your wall but it is the little quiet moments in between that retell the day when you reminisce.
What is the biggest advantage for couples who choose to work with you, especially given your instinct for storytelling and detail?
I don’t think there is any advantage to working with me as such, I honestly feel like I am the lucky one getting to capture the couple! I think one of the biggest advantages is that I genuinely love what I do, each wedding gives me the biggest buzz, this comes through in my imagery. I feel like I am so engrossed in a couple’s day that I capture in the way that I wanted when I too was a bride.
What is your favourite part of a wedding day to photograph and why?
The bridal portraits with just the couple. It is so special and everytime I capture a wedding I pinch myself thinking how am I so lucky to be here capturing one of their most important days. Bridal portraits are when time stops for a minute amongst the chaos of a wedding, a time for the couple to just indulge in each other and that is why it’s my favourite.
What is one unforgettable moment you have captured that still makes you grin whenever it crosses your mind?
A late December wedding where they got 65mm of rain on the day. During bridal portraits, it was absolutely bucketing down with rain, think like the scene from the notebook and all of the cows came and lined up in a perfect line behind the couple for a photo overlooking the valley. The bride had booked me based on having sunset portraits overlooking the valley, safe to say there was no sun but the photos looked magic!
What sets your work apart within the world of contemporary wedding photography?
I would say that my work is all about how it makes people feel. It is very overwhelming deciding on vendors when there is so much choice in this day. I like to think that my work makes your feel joy, love and that you can imagine being there in the moment.
What dream destinations are at the top of your list for future weddings, and what makes those places so inspiring to you?
NZ – the striking beauty of the landscape is just insane and creates this beautiful feeling of being such a tiny spec in mother nature’s beauty.
What creative projects, new styles or personal goals are you excited to explore in the coming years?
Well I also offer wedding floristry as a dual business to the photography. I am really excited to keep exploring how I can continue to make this work. I find that these two artistries are a beautiful blend and it has the added benefit that couples can book with one vendor for two services. My major personal goal is to become more confident in film photography, I absolutely love the raw authenticity and nostalgic feel of film, I hope to be able to add this as a package upgrade for couples in the future.
What advice would you give to couples who want to choose a photographer that truly understands their vision, their energy and the atmosphere they want for their day?
When looking for a photographer that will suit you, you want to feel something when you are looking at their work. For example some people are drawn to the nostalgic documentary style, so a film wedding photographer might be their style. I think it is really important to talk to your potential photographers over the phone so that you get an idea of how they approach capturing weddings.
For more information, visit takenbymitch.mypixieset.com and @taken.by.mitch. Explore Taken by Mitch on the Together Journal Online Directory.
Taken by Mitch
