PHOTOGRAPHER | Tom Coburn Studio

The Anti-Bride
13 hours ago
4 min read

Tom Coburn is renowned for creating distinctive, meaningful photographs and providing couples with an exceptional experience from beginning to end. His goal is to craft images that couples will be proud to display on their walls and pass down to future generations. Based in Thirroul, NSW, Tom Coburn also travels internationally to photograph weddings.

Tell us about your business!

I’m an Australian wedding photographer, focused on creating honest, well composed images that tell the story of the day without unnecessary staging. Film photography is a core part of my work, and I also offer videography with a focus on Super 8 film.

What would you like couples to know about you?

I am 31 and have been shooting weddings since I was 19, which still feels pretty wild to look back on. When I started, all of my clients were much older than me, and now I find myself older than most of my clients.

When I’m not shooting or editing, I’m spending time with my family and my dog, Jasper, or getting out into nature, where I feel most at home.

Where are you based?

I am based in Thirroul, about an hour south of Sydney. I travel internationally for weddings, but always love coming back to my quiet home by the beach whenever I can.

Do you travel for weddings?

I travel throughout Australia and internationally for weddings. I have photographed weddings in New Zealand, Italy, France, Thailand, Sweden, Iceland, and Indonesia.

How would you describe your style?

I blend a range of influences into my work, drawing from street photography as well as fashion and fine art. Some images are quirky, others are more understated or beautiful, but they are always honest, and that is what matters most to me.

What is your most memorable career moment?

In 2018, I photographed a wedding at MONA in Tasmania. It stands out as one of the first truly unique weddings I shot. The couple and vendors had great style, and the setting, one of Australia’s most iconic modern art galleries, felt more like a Bond villain’s lair than a wedding venue. That day really broadened my perspective on the kinds of weddings I could shoot when working with the right clients.

What inspires you?

I draw a lot of inspiration from cinema and often find myself trying to translate moments and compositions I have seen in films into the photographs I make. I am particularly influenced by the work of directors like Wes Anderson, Quentin Tarantino, Christopher Nolan, Martin Scorsese, and Paul Thomas Anderson. Other photographers constantly inspire me as well. There are thousands of incredibly talented photographers out there, and that pushes me to keep refining my work and finding a clear point of difference.

How would you describe your working style?

I’ve been told that I bring a relaxed, calming presence to a wedding day. I don’t take myself too seriously and try to use humour at the right moments. One of the most important skills of a wedding photographer is reading people, and it’s something I’ve always felt comfortable doing. Knowing when to fade into the background, when to step in and offer reassurance if something hasn’t gone to plan, and when to crack a joke to ease tension or create a genuine moment makes all the difference.

Do you shoot digitally, on film or both?

Film is now my main focus, but I still work with both film and digital. I think film brings something that digital can’t quite replicate, and people are often drawn to images that feel a little less perfect and a bit more personal and raw.

Do you have custom packages according to individual needs?

I offer set packages, but I’m always open to adjusting things to suit each couple’s needs.

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

Film photography. Because receiving the scans back from the lab always feels like Christmas.

Where would you love to travel to for work?

Some locations on my wedding bucket list include the USA, Japan, and Mallorca.

Who is your dream client?

My dream clients are couples who value creativity and style, have a strong sense of personal taste, and don’t take themselves too seriously. They see their wedding as a celebration of their relationship, shared with the family and friends who helped bring them to that moment. They choose the traditions that feel meaningful to them and let go of anything that doesn’t feel aligned. They place full trust in me and their other vendors. An epic venue never hurts either. I’m very lucky that most of my clients fit this description.

How do you select music for your films?

I often look to cinema for music inspiration in the films I make. For example, I loved the use of “Dirty Work” by Steely Dan in One Battle After Another, and ended up using that song in the next wedding film where it felt like the right fit.

What is your advice to couples getting married?

Don’t sweat the small stuff. Be yourself and have fun. Honesty and vulnerability always make for the best photos.