Inspiration
Interview: Will Hartl of This Day Forward Photography
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.
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.
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.
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.
Credits
Images This Day Forward |