When a wedding photographer is focused on connection to create images that truly represent and celebrate individual couples, you’ve found yourself a winner. Adriana Watson of Adriana Watson Photography prides herself on getting to know her clients so she can accurately capture the beauty of their love story in her work. Today, we chat to Adriana about her style of photography, her favourite weddings to shoot, and what sets her apart from other wedding photographers.

Where are you based?
I’m based on the beautiful Sunshine Coast, but always up for destination weddings (Australia wide and international).

What are your favourite local spots to take wedding photos?
That’s a hard one to answer. We are so fortunate to have so many breathtaking locations on the coast, from beautiful mountains to fantastic beaches. But if I have to pick one, it would be Maleny.

How long have you been a wedding photographer?
Almost eight years, it never gets old!

How would you describe your photography style?
My style is true to life, just like a storyteller, no poses or staging the day. I like my clients to look at their photos and be moved by what they see. It’s all about capturing the connection that makes us human.

How has your style and approach to weddings changed since you first started out?
It has been an incredible journey of continuous learning and improving. I think experience has taught me how to anticipate the key moments of a wedding; once I was able to do that, I started to photograph weddings more organically and naturally.

How have weddings changed since then?
I don’t think weddings have changed that much, maybe a few different trends, like decor and fashion. Perhaps the most significant change is a slight shift in keeping things simple. The day is more about the reason why they are getting married rather about the big wedding production. That’s the kind of weddings I seem to attract. The fun, down-to-earth ones.

What sets you apart from other wedding photographers?
I don’t only deliver beautiful photos, but I’m BIG on customer service. Making sure that my brides and grooms are well looked after is very important to me. Going above and beyond, setting expectations and helping my clients in any way I can, is what has kept me in business this long.

What’s a typical work day look like for you?
I start my day with a long walk with my Golden Retriever, Vida. Then we both sit in my office, and under Vida’s “supervision” I answer the many emails from my clients, very often helping couples with the wedding planning. Responding to new enquiries and meeting new couples in my studio.

Then there is the editing, editing and editing. Oh, and working on marketing strategies, including social media, which can be a full-time job just there. And my least favourite, the admin work. Whoever thought photographers only took photos on the day, and the work is over. There is a lot behind the scenes to keep the business going.

How early should a couple book you in?
The venue, celebrant and photographer are the first ones that most couples will book first, so to prevent disappointment, make sure to book me as soon as you can. I recommend locking in 12 to 18 months before your wedding day.

Do you do engagement sessions?
Absolutely! And I strongly encourage my clients to book an engagement session. Not only allows us to get to know each other, but it’s a little practice for the wedding day. Most couples have never had professional photos taken, having an engagement session it breaks the ice giving the couple more confidence on the wedding day, resulting in beautiful natural images.

How do you make a connection with your couples? Why is it so important?
I connect with my clients, simply taking the time to get to genuinely getting to know them. We start that connection from that very first email exchange. We connect over a cup of coffee or a glass of wine, during the engagement shoot and when we exchange phone calls and more emails leading to the wedding day. By the time the wedding day arrives, I’m no longer a stranger with a fancy camera.Creating a connection with my clients is extremely important; it enables me to photograph who they truly are. My photos are about their relationship; it’s about how my couples interact with each other. I can only capture those little moments if we have a real connection.

What are your favourite weddings to shoot?
Ohhh, I’m a sucker for rustic country weddings. I love them! When it comes to country weddings, I’m like a kid walking through Disneyland. The fun and opportunities are endless. There is so much to photograph and to be inspired by it.

Are there parts of the wedding day that stand out – that you particularly enjoy photographing?
There are many parts of the wedding day that I love photographing, but the raw emotional moments are my favourites. The first look is the best! And as a good Brazilian, I love a good party. The part when friends and family are letting loose on the dance floor are by far my favourite. It’s such a high energy time. It’s when the real celebration takes place.

Where in the world have you travelled as a wedding photographer?
Hawaii was my biggest destination. It was an epic wedding!

Your top three wedding venues?
The Rocks Yandina, Flaxton Gardens and Weddings at Tiffanys.

The best thing about shooting weddings is…
To be able to witness the love between the couples I photograph. To see the love and support from their friends and families is incredible. It’s a day like no other, and I get to call this my job. I have to pinch myself sometimes.

Thank you Adriana for sharing your story with us today. Your beautiful work speaks for itself and your focus on connection and individuality is inspiring. To find out more about Adriana Watson Photography, head to their website or check them out on the Polka Dot Directory.

Headshot by Lani Carter