Interview: Will Hartl of This Day Forward Photography

Words by Amy Richardson / Images by This Day Forward
November 2, 2018

Wandering camera man, Will Hartl of This Day Forward knows first-hand that a photograph has the power to capture emotion and time, and can grow to mean more and more as the years pass. He aims to organically document the love, joy and connection that plays out over each wedding day, in a natural and genuine style.

Since picking up a camera for a friend’s wedding three years ago, Will has travelled far and wide across the world, snapping lovers from the Byron Hinterland to villages tucked away in the Tuscan countryside. His unobtrusive and candid style is perfect for couples who want images that reflect the emotion of their wedding day, without feeling too orchestrated.

We caught up with the man behind the lens to hear more about his artistic style and where his career has taken him so far.

Zonzo Estate wedding by This Day Forward Photography Zonzo Estate wedding by This Day Forward Photography

Zonzo Estate wedding by This Day Forward Photography

Courtney and Colin’s Yarra Valley Wedding at Zonzo Estate. Images by This Day Forward Photography.

I started shooting weddings as a gift to a friend for a wedding present. Since then it’s grown and grown and grown. Last year I shot 40 weddings. Photography is a little bit like madness, creating a career by sharing your madness is pretty awesome. I feel honoured that people ask me to capture a day they never want to forget.

How would you describe your photography style and ethos?

My style is candid, unobtrusive and unrehearsed. I treat my couples like old friends and their families like my own. For me it’s about everyone having an amazing time, I just step back and capture the fun, candid and real moments. I’m a fly on the wall, a guest with a camera, and a friend in the background capturing the memories of your wedding day.

What’s your photography thing? What are you best known for?

I think ‘real’ is super important. Capturing heartfelt moments in a authentic and natural style.

Melbourne wedding at The Line Melbourne wedding at The Line

Melbourne wedding at The Line

Caitlin and Andrew’s industrial wedding at The Line, Melbourne. Images by This Day Forward Photography.

Mornington Peninsular wedding Mornington Peninsular wedding

Emily and Tristan’s Mornington Peninsula wedding at Ace-Hi Ranch. Images by This Day Forward Photography.

When did you shoot your first wedding? How do you feel the industry has changed since then?

My first wedding was in St Tropez. I’d never shot a wedding so I approached it photo-journalistically, capturing real moments without asking people to pose. Having no idea about “the industry’ I had no restrictions. I’ve tried to stay true to this whilst evolving my eye and creativity around current trends and each couple.

Is there a certain style or type of wedding that you particularly love to shoot?

Stepping into nature has created some of my most memorable shots. Hiking that hill, chasing down that sunset, going that extra 100 metres and venturing a little further can create magic.

Who are some other wedding professionals you’ve loved working with and why?

I’ve had the pleasure of spending a bit of time here and overseas with Nathan at Moon & Back. His / their videos are incredible.

destination wedding in Portugal destination wedding in Portugal

destination wedding in Portugal

Stine and Kyle’s destination wedding Portugal. Images by This Day Forward Photography. Catch the whole shebang here.

Describe your ideal couple?

Couples who’s story you fall in love with, their struggles, their happiness and the love they share with the world. Couples who leave their trust in you, share their friends and follow your madness, walk a little bit further and help make magic happen. It takes two to tango… or three.

What’s the most memorable wedding you’ve captured?

A four day festival of love in Tuscany sits high up on the list, but being a Melbourne boy I love going home and shooting summer weddings when sunset seems to last forever.

Jess and Cam’s summer wedding at Mount Macedon Winery. Images by This Day Forward Photography.

Bec and James’ destination wedding in Tuscany, Italy. Images by This Day Forward Photography.

Credits

Images This Day Forward |


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