Beautiful snap shots of family life, mothers feeding their children, grandparents playing with their grandchildren. This is how I got to know Johanna King - you have got to love Instagram for discovering the most wonderful, talented people.
Capturing your wedding day is a must, but finding a photographer that can document your day is where the real find is. Johanna King is that photographer and she is today's Creative at Work.
Who is your bride?
It is difficult to pinpoint what bring my brides together. What I can say for sure is that my brides (and my grooms) realised how important photography was for their wedding day. They are looking for a photographer to capture all the candid moments that make their day so unique. Whether they've spent 1 or 20 years together, my couples are crazy about each other and will appreciate a discreet & friendly photographer they can relax with during the portraits (and sneak in a few hugs and kisses). Family and friends are definitely important to them and they want to spend as much time as possible with their guests on their big day!
When do you feel most inspired?
I feel most inspired when I am not on the computer - when I put my mind to rest. It's probably because of all the stimulations we get from all the (great) blogs, emails and social media. Our mind is like... running around in circle. So when I spend one-to-one time with my daughter, go for a walk, do a bit of gardening, read a book (novel), sit outside with my husband and a cup of coffee or go for a drink with friends, that's when I feel the most inspired.
It probably sounds obvious but I feel most creative when I am taking photographs, whether it is a wedding, a portrait session for families or my own life. Every event is different and I need to keep a fresh eye, keep exploring as well as rely on my experience in order to create the best photographs possible. For me, a great image is one that will bring emotions to the viewer.
Finally, I find that meeting passionate like minded individuals also fuels creativity.
How do you feel meeting a new bride to be?
Meeting a bride-to-be / couple (or chatting on the phone for the first time) is exciting but I always have a bit of a knot in my stomach right before hand. Although I was never shy, I am the type of person who becomes as red as a tomato when she has to raise her hand to ask a question in public. It usually only lasts for a few seconds and then I really enjoy getting to know them.
I like to talk about their story and their vision for their big day and if they are struggling with any of the planning details (in case I can help!). This first conversation or meeting is very important to see if we are the right fit.
What do you like to hear from a bride? The best question they could ask you?
As I said above, I like to hear about their vision for their big day, what is really important to them, what they are most excited about.
Them asking my availabilities before confirming their venue would be the best compliment I could receive. Having couples who really connect with my work and "get" me is very rewarding and it makes for a great relationship, both professional and personal.
When a couple says that they want someone to capture their day in a documentary way with a lot of candid photos of their guests and family, I know that we are most likely a good fit for each other. If they add that they're also planning to do a first look before the ceremony and allocate a relaxed hour for couple portraits afterwards and I'm in heaven.
How did you find your calling?
I have always been an amateur photographer but never really saw it as a potential career.
However, in 2013, I just wasn't fulfilled by my current job any more and I decided to take the plunge and offer my services as a photographer. I now wish I did it a lot earlier, but there is a time for everything. After 6 years working behind a computer, I really enjoy getting to meet so many new people. Weddings are so special. They are like a separate world where everyone is happy and smiling and it's hard not to feel happy too!
It is a lot of work building a new business from scratch and I had to learn so much about marketing, social media, workflow etc. But I get to wake up excited about the day ahead every day and I am very grateful for that.
Thank you Johanna for sharing your inspiration and giving us a glance at the lady behind the camera. Check out Johanna's website for advice and inspiration for your wedding photography.
www.johannakingphotography.com
info@johannakingphotography.com
Love, love, love Johanna's Instagram account @johannakingphotography
