READING TIME: 3 min 43 sec
PUBLICATION DATE: 11/04/2024
UPDATED: 11/06/2024
In the world of wedding photography, every moment is an opportunity to capture love’s greatest adventures. For Esther Van Geenen, an adventurer, storyteller, and lover of love, capturing these moments goes far beyond just taking beautiful pictures. It’s about creating art, telling stories, and making connections that last long after the wedding day. Esther’s passion for real emotions, beauty, and detail has driven her for over a decade, earning her a reputation for creating timeless, elegant imagery. We had the chance to sit down with Esther and dive into her journey, her philosophy on wedding photography, and the creative process behind her work.
Esther's journey into photography began with a desire to capture more than just beautiful scenes. She wanted to tell stories and create meaningful connections.
"Love is the greatest adventure," she reflects, "and it makes me incredibly proud that I get to capture these big adventures."
Over the past 10 years, Esther has honed her craft, shooting weddings across the globe and continually evolving her style. Her work is defined by a mix of artistry, emotion, and elegance, but what truly sets her apart is her ability to make couples feel at ease in front of the camera.
When it comes to describing her approach to wedding photography, Esther sees herself as much more than just a photographer. For her, each wedding is an opportunity to tell a unique love story.
"My photos tell stories," she explains. "As a storyteller, I focus on pure, artistic, editorial, and elegant wedding photography. I love capturing real moments, but I also photograph all the beautiful details of your wedding."
Her ability to seamlessly blend real moments with the elegance of editorial photography has made her a sought-after photographer for couples who want their wedding day captured in an authentic yet stunning way.
Every photographer has their favorite tools of the trade, and Esther is no exception. Her camera bag is a mix of digital and analog equipment, including two Sony a7-4 cameras and an array of prime lenses like the 24-70mm, 35mm, 50mm, and 85mm. But what truly sets her apart is her passion for analog photography. Esther often uses a Pentax 17 and a Nikon F100 film camera to add a unique, timeless quality to her work.
Beyond the equipment, though, it's Esther’s personal touch in post-processing that brings her images to life.
"I created my own preset 10 years ago and still use it to this day," she shares. "I fine-tune it every year, but it's still the foundation of my work."
This dedication to her craft ensures that every image feels cohesive and true to her artistic vision, while still reflecting the individuality of each wedding.
One of the most rewarding aspects of Esther’s work is the relationships she builds with her clients. She views her role as more than just that of a photographer—she’s a confidante and guide throughout the wedding planning process.
"Share everything about your wedding with me!" Esther encourages couples. "I want to understand your love story, your hobbies, what you enjoy in daily life, and everything that matters to you on your wedding day."
By getting to know each couple on a personal level, she’s able to create images that are not only beautiful but deeply meaningful.
Every wedding is unique, and Esther takes pride in tailoring her services to meet the specific needs of each couple. Whether it’s offering advice on vendors or helping to organize the wedding day timeline, she is always willing to go above and beyond.
"With over 250 weddings photographed, I can offer you valuable advice and help with all your wedding-related inquiries," she notes. "I’m happy to do this and am also glad to create a custom package for the couple."
Esther’s experience and dedication make her not just a photographer but a valuable resource for couples navigating the complexities of wedding planning.
For Esther, photography is more than just a job—it’s a passport to explore the world. She’s had the privilege of shooting weddings in some of the most beautiful places, including Spain, Italy, and France.
"Yes, I do [destination weddings]!" she exclaims with excitement. "I love to photograph weddings in Spain, Italy, and France."
These locations hold a special place in her heart, not only for their beauty but for the way they inspire her to create truly breathtaking images. The light, the landscapes, and the rich cultural history of these destinations add a magical touch to her work.
Esther believes that the key to beautiful wedding photos lies in preparation and trust. She often works closely with couples and their vendors to ensure everything runs smoothly.
"I always send a list of preferred vendors I like to work with in the wedding industry," she says. "When the couple works with great vendors, it makes everything much easier and more enjoyable for me as well."
Esther’s focus on creating a relaxed, joyful atmosphere helps couples to forget the camera is even there, allowing their true personalities to shine through.
Esther Van Geenen’s approach to wedding photography is rooted in her love of storytelling and her passion for capturing the essence of each couple’s unique journey. Her blend of artistry, emotion, and experience creates a photography experience that goes far beyond simply taking pictures—it’s about weaving together the moments, details, and emotions that make up the greatest adventure of all: love.
