PHOTOGRAPHER | James Simpson Weddings

James Simpson takes a laid-back and unobtrusive approach to weddings. With over fifteen years experience, he aims to capture moments naturally as they unfold, without interfering. His focus is on the day's energy and positive atmosphere. Based on the NSW South Coast, James Simpson also travels for weddings.

Tell us about your business!

Hey I’m James! I’m a Sydney via South Coast photographer who has been shooting for the better part of 15 years across music, fashion, travel and weddings for the past 8. Loving spending my time with amazing couples in great destinations celebrating love.

Where are you based?

I’m based on the South Coast of NSW in a little gem of a town East Corrimal.

Do you travel for weddings?

Of course!

How would you describe your style?

Relaxed and easy going but considered photography for modern couples. I like to make couples feel elevated but not too far removed from their natural selves in images. My style leans a lot on intuition, calmness, gentle guidance and what feels right in the moment.

What is your most memorable career moment?

Shooting internationally is always a memorable, pinch myself career moment. I did my first wedding in Greece last year and am looking forward to more European weddings next year!

Aside from that, getting a Nan to scull a beer at a wedding is definitely a career highlight.

What inspires you?

I’m inspired mainly by cinema and street photography - French pioneer Jean-Luc Godard as well as Wes Anderson,  Jacques Cousteau. Photo greats like Slim Aarons, Magnum street guys like Martin Parr and Alex Webb with their use of framing, light and getting comfortable being uncomfortable. Fashion clothing trends of past and present. Fashion photographers like Brydie Mack have been a huge inspiration over the years. Travel has always been a major inspiration for me. Whether it’s visiting unique destinations or diving into different cultures, you come home a different person and that ignites the fire inside you.

How would you describe your working style?

I’ve been described as bringing calm to the chaos haha so we will go with that.

I like to bring a relaxed and easy-going vibe to the day. I’m a people person and feel like I’ve got a good read on when to insert myself into situations and when to let things unfold. I try to understand the couple and vision as the day unfolds and accurately reflect that in the images. Sometimes it calls for soft and quiet, other times huge laughs and fun. I like the flow of  photography to feel seamless and off the cuff.

Do you shoot digitally, on film or both?

I shoot both on digital and film. I’m definitely more drawn to film and everything I do outside of weddings is on film. Everything is way too perfect these days – film brings a texture and feeling that is hard to replicate on digital. A bit of both is always good though!

Do you have custom packages according to individual needs?

I’m always happy to chat through custom options to suit couples days.

What is a favourite product or service that you offer and why?

I love offering film on 35mm and 120 film. I also offer Super 8 video. I’ve shot lots of fashion and lifestyle campaigns on film and it’s honestly just so much fun. It’s a medium which tends to reveal the romance and feeling that can’t be replicated on digital.

Where would you love to travel to for work?

I got invited to a few Indian weddings while traveling through the country a few years back. I would love to shoot there or somewhere exotic like Morocco or Egypt. Anywhere by the Mediterranean is good for me though!

Who is your dream client?

Anyone who wants me for my style and trusts me with their day is a dream client.

How do you select music for your films?

Feeling mainly. Location of the wedding plays a part, the tone of the day whether it felt fun or more romantic. If there was a specific song for the first dance or walking down the aisle that encapsulates the day well that can play into it. If it’s shot on Super 8 the video usually has a bit more of a whimsical feel to it.

What is your advice to couples getting married?

Do what feels right for you, not what people want or expect you to do. Make a list for family photos and keep it to immediate family members. Grab the rest later in the night. Set aside some time for yourselves and actually enjoy the day. Be honest, vulnerable, fun and uniquely you. Before you know it, the day will be over so enjoy yourself!

James Simpson Weddings

Website: jamessimpsonweddings.com

Instagram: @jamessimpsonweddings