Capturing The Big Day

An Interview With Photographer Alen Kontra

Your wedding ceremony is one of those life-defining moments that you really want to look back on. The trouble is, with all the build up and adrenaline, the day passes in a flash and it is impossible to take everything in. That’s where photographers come in.

The celebrant and photography team have a special relationship. Before the ceremony we discuss the timing, the lighting, the positioning of the bridal party and the readers, as well as entry and exit arrangements. There are also things the celebrant needs to be aware of, such as not being in the background when the couple have their first kiss, or directing guests to have their phones away and out of shot during the ceremony.

I have been really lucky to work with a number of great photographers over the years. Alen Kontra is one of the most talented going around and I was lucky enough to ask him a few questions about his journey and how he gets the most out of the Big Day!

Thanks very much for having a chat, Alen. To start - give us some background. How did you get started as a photographer? Have you always done wedding photography?

Let’s start off by saying this. I never imagined myself as a professional photographer, much less a wedding photographer. However, growing up I did love photography and even did Photography as one of my high school subjects.

My photography started when I got a Canon DSLR, to take images for a streetwear brand that I owned. I was so excited I had a “big fancy” camera and got obsessed with learning how to take images of same quality as I saw other photographers take. I started soaking up anything and everything I could about photography. And you know what happened? I absolutely loved it. Every part of it. I loved the fact that I could use this device in my hand to make people feel something.

Practically, it’s been a huge journey from learning about my camera and loving it, to running a full time wedding photography business. Overnight success is never the case, there are many steps behind the scenes that people don’t see. I started taking images of events, birthdays to engagement parties. An engagement party couple loved my images so much that they asked me to photograph their wedding as well! It was never like one day I just started a wedding photography business. It was more of a slow progression of shooting, figuring out my style and what I wanted to specialise in. When I started I shot anything and everything and while I do think that is a great way to learn different aspects of photography and grow. I truly believe in being a master at one area of photography, instead of mediocre at all of them.

Connecting with couples and shooting their most special day always excites me that I know it is what I was meant to do all along.

The juxtaposition of sharp clothing on a rustic background is ever-popular. Image: Alen Kontra Photography

What is it about weddings that makes them so special?

I have been married myself for 3 years now, and can truly say,- it is the best day of your life. The build up, the excitement , there is so much effort to celebrate this special day and it is not just a massive day for the couples but the parents and families as well, it is amazing to see two families coming together as one.

I agree. Moving on to current trends: What is 'that one shot' that couples really want to get recently?

Candid moments with family, without any doubt. Long gone are the days of over posed photography style, couples want the day captured the way it was. I always take huge effort to make sure all the family is captured. These images are among the most important that I take on the wedding day. Whilst they might not be marketing gold, these are the images that people run back into burning houses to save. When was the last time someone ran into a house aflame to save a shot of an engagement ring?

It’s the candid, non-posed photographs with family that are the most valued over time. Image: Alen Kontra Photography

Very true! How do you contend with guests shooting their own media on smartphones? Is this something that we just have to accept these days?

“Unplugged weddings” are becoming a trend, it is where the couple ask their guests not to use smartphones so they can be in and enjoy the moment , rather than experiencing the ceremony through a screen. For me, this is up to the couple at what they prefer and we as professionals are there to make it work.

So, what's your favourite shot to 'wow' couples?

When people think of “ wow ” shots, they usually think of the portraits, poses and formal photos you do between your ceremony and reception. But I find that the shots people love the most are often the natural, candid photos that happened when they didn’t even notice the camera was there!

We weren’t even posing! Image: Alen Kontra Photography

There are lots of photographers out there. What sets you apart?

I love this question! There are many awesome photographers in Melbourne, and I have had the pleasure of meeting and working with fair few. There are a lot of things that set me apart from other photographers but, at first glance, I’d definitely say that the colour in my images really stand out. I love colour so much and use it in my photographs to convey the happiness and emotions that take place on the wedding day. I really want the images to feel unique to every single wedding- when my couples look. Back at them , I want them to feel them and not just see them! -and, at every wedding, I really strive to capture the personalities of my couples, their guests, and overall the feel of the day. By using colour and light , I have been able to create a style that captures weddings in a really unique, memorable way and its just so much fun. Photographing weddings is the best!

Sound good! where can I see some of your work? Give me some details!

My website is www.alenkontraphotography.com and I love connecting with everyone on Instagram @alenkontraphotography.