There’s a lot of beauty coming your way today with our interview and feature on wedding photographer Lauren Kriedemann. We have featured several of her photographs on the website and just had to show you more of her work. It all began in Grade 10 and from these beginnings she has built a formidable portfolio and well-deserved reputation. She has photographed over 300 weddings across South Africa, England and Italy. Having finished top of her class at varsity, she has gone on to win multiple awards. These include the Nikon Africa Photographic Award, two Silvers and a Bronze Award in the SONY Profoto Awards – the list goes on! Her photos are stunning, impeccably shot and a feast for the eyes.

Lauren takes beautifully romantic images and has a documentary approach to her craft. "Each part of the wedding is SPECIAL and tells such a beautiful story which creates such wonderful memory library of that day," Lauren says, describing her approach and focus when capturing the intimate and emotional moments that tell the story of a wedding day.

A KZN girl, Lauren moved to Cape Town to pursue her dream job of becoming a wedding photographer.

In today’s blog, Lauren tells us a bit about herself, her journey to becoming a wedding photographer and her thoughts on what couples and their photographers should be looking for in a venue for their wedding day. Enjoy!

 

Tell us a little bit about yourself?

I was born in Durban but have lived all over SA - I am sure my parents have gypsy blood! I finished high school in Durban, where I did photography as my matric practical. I loved it and decided to make it my career. I then moved to Cape Town and studied for a degree in photography. I also lectured photography for two years while starting my business. I am married to an amazing man and we have a beautiful two-year-old daughter called Charlotte - we named her before the Royals! Other things I love include art, all kinds of design, reading, movies, yoga, walking on a beach or in the forest, eating out and good coffee. And I especially love traveling and exploring.

Tell us why you chose to specialise in wedding photography?

Wedding photography is such an amazing, exciting mixture of all kinds of photography – there’s beauty, décor, documentary and fashion. It combines all my favourite aspects of photography in one beautiful day.

What do you love about being a wedding photographer?

I love the challenge of it. Figuring out how to capture each couple’s unique qualities and showing the essence of the day, through those special moments. I love the romance and the craziness of it all. I love the tears, the stress, the laughter and all the love shared on the day. It’s never boring! And at the end of it all, you get to sit down and edit someone’s most beautiful day and tell the most meaningful story, through your images – which they will treasure forever. It’s such a privilege

 

What has been your favourite location as a wedding venue and why?

Phew, this is a hard one! We are spoilt with so many amazing venues in Cape Town and all over SA. I think, obviously, the scenery, authenticity and style each venue encompasses is important. But other than that, service is also important. The best venues have an excellent mixture of both. Some of my favourites are Langverwagt, Die Woud, Rockhaven, Old Mac Daddy, Kleinevalleij, Molenvliet, Vrede en Lust, Babylonstoren,  Zorgvliet, Strandkombuis, Hawksmoor House, Lourensford, and Brenaissance. (See I could just carry on and on!)

What about a venue do you as a photographer look for when capturing photographs?

Great outdoor scenery is important to have: orchards, fields, gardens, mountains, forests, beaches - almost every venue is Cape Town has something to offer. But using the natural lighting well is also important. Photographing the couple and their family and friends in these kind of spaces just before sunset gives you those beautiful, romantic and special images. Great natural indoor lighting is also great. I love trying to use natural light as much as possible, so well-lit, open venues are ideal.

Where would you like to shoot next?

I recently shot a wedding in Italy, which was amazing! So anywhere internationally. But also, with a two-year-old, shooting at a venue which is close to home at this point is also awesome. So Cape Town is still my favourite place to be.

What is your favourite image you have shot recently?

 One of my favourite weddings recently was at a new venue called Die Woud. It’s in Caledon and it is just beautiful. It was such a cold and windy day but the couple were so amazing and up for it, so we decided to venture out to take photographs. We drove to an open field, where we were all freezing, but the couple just snuggled close together and then a few wild horses ran into the field and it was just magical.

Do you have any tips for couples who are looking for their perfect wedding venue?

Get recommendations. Ask your friends and other wedding service providers which the best venues are. Ask to speak to past brides to check out the service. A beautiful venue with poor service will spoil your day.  Figure out the feel and style you want to create for your wedding - this will help you to select your venue. Look at the venue on photographer’s websites, i.e. search for the venue and wedding photographer. This will help to get more of a feel for the venue compared to what is showcased on the venue’s website. Plus, it will help brides to find a photographer too.

Have a look at more of Lauren’s work.

Shelley at Where's My Wedding