At Wild Hearts, we are so fortunate to work alongside some of New Zealand’s top wedding photographers and industry creatives. They work so hard to help to create their client’s dream day and they are an endless source of inspiration for us. With so much talent behind these brands, we are spotlighting some of our favourites and sharing their insights.
Get lost in love while Claire Dewson captures the joy, intimacy and affection (and all the moments in between) of your wedding day. Honouring each love story through her lens, Claire searches for the authentic and passionate moments that speak the truth of every couple’s commitment.
Connecting with couples in a relaxed atmosphere where they’re free to be themselves and just ooze love and excitement is Claire’s moda operandi. Artful in accessing the moments that make you feel the magic, tapping into the raw details of each moment across the day. Scroll for more sentiments of a true romantic below.
How did you get into the industry? Tell us about how your business was born.
I was at a point where I’d had some pretty big life changes and I needed to put my energy and time into something really positive, something that made me happy, excited and passionate. Photography was that something for me – it really changed everything. I became my own boss and now I get to do what I love every day. I am extremely grateful for that.
What inspires your work? Any specific artists, musicians or designers?
I’m a bit of a hopeless romantic at heart, I get inspired by love, the stories of how couples meet and the adventures that have got them to this place.
Gosh, this is a hard one as there are so many incredibly talented photographers I really admire. To name a few – Katheryn Heckmuller, Clemence Cosnefroy, India Earl and a few Kiwis would be fellow Nelsonian Ana Galloway and from the South, Charlotte kiri – pure home grown talent right there!
How do you describe your style of photography?
Raw, authentic, passionate and true. I am a sucker for those moody earthy tones, a veil dancing in the wind and a warm sunset. I love documenting the genuine, authentic and raw emotions on a wedding day. It really is an incredible feeling to be around. I like to tell each couple’s individual story in an honest, real and unobtrusive way.
Tell us about your favourite part of a wedding day?
This is a tough one – I love so many different parts of the day for different reasons, I like the anticipation of getting ready, the pure joy of the ceremony and the giggly flirtatiousness of the bridal photos.
Tell us about the experience you offer to your clients, from start to finish?
A fun one!! When I meet my clients for the first time it is about building a relationship and bonding with them. I am here for frequent catch ups throughout the year (including a few wines and laughs) – my door is always open to help with things like timelines and any other wedding queries. I have been to my fair share of weddings and am happy to put my knowledge to good use. I want my couples to feel completely comfortable, to be themselves and show those raw emotions around me. I often feel as though I have made some new best friends.
What really gets you at weddings? Makes you emotional? Makes you laugh?
The father seeing his daughter for the first time is always a tear jerker for me. That moment the groom sees his bride for the first time is another, and of course you can’t not laugh at how inappropriate the best man’s speech often is.
What are a few pieces of advice you like to offer couples to get the most from photography on their wedding day?
Let yourself get swept up in the moment, feel the emotions and remember to just stop every now and then to take it all in. Be organised for the family photos, find someone who knows everyone and give them a list of who you want in each group. Allow 20 min around sunset to sneak away, not only for some incredible photos but to have a few minutes to enjoy the fact you just got married.
What would your advice be for others just starting out in the industry?
Never stop learning! There is always so much more to learn, keep mastering your craft and build your own personal brand.
We are excited to have Claire Dewson as part of our Wild Hearts Vendor Collection. Check out more of her beautiful photography here and to get in touch, head over to her website www.clairedewsonphotography.com
You can follow Claire on Instagram at @clairedewsonphoto and on Facebook.
