READING TIME: 4 min 6 sec
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/16/2024
UPDATED: 11/06/2024
In the world of wedding photography, few photographers can weave raw emotion and intricate details into timeless memories quite like Silvia Sánchez Fotos. With a career born from serendipity and fueled by a deep love for documentary-style storytelling, Silvia has transformed her passion into a celebrated journey spanning over 300 weddings and 10 unforgettable years. Her approach? To preserve the truth of every moment, capturing the spontaneity, beauty, and essence of each couple’s unique story.
From the stunning landscapes of Spain to far-flung destination weddings around the globe, Silvia’s lens has witnessed it all. Her images are more than just photos—they are heartfelt stories, carefully crafted to last a lifetime. In this interview, Silvia opens up about her journey, her philosophy, and the magic she finds in every wedding she shoots.
For Silvia Sánchez Fotos, her journey into wedding photography began with an unexpected twist of fate. What started as a chance encounter with wedding photography blossomed into a full-fledged career that has now spanned over a decade. Silvia fondly recalls how it all began: "I started photographing weddings almost by chance, and now I can't imagine doing anything else."
Her passion for documentary-style photography, which values authenticity and spontaneity, shines through in every frame she captures. "I'm obsessed with the moment and with creating memories that are true to reality," Silvia shares. It is this dedication to storytelling that has propelled her to become one of the most sought-after wedding photographers, with over 300 weddings to her name.
Silvia’s photography style is distinctly natural, focusing on capturing the day as it unfolds. She emphasizes the importance of staying true to the essence of each moment: "The final outcome of my work always aims to tell a story true to reality with a highly crafted narrative style."
Her keen eye for detail is what sets her apart. Not only does she focus on the couple and their emotions, but also on the small elements that make each wedding unique—from the architecture of the venue to the décor and the overall ambiance. "I am passionate about paying attention to details and taking special interest not only in the people and unique, serendipitous moments, but also in all the elements that are part of such a special day."
This dedication to detail ensures that every image becomes a part of the larger narrative, telling the couple’s story most beautifully and authentically as possible.
Behind every stunning image is a combination of skill and the right equipment. Silvia works with two Canon R5 cameras and an array of prime lenses, including 24mm, 35mm, 50mm, and 85mm focal lengths. She also incorporates an analog camera to capture moments with a vintage touch, while her two Profoto flashes help her adapt to different lighting conditions.
Her post-processing approach is minimalist yet effective. "I improve the color to match my style, make some reframing, and remove elements from the environment that 'clutter' the image... not too many things, to be honest," she notes. This approach allows her to preserve the authenticity of each moment while ensuring the final result is polished and timeless.
For Silvia, the relationships she builds with her clients are as important as the photographs themselves. Her ability to connect with couples on a personal level enhances her work, allowing her to create images that resonate with the emotions of the day. "I feel incredibly fortunate to be a wedding photographer. I get excited at every wedding, I connect with my clients, I work in a unique context of happiness and emotion."
Silvia takes pride in tailoring her services to meet each couple’s specific needs. She collaborates closely with them to ensure the wedding photography aligns with their vision, offering custom packages based on factors such as coverage hours, the number of guests, and pre-and post-wedding events. "Every wedding is unique, and clients have different coverage needs. Welcome parties the day before and pool parties the day after have become very trendy, and we also price them based on coverage hours."
When asked for advice on how couples can prepare for their big day, Silvia emphasizes the importance of enjoying the moment. "Our advice is always the same: enjoy the moment, as everything else will flow naturally." Her laid-back approach helps couples feel comfortable, allowing her to capture genuine emotions and spontaneous moments without added stress.
Silvia also works with her clients to ensure that practical elements, such as lighting and venue choices, are optimized for the best possible photographs. "We love collaborating on the choice of venue for the preparations, as well as the timing of the ceremony, taking into account natural light and lighting, all to maximize the impact of the photographs."
Silvia’s passion for storytelling extends beyond her home country of Spain. She has traveled the globe, photographing weddings in destinations such as Belgium, Mexico, Marrakech, and Hamburg. "I have worked in Belgium, Mexico, Marrakech, Hamburg, Venezuela... Next year, I have weddings in London, New York," Silvia explains.
While she loves traveling, some of her favorite weddings take place in Spain, which has become a popular destination for couples from around the world. "Spain is now a highly sought-after destination for couples from all over the world, with cities like Seville, Barcelona, Marbella, Mallorca, or Menorca becoming unique and multicultural spaces."
At the heart of Silvia’s work is a deep love for capturing memories that will last a lifetime. "The feedback I receive from my clients always makes me feel very honored and grateful," she says. This genuine passion for her craft has earned Silvia the trust of countless couples, allowing her to continue doing what she loves most—documenting life’s most precious moments in a way that is both beautiful and true to life.
For those looking to work with Silvia Sánchez Fotos, you can expect a photographer who is not only incredibly skilled but also genuinely invested in telling your story, frame by frame.
