PHOTOGRAPHER | Tom Irwin

The Anti-Bride
1 day ago
3 min read

For editorial photographer Tom Irwin, storytelling is paramount, and he strives to capture genuine moments as they unfold. As a hybrid photographer with a fashion background, he photographs weddings using both film and digital formats, as well as Super 8 video. Tom Irwin is based between LA and NYC.

What would you like couples to know about you?

With a background in fashion editorial and lifestyle photography, I aim to capture the details and the beautiful moments before they become memories. I believe that time is the most valuable thing you can’t count, so be present in the moment. From the simplest of gatherings to the wildest of parties, I strive to live in the moment, so it’s one worth remembering for a lifetime.

Where are you based?

Los Angeles, CA & New York City, NY.

Do you travel for weddings?

Yes, I love to experience near and far away places. I will happily travel to wherever the client needs me to capture their day.

How would you describe your style?

Documentary/loose editorial. Capturing the authentic moments as they happen, with a flair of high fashion looks.

What is your most memorable career moment?

Photographing the sweetest gathering over in Tuscany. Both family and friends flew in from the UK and it was a three-day celebration. From drinks by the pool to kick it all off, there were no strangers after day one. The wedding day itself was a dream, a sunny Tuscan day under an old oak tree on the beautiful property; you could smell the jasmine around every turn. The day felt like it would never end, and nobody wanted it to. Followed by a well-deserved recovery day lounging around with endless fresh fruit, reminiscing and storytelling from the night before.

What inspires you?

Being a hopeless romantic at heart, I pride my work on creating an experience that I myself would dream of having. Someone that cares not only about the end result from a photo aspect - but also the well-being of the couple themselves. Seeing the endless options of how a wedding day can be brought to life is a beautiful thing. No one wedding is exactly the same, and there are always new stories to be told.

How would you describe your working style?

I specialize in film photography, while I do still hybrid shoot, capturing my weddings on film and digital. Storytelling is of utmost importance; everyone has a story to tell. I capture their big day as it candidly happens, allowing my couples to be as present as possible and enjoy their day to the fullest.

Do you shoot digitally, on film or both?

I shoot both; 35mm and 120 film, digital coverage, and Super 8 video.

Do you have custom packages according to individual needs?

Yes, I believe each day and couple are uniquely beautiful and should be treated as such. I create custom packages and coverage for my couples day so we don’t miss a single moment. Allowing them to be as present as possible during their day focusing on the moments they want to remember.

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

I love to photograph my weddings on 120 and 35mm film. I believe it captures a moment so authentically. Creating a still moment that looks and feels like a painting, evoking an emotion whenever you look through the images.

Where would you love to travel to for work?

My dream destinations are Sicily, Egypt, Ireland, Morocco, South Africa, and Greece.

Who is your dream client?

Those that have a passion and love for each other and can't wait to tell the world - and appreciate the attention to detail from good drinks, fashion statements, and captivating conversation. Also those wanting to create iconic moments and keep the party rolling, adding to their endless love story.

How do you select music for your films?

I begin to think about how I feel in the moment watching through the scenes. Then ask what kind of emotion am I trying to make the viewers feel, as they become enthralled in the beauty and elegance of my couples love story.

What is your advice to couples getting married?

Try and enjoy the process, as it’s a stressful time trying to create your ideal wedding day. Focus on what has brought you and your significant other together and the future you seek to create together. Remember to breathe and take in the wedding day as it happens. Everyone says it's over so quickly, so try and be as present as possible. Creating moments worth remembering for years to come. My job is to capture the day so you can live it, so make it one worth remembering.

This is your day — make it everything you can imagine, from aesthetic to design to dress code, you name it. And enjoy the process!