Renee Green is a natural creative. After discovering her niche in wedding photography, Renee's skills quickly gained recognition. Her lens has beautifully captured love stories spanning from Australia to the vibrant streets of New York. Renee's photography effortlessly blends documentary, candid, and editorial styles, creating a unique narrative for each couple. Read our interview with Renee to learn more about her artistic vision, the couples she enjoys working with and the secrets behind keeping her passion for photography burning bright.
Could you share a little bit about yourself? How long have you been capturing weddings, and who (or what) ignited this passion in you?
I started photographing weddings back in 2016, initially starting out by assisting some incredible photographers and learning the ropes. Eventually I started booking my own clients, my first ever wedding I photographed under my own name was actually a destination wedding in New Zealand...which I still can’t believe. Within a year or so I was shooting weddings all over the world, from Australia to New York. After studying a variety of design disciplines at university, including Interior Design, Landscape Architecture and Graphic Design, I never predicted that this would be my career, it was always something that just happened. My father was an incredible photographer who evidently had a lot of influence on my life. Sadly, he passed away in 2017 and it was the same year that my career in photography really started to take off. I’d like to think he always had something to do with how my life has turned out and I am very grateful that I get to be reminded of him and feel connected to him in my everyday life. I know he would be so proud of the brand I’ve built over the years.
How would you best describe your unique photography style?
My background and education in design allows me to see things a little differently to most other photographers. The way I see light and composition within a frame, as well as utilising the surrounding architecture or setting of a venue really allows me to document the day by incorporating each detail into the feel of an image. Ultimately, I strive to deliver a timeless gallery of images with an editorial feel. I want the emotion of the day to come through in the imagery, and for each gallery to be a true, authentic reflection of each couple.
For those considering working with you, can you give us a glimpse of what the experience is like?
I take a very limited number of weddings per year to ensure that I can dedicate enough time to each of my couples. I place a big emphasis on forming genuine connections with my couples to allow them to feel supported in the lead up to their wedding, as well as feeling comfortable with me on the day. I don’t see my couples as ‘just another client’, and I attract couples that don’t see me as ‘just another vendor’. In terms of the actual wedding day, I give my couples space to just be themselves, without any pressure to look or act in a certain way. Each of my couples are different and I find a way to encourage natural interactions between them, giving plenty of direction when needed but documenting those authentic moments and allowing them to be themselves. I will often get a message from my couples saying how lovely it was just to spend time by themselves and take it all in during our portrait sessions.
We'd love to hear about the couples you work with! Can you describe them to us?
I often pinch myself and wonder how I get so lucky with my couples. They truly are the most genuine and wonderful humans. I’d say that I attract couples that appreciate the finer details and luxury aesthetics but also value authentic moments and time spent with their loved ones. They want their gallery to be a beautiful mix of intimate and authentic moments, with an editorial edge.
What do you enjoy the most about your work as a photographer?
Being trusted with the task of capturing some of the most intimate moments of a couple’s life, and delivering a gallery full of memories that they’ll look back on forever is something I don’t take lightly. Building personal connections with my couples and hearing all about their unique stories, and then being able to translate that into their images is always one of the most rewarding parts of my work.
Are there moments during the wedding that you find particularly challenging to photograph? Why?
Family photos always have the ability to make or break the flow of a wedding day. I work extensively with my couples to ensure their list of must have images are curated in a way that flows seamlessly and with as little disruption to the afternoon as possible. I provide my couples with a very detailed guide on the best way to tackle these to ensure they get as much time as possible to mingle with their guests.
Do you have any advice or suggestions for couples to ensure they get the best shots on their special day?
My biggest piece of advice that I give all my couples is just to focus on each other. If I want them to look at the camera, I’ll let them know but otherwise they should be solely focussed on one another and not worry about where I am or what I’m doing. I find that the best photos come when they forget I’m even there and those genuine interactions shine through.
The world of wedding photography is always evolving. Are there any recent trends that you're particularly excited about?
I try not to buy into ‘trends’ as much as possible and focus more on a timeless gallery that will surpass the test of time. In saying that, I’ve really noticed a lot of couples are loving the inclusion of film photography throughout their gallery these days which is something I am very excited about. There’s something so magical and timeless about film and I love incorporating it into my packages.
Do you offer wedding albums? If so, could you briefly walk us through your process?
I do! I am a strong believer that your images should not live behind a screen. I love visiting my grandparents and looking through their wedding album and hearing all about the stories and memories from their day. I think an album is such a beautiful way to remember the moments from a wedding and becomes a treasured heirloom for generations to come. I offer albums as an add on to any of my packages and work closely with my couples to create a design that best reflects their day and highlights their favourite memories.
Wedding seasons can get hectic! How do you manage to keep your passion for photography burning bright even during the busiest times?
Wedding season can definitely get very hectic! Between weddings, I try to take a little time off when I can just to reset, making sure I’m not over-doing it and minimising the risk of burn out. I have a slower morning routine that I allow myself to enjoy even during the busy season, which keeps me going. Though the excitement when you arrive on a wedding day, no matter how many you’ve shot that season, is always enough to keep me going and forget about everything else.
