Olga Levien of Levien & Lens Photography is a lifestyle wedding photographer and one of our lovely Auckland vendors, we recently had a chat to her about her work and weddings.
Do you love what you do? Tell us why?
I love to shoot weddings as it’s such a beautiful, emotional, once in a lifetime event with lots of challenges for me as a photographer (everything happening fast, on the go, different lighting conditions, unexpected situations and I love this). A number of emotions – anticipating the moment, all the tears and laugh, love and connection, all these yummy moments make my heart sing.
Describe your style of shooting in three words?
Timeless, Romantic and Real.
Any advice for couples that are nervous in front of the lens?
Believe me, it’s the happiest day of your life and no need worry about what to do in front of the camera. You naturally free, there sparkles in your eyes and so many positive emotions. I have a natural approach as a photographer, I’m a quiet observer and documenting the moments happening to unfold during the day. If I need to do some directions during the couples shoot, I just give easy props as walking, hugging each other, enjoying a good conversation and capture these moments with different angles (it’s a special time when bride and groom are away from the guests). Sometimes a slight change of pose can make image look better so I will definitely let the couple know what to do (move hand or turn heads towards each other), so you will get gentle directions. But when something truly special is happening between you two I just breathe it in and capture this magic without disturbing the moment.
What really gets to you at weddings? Makes you emotional? Makes you laugh?
The most special for me is moments of connection between people on the wedding day: the bride with her father or mother getting ready, first look, groom or bride making the emotional speech during the ceremony or reception, their parents and bridal party telling some fun and emotional stories from the couple’s life and much more. There is so much laughing, crying and I can have tears in my eyes too (I’m a human being) but I will definitely not put my camera away at these moments and will capture everything happening around with love and creative vibes, creating photographs that speak from the heart.
Waihi Beach Wedding by Levien & Lens Photography
CREDITS
Photography – Levien Lens Photography
Wedding Coordinator – Melanie Gearson at Flat White Cafe
Bride’s Dress – Paloma Blanca
Bridesmaid Dresses – Adrianna Papell
Groom’s Suit – DKNY
Groomsmen Suits – Hallenstein Brothers
Flowers – Beach Blooms Waihi Beach
Jewellery – Karley Smith Jewellery Vancouver
Makeup – Junebug Wax and Lash
Hair – Stylist 2 U (Tessa Wilkinson-Joyce)
Celebrant – Joy Stembridge
