PHOTOGRAPHER | Damien Milan

The Anti-Bride
4 hours ago
3 min read

Sydney-based Damien Milan has been capturing weddings since 2013. He shoots with Leica analog and digital cameras and aims to create real, soulful and timeless images. Damien Milan captures destination weddings and elopements in the European summer months and shoots worldwide.

Tell us about your business!

I am a Sydney‑based photographer whose images resonate with an emotional, cinematic quality. My work is shaped by a love of travel, culture and storytelling. Since launching my wedding career in 2013, I’ve been drawn to the quiet, in-between moments, real connection, texture and light, that make each day unique. My style is raw, soulful and timeless, focused on letting the day unfold naturally and capturing it with honesty and intention.

What would you like couples to know about you?

I’m originally from Belgium but have been living in Australia for almost 20 years, and now have roots in both countries. My wife, Nastia, is a painter and mural artist. Together, we built a home in the Blue Mountains (near Sydney), where we live with our cat, Frida, and our three-year-old daughter, Mia, who brings us so much joy and happiness.

Do you travel for weddings?

Yes, I travel often for weddings. I split my time between Australia and Europe, especially during the European summer months. Some of my favourite weddings have taken place in places like Morocco, Norway, and remote parts of Tasmania. I’m especially drawn to landscapes that feel wild and emotional—places with history, depth, and a sense of soul. A dream location for me would be somewhere with volcanic terrain, like Iceland, or the cultural richness of Japan or Mexico.

How would you describe your style?

I would describe my work as raw, soulful, and timeless. I gravitate toward the cinematic, those quiet, in-between moments where emotion lives, where light carves into the scene and reveals something true. I don’t try to overly direct or control the day. My role is more to observe with intention, to let the story unfold naturally and to respond to it with care. I love working with light in unexpected ways—playing with shadows, contrast, and ambient tones to give depth and mood to the images.

What is your most memorable career moment?

Having my work awarded Best of Best Wedding Photos four times, among thousands of other images submitted internationally, has been incredibly meaningful, but the most memorable moments are always the connections I build with couples who trust me with their story.

What inspires you?

I admire several artists and photographers who inspire how I see and capture moments. Cinematographers like Stanley Kubrick, Wim Wenders, Wes Anderson, Lars von Trier, and Christopher Doyle have profoundly influenced me with their masterful use of light, composition, and atmosphere. Beyond photography and film, I also draw a lot of inspiration from music. The way a song’s rhythm and emotion can shape a mood often influences how I approach a shoot or edit images. For me, art and music are deeply intertwined, both guiding me toward capturing moments that feel honest and timeless.

How would you describe your working style?

I try to be a calm, unobtrusive presence. I don't believe in rigid shot lists or forced posing. I want people to feel comfortable and free to be themselves. I step in gently when light or atmosphere calls for something, but mostly I observe. I pay attention to details that might go unnoticed—the way hands are held, the quiet glances, the shift in light across a room. For me, it’s about trust—when a couple trusts me fully, that’s when the real magic happens.

Do you shoot digitally, on film or both?

I shoot with both digital and 35mm film on Leica cameras, and every package I offer includes a mix of the two formats. Film has a rhythm and texture that I find meditative, it slows me down and helps me be even more intentional with each frame. There’s a beauty in its imperfections that complements the candid, unfiltered nature of my approach. Digital gives me the flexibility I need, especially in fast-moving or low-light situations. I love the balance between the two.

Do you have custom packages according to individual needs?

Yes, I believe that every couple is different and I want to celebrate those differences in my work. I’m always happy to tailor coverage to suit each couple and what matters most to them.

What is your advice to couples getting married?

Don’t be afraid to strip back your wedding plans to what’s truly meaningful to you. Authenticity is key.