ISPWP Member Spotlight - Heidi Thomas

How did you get your start and why did you choose wedding photography as a career?

I have always loved wedding photography. Back when I studied photography, I remember some of my peers and teachers viewing wedding photography as an inferior genre of photography, as something that didn’t deserve any time of the day. I never saw it that way. If anything, I think wedding photography can be extremely challenging, and your technical and people skills all must be on point non-stop. And it is that challenge that made me choose to pursue it more. I love the thrill and the buzz and getting close to people during some of the most important moments of their lives. I love travelling and wedding photography also allows me to shoot in new locations. 

How has your extensive experience in wedding photography helped you in difficult circumstances on a wedding day?

On a wedding day anything can happen! I’ve learned to improvise in bad light, challenging venues, and navigate working with different personalities in tight schedules. Anyone else can lose their cool but you. Preparation is super important. I remember back when I shot one of my first weddings years ago, the bride told me that one of her relatives was a very experienced wedding photographer and was going to do the group photos. I was feeling quite intimidated by having this veteran photographer watch me work during the ceremony but turns out he had forgotten his memory cards at home and had to borrow mine!

What advice would you give a bride who is looking for a wedding photographer?

Start looking early, don’t leave it too late. Choose someone who is experienced and passionate, you won’t regret it. Your uncle Rob might have a new camera, but he won’t get you the images you saw on Pinterest. When choosing a photographer look at the style of their work and their personality. You want to get along and have fun, and their style will be reflected in your images. 

What's your favourite part of the wedding day to photograph?

My absolute favourites are getting ready photos, portraits and reception. During those photos the clients are usually feeling a bit more relaxed and letting their hair down. During getting ready there are often some very intimate, loving moments between the family and the friends, and it is just lovely to be able to stand in the room to freeze those moments.

What kinds of weddings do you love to photograph?

My favourite weddings are full of laughter and happy tears. Whatever the venue, it is so special when the couple has made the day look like them, and just really enjoys the day. Having said that I am always thankful when they have listened to my advice on best lighting, that just makes the photos so much more crisp and flattering! 

What are your top tips for brides to help them get great photos on their wedding day?

If you can, choose a cute place to get ready at. Try to minimise the clutter and have some great tunes and your best mates with you to have a good time. During the ceremony take your time and remember to breathe! Everyone is there to support you. Be open for ideas from your photographer and don’t hesitate to communicate your own wishes with them. 

What do you do for fun when you're not shooting weddings?

Honestly, I don’t know if anyone else would find it fun, but I study psychology on my free time. I also have two little boys who like to keep me busy. If I do find time to switch off, I like to watch action movies and thrillers (not very romantic, I know), and do a bit of gardening. And by gardening, I mean buy plants and bring them home where they will die. 

How would you describe your style of photography?

I love a warm and relaxed feel in photos. I like to document real moments as they are happening, but I also like to prepare my clients for shoots and instruct them in the moment. It’s a bit of a mix. 

What (or who) inspires you?

I find inspiration by looking at wedding photos from other members of the ISPWP. Everyone here is just so talented and I often find myself drooling over different images around the world. I love images that are clever and tell a story, and there are a lot of images like that here. 

How important is it to hire an experienced wedding photographer?

It is hugely important. Even if you elope, or have a small backyard wedding, you won’t get that moment back. And it goes so fast, you really want someone there to capture it for you to look at. A lot of people have good cameras at home, but that doesn’t make them photographers. Photographers will instruct you so you’ll look your best, and do all the work for you so that your photo will have the best background, light, editing etc. 

What's the best photography-related advice you've been given?

Value your time. I’ve really tried to find a balance between keeping my prices reasonable and not feeling guilty for charging what I think I am worth. One time I had a lady message me about a wedding 600 km away from where I am located. I gave her the quote and she said: “That is a pretty good price, but I know there are cheaper photographers out there.” And she was absolutely right. There are always going to be cheaper photographers out there, but I’d be worried if my clients chose me because I was the cheapest, and not because of the work I can offer them. 

Have you found any products, services, or seminars that have made a difference to your photography or your business?

For a long time, I only worked with natural light. In the past couple of years, I have started to really invest in lights and I now use off - and on- camera flashes on most of my weddings. It just gives so much more versatility, and freedom to be more creative. I definitely would not go back. 

 What do you find is the biggest challenge in wedding photography?

I think personally one of the biggest challenges is to get the word out there. You could be a fantastic photographer, but if no one has heard about you it’s no use for you. There are so many people who offer wedding photography that you really have to work hard to stand out. 

What would you say was the biggest reason for your success?

The reason most of my clients seem to choose me is my style and the way I communicate with them. I try to make clients feel relaxed and supported through the whole process, from the moment they first contact me. 

What future plans do you have for your business for the next year?

I am looking into drone photography and trying to convince my hubby to become my videographer! He has a website business called The Website Blokes (www.thewebsiteblokes.com.au), so he is pretty busy, but it’s worth a try! 

Are you up for travelling for a wedding? 

YES. I love to travel, and there are so many stunning places to get married at out there.