Documenting the Big Day

From the “must have” shot list to unexpected candid moments, couples place their trust in their wedding photographer to assure they can infinitely relive their special day. However, those frame-worthy photos don’t come without expertise, and New Orleans photographers all agree the better a couple’s relationship is with their photographer ahead of time, the better the photos. Here, four local photographers share their like-minded emphasis on establishing an easygoing relationship with couples up front and much more on how to best capture a wedding day. 

Kristin Soileau Photography

On par with her peers in the New Orleans photography industry, Kristin Soileau Freeman and her one-woman show that is Kristin Soileau Photography advises her couples to assure they align and “vibe” with their photographer on a non-business level first. When this is established up front, it opens the door for one of Soileau’s goals as a photographer, to “photograph with walls down,” meaning her couples don’t have theoretical barriers up on their Big Day. 

Furthermore, Soileau recommends couples get their family and friends on board with their photographer as well, so all the couple’s closest people are comfortable come wedding day and don’t view the photographer as just another vendor. 

Soileau believes there’s no need to mock or create scenes, shooting with an “If I miss it, I miss it” motto, one that allows her photography to capture more organic moments. Soileau advises couples to not forget that the day doesn’t have to fit a definition of “perfect”; ordinary moments are extraordinary, she says. 

Booking with Soileau means couples forgo the director type for more of an observer, as she reminds couples they don’t need to think or worry about her on their day as she captures moments as they naturally unfold. Although she may be found pushing the limits with a unique photo angle, Soileau says it is important for couples to remember they’ll likely be spending more time with their photographer on their Big Day than any other individual person, even their betrothed. 

“At the end of the day, this is their day and I’m just stepping into it and it’s an honor,” Soileau said. kristensoileau.com 

Mateo & Co.

With a stylist accompanying their lead photographer and owner, Matt Diaz, to every wedding, Mateo & Co. has been focused on “fun and fabulous” luxury since 2012. Diaz emphasizes meeting couples for a cocktail or coffee before arranging plans as a friendly rapport is crucial to a wedding’s photographic success.  

Diaz advises couples he works with to stay true to themselves as capturing organic moments is key to storytelling. Couples can expect Diaz’s shots to be classic, timeless and authentic, as he believes in capturing  timeless styles, angles and moments. 

When booking with Mateo & Co. couples are required to have a wedding planner, an asset to the day that Diaz considers the “best investment they’ll make.” As a reminder to couples on their Big Day, Diaz assures there should be comfort in asking your photographer questions and suggestions, something he warmly welcomes. 

Diaz, who enjoys a good time himself, affirms that couples will be satisfied with their photos if they invest the time in building solid rapport with their photographer. Once compatibility is established and wedding day comes, Diaz and his stylist will assure every detail of the day’s photographs are on point, from a clean background to reducing stress, the addition of a stylist reminds couples why booking Mateo & Co. is unique. 

A recommendation Diaz has been reminding couples of lately is the crucial importance lighting plays in the day. Investing in lighting is a great way to enhance the scene and photographs, Diaz said. mateoco.com 

Silver Loop Studios 

For destination wedding couples, familiarizing yourself with New Orleans can greatly impact the essence of the photos, according to Cameron Johnson, Silver Loop Studios’ lead photographer. 

Once a couple secures a photographer for their wedding, it’s time to put trust in them and remember they’re likely in the business because they value people and want the best for your day, Johnson said. “We are legitimately on your side.” 

Not falling into the trap of styling your wedding day off someone else’s is a key to original and personal photographs and a generally happier wedding, Johnson believes. 

Given that “time is your most valuable resource” on a wedding day, to assure a diverse range of moments are captured, Johnson recommends having the day’s events in only one to two locations, to maximize time. With roots in photojournalism, fine art and fashion, Silver Loop Studios recommends communication between couples and their team, as it is the easiest way to assure efficiency and satisfaction. 

As with fellow photographers, Johnson recommends — budget permitting — that couples invest in a wedding planner as they too, assure effectiveness in the day’s success. 

“Anything can happen on a wedding day and there [are] no do-overs,” Johnson said. silverloopstudios.com  

Eau Claire Photographics

Specializing in documentary-style photography, Sandra O’Claire of Eau Claire Photographics, has organically captured New Orleans weddings since 2002. 

O’Claire highly encourages her couples to remember it’s their wedding, not a photo shoot, which if embodied successfully, will result in the off-shoot moments captured matching that of a photoshoot. 

When booking Eau Claire, couples can expect natural laughter as she admits her continual verbal communication invokes plenty of candid moments. As a couple, finding a photographer who matches your personality is a make-or-break aspect for the fluidity of the Big Day, O’Claire said. 

Rather than posed shots, O’Claire has found the off moments mean more to the couple in the end, so she reminds them that she is just a “fly on the wall” and that a ton of intentional engagement between the couple and her isn’t necessary for a great gallery. However, for posed portraits, O’Claire encourages an intimate moment for her couples to lessen the stress and discomfort of excited onlookers, usually the wedding parties. 

For those looking for a New Orleans essence in their photos, O’Claire reminds her couples that is an element of the planning process, as it is hard to weave in last minute.

 O’Claire’s documentary focus comes into play when couples enjoy the reception together, engage with each other, and work the room as one. eauclairephotographics.com