Magic moments with Tony Evans Photography
There are a host of things we we love about shutterbug Tony Evans. He’s a down to earth guy, has a knack for making even the most shy bride or groom feel comfortable in front of the camera, and he also happens takes one hell of a photo!
Having your photo taken can be tough, and we aren’t pointing fingers – but it’s usually not a groom’s cup of tea! We sat down with Tony to learn more about this aspect of wedding photography and get some tips as to how to combat those on-the-day nerves, making for the best captured memories possible.
We think you will agree, Tony is a true asset to any wedding day, so enjoy the read, and enquire about his fantastic photography services here.
What is it about being in front of the camera that can make a groom in particular, feel so uncomfortable?
Often the groom can feel like the day is all about the bride and that they don’t really want to be the centre of attention. Sometimes grooms just don’t want to look stupid! Lots of blokes don’t necessarily get portraits made of them very often, so sticking a big lens in their face and telling them to act natural might not cut it. It is especially hard if the groom has all his blokes mates standing around watching him!
How do you work to ease the on-the-day nerves for couples?
Meeting with the couple before the wedding really helps ease the nerves on the day, making sure we are both on the same page and we understand that I’m not there to put on a photo shoot on a day where they happen to get married, but I’m there to capture it as it happens, then get some sweet portraits in a fun, relaxed way. I see it as a massive part of my job to keep the couple relaxed, particularly during the portrait sessions, by making sure they know I’m in control of things like the timeline and our locations. I think it’s key that they feel like they don’t need to worry about making it back on time, or whether we will find a good spot. I learnt a few tricks from an absolute legend of a photographer, Jesh De Rox, who teaches all about the connection that you make with the couple, and that you can bring out that connection through little prompts or questions – the key here is that you’re not creating something that doesn’t exist, you are just allowing it to come out.
Is a ‘first look’ something you might recommend couples who feel a little camera shy, consider?
A first look is a really interesting thing that a lot of couples go for. The positive is that you get it out of the way early, so you miss out on less party time later on, and you can often meet up at a sweet location before heading to the ceremony together. One issue with a ‘first look,’ however, is that you miss out on that magic moment as the groom sees his bride walking down the aisle, so it’s definitely something you need to weigh up.
If a blokey bloke is resistant to the idea of photos, it might make your job a little tougher. What are some tips for grooms to take into their day, to ease their minds?
I always tell the groom when we meet up that the camera can’t see feelings. So you can be as in love as Romeo, but if you are standing with your arms crossed in front of you and a frown on your face, that’s not going to come through, so just to remember that body language is really important, and it can be really simple, like leaning towards your beautiful new bride, or reaching out to touch her, or looking at her. Seriously, just look at her – she’s amazing!
How do you get around couples or bridal parties who are finding it difficult to be themselves and show emotion in front of the camera?
Laughter is key, here, and the first step is me taking the piss out of myself to bring the mood down. Often the bridal party shots are straight after the ceremony and if something hasn’t gone to plan this might be the first chance for them to de-brief after a massive morning, so allowing them that time is crucial, then getting into it so we don’t miss out on the party. One good idea is to allow the bridal party to stay with the rest of the group and have a few drinks for 30-40 minutes before heading off. The other key is a packet of party mix lollies. Sugar is king.
What are some common misconceptions about wedding photography that can leave some people feeling uncomfortable?
The most common thing couples say to me is that they don’t like the posey wedding photography, they just want natural moments. One misconception I think is that people probably don’t realise that often those natural moments need to be “set up” by the photographer to make sure they happen is beautiful light, with a lovely background and the bride and groom facing the right direction – basically looking their best!
Do you feel as though grooms often settle into the photo side of things as the day goes on?
Absolutely, however the grooms are usually the ones who have had enough of it earlier, also, so a few cheeky beers in an esky is often a good idea… and if that doesn’t work, then a packet of mixed lollies might do the trick.
What do you just love about your job, Tony?
I get to meet and hang around with some amazing people, in beautiful places, on the most special day of their lives, then give them something they will cherish, which takes them back to that day with all their friends and family. So… pretty much everything…
Describe for us the “Tony Evans style” of photography.
It’s always evolving, but what I hope to give my couples is a beautiful record of their day, with a heap of captured moments, plus some beautiful portraits, and maybe something epic.
Your top three tips for beating wedding day jitters?
My Dad is Welsh, and there is a Welsh saying “Glo man” which means “small coal”. The coal miners used to say it to remind themselves not to worry about the small coal, but just to lift the big pieces. If people have shelter, sustenance and music, they will be fine.
Are there certain trends or exciting changes in weddings that you have seen in the current season? And what do you think we can expect to see more/less of?
I’m liking the idea of a festival wedding weekend. Two days out in the country somewhere, everyone camps, no one goes home.
Check out Tony’s work on Anna and Tom’s inner city celebration, it’s a ripper, and enquire with him here.
