At Wild Hearts, we are so fortunate to work alongside the nation’s top wedding creatives. They work passionately and tirelessly to help create their client’s dream day and they are an endless source of inspiration for us. With so much talent behind these brands, we can’t help but shine the spotlight on some of our favourites.
This week we catch up with Lauren from Wildfolk Photography. Californian born and Waiheke bred, we couldn’t think of a cooler combo and we know you’ll have a blast with her throughout your special day. Lauren is devoted to documenting your commitment in an adventurous, unposed and effortless way to showcase rewarding and enduring love.
Lauren’s ready to dive head first into the good times, the dance floor and the cocktails to capture your story and all of the important moments (big and small) so that you don’t miss a thing. Most of all, she’s here to do justice to the road your love has travelled to get to your nuptials.
Below we talk to Lauren, the teller of your wild love story.
Tell us about yourself, how did you get into photography?
I actually fell into photography because I was working a 9-5 that I knew wasn’t right for me or what I wanted to be doing. I decided that I was going to start my own business so that one day I could be my own boss and I realised I’d love to do it through Photography, something I had always had a passion and knack for. So I started offering free shoots and coverage at weddings until I built up a sufficient portfolio and it all went from there. I’ve never looked back – it’s one of the best decisions I’ve ever made!
What really gets to you at weddings? What makes you emotional? What makes you laugh?
Ceremonies and speeches where the bride or groom or family/friend of the couple are speaking and choking up get me every time. But of course I have to keep looking through my viewfinder and shooting while this happens so things get a little blurry for me for a split second until I pull myself together and carry on! Speeches are always a blast too, I obviously get to listen in on some hilarious and sometimes crazy stories while I capture reactions – I love it. I always have a good laugh with the really good ones!
Is there an aspect of wedding photography that you find consistently challenging?
Consistency in my editing style and aesthetic can be quite a regular challenge for me. I’m constantly learning and growing my skills both while shooting and during the editing process. Finding the balance between keeping my style true and in line with what I feel at the time, and keeping it similar to previous edits and essentially what the couple have booked me for, can be tricky because I also want to adapt and change certain things every time. So it’s just about finding that balance for me.
Do you do destination weddings, or do you target the local ones?
I’m based between Waiheke Island, where I grew up, and Queenstown, where I’m spending a few months at the moment! Both are deemed “destination wedding” locations, but they’re also just my local backyard! So it’s a trickier question than most photographers I would say! So will say yes, I definitely do shoot destination weddings and am open to travelling anywhere in NZ and beyond when the time comes, but that local push between those two spots that feel like home to me are definitely the main target.
If you were not a photographer, what you be doing?
I suspect I would have found another niche or business to start and grow but honestly, I can’t really answer that question as I have never considered, since I started a few years ago, NOT being a photographer. It doesn’t align with my core so I can’t envision it but unfortunately, the truth is probably in some 9-5 job somewhere.
What do you keep on you at all times?
Lip balm and my phone. My phone is my wallet, back up camera, and source of music when I need to boogie at any time of the day!
What would be your last meal on earth?
Bao buns. Yeah baby!
We are excited to have Wildfolk Photography as part of our exclusive Wild Hearts Vendor Collection. Check out more of Lauren’s stunning photography here, and to get in touch, head over to the Wildfolk Photography website.
You can follow Wildfolk Photography on Instagram @wildfolkphotography and Facebook.
Words by Isabelle McKay.
