Photoshoot + Interview: 'Alexa' by Laura Diliberto / Photography by Laura Marie
Q: How did you get started as a photographer?
A: When I was 21 and graduated from college I needed to explore different hobbies, as I no longer had the excitement and actives anymore that goes along with being away at college. I believe that I stumbled upon Flickr and got inspiration to pick up digital photography within the year after graduating. I had a Canon T1i already at the house, so I started with that. I took one or two workshops to meet like-minded individuals, but otherwise just practised on my own, trying different things! Experimenting is such a huge part of any art from.
Q: How did you come by this photoshoot?
A: The designer and stylist Jacklyn Iavarone was looking for a photographer to do a look book for her, and we also decided to turn it into an editorial shoot, as the location we had access to was amazing. It was an old abandoned mansion on Long Island that she had connections to. Within a week we gathered the model, makeup, and hair team. It was a really memorable day!
Q: Is it ever challenging to capture such intimate moments with engagement and wedding photography? Do you have any strategies to set your subjects at ease?
A: Yes, absolutely! I think I was more nervous than the couple the first time I shot engagement portraits. You are trying to capture their natural love without it looking too posed or cheesy.
I'd say the best strategy for that is to just come off incredibly warm, kind, and casual, so that they feel like they're hanging out with a friend rather than a photographer they just met. And that's basically how the shoot will go, we're hanging out and walking around for an hour... it's actually quite nice! I'll usually provide positive feedback as we're shooting, and if I want them to look a certain way then it's important to not come off as pushy or demanding, such as someone wanting to say: "put your shoulder down now" but rather I would say: "oh I'd love to see your beautiful eyes more, please lower your shoulder! You look great, I can't wait to show you this picture!"
Q: What's some advice you'd give to someone looking to branch out into wedding photography?
A: For anyone who is looking to take on wedding clients and branch off into that field, I'd say it's important to know off the bat how tough it can be. Rewarding for sure, but very challenging. This is because the level of responsibility that comes with shooting a couples wedding does not allow room for messing up. Yes, even the most seasoned wedding photographers can learn new techniques, processes, and even make a mistake here and there. But there are bigger mistakes that just can't happen when you are being trusted to shoot a wedding, that I would say for anyone looking to branch out the best thing to do is second shoot or assist established photographers for at least six months, ideally a year, before taking on your own clients.
A wedding can change so fast as the day moves along, and there's a lot of different technical aspects of that you'll need to be quick with in terms of lighting, lenses to use, interacting with guests, etc! This knowledge can only be gained through practice and guidance, but that practising shouldn't happen by experimenting on a client. It should be learned through photographers who already have years of experience and knowledge under their belt.
We want to thank Laura for taking the time to answer our interview questions and we encourage you to view more of her wonderful work by visiting her website or following on Facebook. Enjoy!
Full credits: Photographer + Retoucher: Laura Diliberto | Stylist + Designer: Jacklyn Iavarone | Model: Alexa Lacza | Makeup Artist: Nicole Werner | Hair: Rebecca Pinto
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Interview by Cecile - Cecile Blackmore is a writer from Brisbane, Australia. She writes and edits at The Creative Issue and hoards vintage clothing – follow her adventures on Instagram at @saintcecile.