PHOTOGRAPHER | Jackie Chick

Originally from Hong Kong and raised in Canada, Jackie Chick currently resides in Europe, dividing her time between Hamburg and Lisbon. Her multicultural background significantly influences her perspective and approach to wedding photography. Her style is artistic, combining a documentary feel with an editorial composition, and incorporates an ethereal, playful quality. She is particularly attracted to couples who embrace fashion, creativity, and are willing to make bold, deliberate choices. Jackie Chick works throughout Europe and internationally, using both digital and film formats.

Tell us about your business!

Hey there! I’m Jackie of Jackie Chick Photography, a Europe-based wedding photographer splitting my

time between Hamburg and Lisbon, capturing weddings in Europe and beyond for the last 5 years. My

work is a mix of artistic, documentary, and editorial, with a bit of childlike whimsy and playfulness thrown

in, whether I’m shooting digital or film. It’s shaped by my background in painting, my love of art and

cinema, and growing up between Hong Kong, Canada, and Europe. I’m drawn to colours, layered

compositions, fashion and those subtle in-between moments that gives you all the feels.

I kind of see weddings as drawings without erasers or like movie scenes unfolding in real time.To me,

photographs are little tokens of our existence. It’s definitely something I never take lightly when it comes to photographing weddings and I’m just so grateful I get to do this for my couples. It’s honestly the best job ever!

What would you like couples to know about you?

My perspective is shaped by the different cultures and places I’ve called home. Growing up between Hong Kong, Canada, and now Europe has influenced how I observe people. I’m drawn to repetition, body language, small gestures, and the way people move around one another. With a background in painting and psychology, I’m naturally curious about what shapes people and how that quietly shows up throughout a wedding day. I’m also a very sentimental person, so I might tear up when couples and their friends give speeches, haha.

On a personal note, I’m deeply inspired by fashion, cinema, and food, I can talk about movies, tv and pop culture for hours. I’m a brunch-at-any-hour kind of person, love a good omakase or sushi bento,, enjoy wandering through cities aimlessly, a museum go-er, and reset best with yoga, painting, and long dinners with friends (preferably with wine). If you have a four-legged furry friend, we’ll likely get along very well!

Above all, I’m drawn to people who are curious, expressive, and unafraid to make things their own. I care about understanding people’s culture, their world view, and what makes them them, because that’s what ultimately shapes how I photograph their day. I am based between Hamburg, Germany and Lisbon, Portugal and I have been shooting weddings all over Europe even New York and Mexico! I pretty much travel wherever my couple’s wedding takes me.

What describes your style?

I would say my style is artistic, documentary, and an editorial blend with a quiet rebelliousness towards it

and a touch of childhood whimsy and play. My role is to create a space for my couples where they can just be themselves on their big day, all the while, I will guide them gently and elevate whatever that’s unfolding.

In photography, I’m drawn to what’s implied rather than explicitly shown. For example, the humor in a side glance, the gentle hug that says so so so much more than a pose ever could. The editorial influence is also there, so the images feel elevated and also fun, energetic and dynamic.

I feel like curiosity and play are really important in how I work. Many of my couples are open to

experimenting, taking creative risks, and trusting my eye. That trust really allows us to create something

personal. I don’t apply a template at each wedding, I cater my work to each couple’s energy and dynamic, making the images that they’ll look at in 10, 20 or 30 years feel totally them.

What is your most memorable career moment?

There have been quite a few, but shooting my first wedding in Portugal really sticks with me. There was

just something about it like the warmth of the people, the light, the history, the very talented vendors, the whole atmosphere. It felt exciting because It felt like everything aligned creatively!

Since then, being flown to shoot weddings in places like New York and Mexico has also been pretty surreal. What I love most isn’t just the travel, it’s seeing how differently people celebrate. The energy shifts, the style changes, the food is different (which I very much appreciate as a massive foodie, haha), and you realize there are so many ways to do a wedding beautifully and meaningfully!

What inspires you?

Oh gosh, so many things! It’s hard to pinpoint just one. Being born in Hong Kong, raised in Canada, and

now living between Germany and Portugal has deeply shaped how I see the world. Hong Kong’s vibrant,

organized chaos draws me to density, repetition, movement, and bold colours of a wedding day. Canada influenced the way I connect with people, while living in Europe introduced me to more art and cinema, which really influence how I photograph.. As both a photographer and a painter, I love a good composition, negative space, and the tension between what’s shown and what’s implied.

Most importantly, I’m inspired by the couples themselves. Every wedding shows who they are through their guests, their music choice, their fashion style, the venue and the small details they choose for their big day. With a background in psychology, I’m always curious about what makes people who they are and it inspires me to capture their wedding as true to them as possible.

How would you describe your working style?

My working style is very adaptive and people-focused. Every couple is different, so I build my approach

around their dynamic rather than relying on cookie cutter formula. The process begins well before the

wedding day through calls and conversations, I get to know how they connect, what feels natural, and what matters most to them. That communication makes the day flow better. Some couples lean toward

spontaneous, playful moments, others are excited by more editorial direction and creative experimentation, and both are totally okay! I can step back and document quietly, or offer gentle guidance when needed. I also make an effort to connect with their family and friends so I’m not just a stranger with a camera, when people feel comfortable, everything changes. Most importantly, I read the energy of the day and adjust accordingly and check-in with my couples. I won’t push anything that doesn’t feel good to them. When my couples feel relaxed, well-fed, present, and truly enjoying themselves, the photos will come, and that’s when there’s space for creativity together.

Do you shoot on film, digitally or both?

Both! When it comes to mediums, I’m very intentional. I usually bring both film and digital because they

each serve a different purpose. The mix keeps the gallery layered and super fun to look at.

Who is your dream client?

In terms of ‘dream clients’, I guess it’s really more about the energy, the vibes and the mindset. My dream clients are curious and genuinely moved by art, cinema, design, and fashion. They care about thoughtful details and aren’t afraid to make choices that reflect who they are, embracing unconventionality, rather than what’s expected. Most importantly, they trust the creative process and see photography as a collaboration.

And beyond all of that, it really comes down to connection, I think. If we vibe well, can laugh together, and feel comfortable around each other, that’s a huge part of it! I mean, I’m there the whole day for them so might as well!

What is your advice to couples getting married?

My biggest recommendation is to hire a wedding planner, regardless of the size of the wedding, ideally

someone who not only manages logistics but truly understands your creative vision. For example, if you’re drawn to avant-garde ideas or unconventional aesthetics, the right planner can help you execute them thoughtfully. That support allows you to hand over the details and actually be present on the day.

Beyond that, I would say, stay true to themselves. There’s no template they have to follow. If something

doesn’t resonate, whether it’s a traditional ceremony setup, a first look, or specific photo expectations, they don’t have to do it. The same goes for wedding styling and fashion.Whether they’re drawn to archival vintage or unique silhouette as their outfits,, the key is that they feel good wearing them.

Jackie Chick Photography

Website: jchickphotography.com

Instagram: @jchickphotography