How did you get into photography? Are you self-taught or formally trained?
Self-taught way back in 2004! I learned photography originally with film. I loved the darkroom, but it was costly and I eventually moved over to digital. Originally, I was taking wildlife photography as I was really captivated by the Colorado landscape I grew up in. But eventually, I began working on senior portraits and eventually weddings. It wasn’t until about three or four years ago when I’d fallen in love with boudoir.
Describe your style in one sentence.
With my boudoir, I would say my photography is best described as beautiful and sensual. For weddings, I attempt to capture honest moments and more candid work. I shoot true to life for the most part but I’m never really the light and airy photographer. I adore that style but it’s never been my own view.
What’s been your favorite experience as a wedding photographer?
As a wedding photographer, my favorite experiences are usually when I see the grooms break down during the ceremony of a wedding. I can’t help but fall in love with that moment for both him and her. That amazing emotion between them is just priceless. For boudoir, my favorite moments are always when my clients see their images for the first time. They often cry because they’re just so shocked to see how beautiful they really are.
What do you love most about photographing weddings? Why do you photograph weddings in particular?
As I’d mentioned briefly before, I love capturing those intense magical moments during a wedding… whether it’s the first look, the ceremony, or father-daughter dance. All are magical and I find it so important to have these memories to look back at in the future. For boudoir, I photograph boudoir because its a medium in which I can help improve women’s confidence in themselves. It’s an amazing and very rewarding job.
Where is the most interesting or unique place you’ve photographed a wedding? Was there anything especially challenging about it?
I think the most interesting place I’ve photographed a wedding was in an airplane hanger. It was so large and cavernous so the lighting was a bit different than I’m used to but it turned out really fun and almost Hollywood like in terms of the lighting.
Do you have a favorite, must-capture moment for every wedding?
Because I always have a second shooter, I’m able to get special non-traditional shots during the ceremony. One of the shots that I have to get is a shot of the grooms face looking at his bride walking down the aisle, but over her shoulder… so you can see her walking down the aisle but he’s in focus over her shoulder. Another one I adore is the kiss at the end of the ceremony but through the angle of the officiant and all the guest cheering in the background.
As a photographer, what has been your biggest wedding day challenge?
The most difficult wedding I’d had was a New Years Eve wedding a couple years back. We had a nighttime ceremony and not enough light. The bride requested no added lighting for the ceremony because she preferred the guests not to be flashed which I respected, but the photos weren’t super clear. The photographs were nothing like my style. Unfortunately, I felt that I failed at that wedding and should have really encouraged my bride for something different but… you live and learn. They weren’t upset with my work, luckily. But from this point on, I refuse nighttime weddings if I’m not able to use additional lighting.
What piece of advice would you give brides and grooms to ensure that they get wedding photos they love forever? (This can include tips about preparation, choosing a photographer, or anything else.)
Really be sure to have enough time during your wedding day and get help from your planner and/or photographer in preparing your ideal timeline so they can be sure to deliver all that you want in terms of wedding photography.
What are your favorite wedding trends to photograph right now?
I adore the greenery in bouquets right now. I wish I had one like it at my wedding!
How do you think an app like Joy can help make weddings better?
Having advice available at your fingertips is priceless.
If you weren’t a wedding photographer, what would you be doing?
My primary focus is actually boudoir, but let’s say it wasn’t… If I weren’t a photographer, I’d be a photographer editor, a writer, or a professional reader. Lol.
At Joy we believe that even though a wedding lasts a day, joy lasts forever. What does that mean to you?
That a wedding is that one day while a marriage is a lifetime. Personally, I feel that a person’s wedding day is very important but it’s more important to remember what it’s about- the love you share with your soon to be spouse and to enjoy the process and each other every step of the way.
Contact Emily Brault Photography here, or follow her on Facebook and Instagram.
