READING TIME: 4 min 38 sec
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/17/2024
UPDATED: 11/05/2024
Arturs Lacis, a wedding photographer from Latvia, has earned the title of the country's best wedding photographer not once but three times—a testament to his exceptional talent and dedication to his craft. Reflecting on his journey, Arturs often says, "Creativity has always been a huge part of my life—I’ve loved drawing since I was a child." This passion for creativity has been the guiding force throughout his career, shaping his unique approach to wedding photography. He explored different career paths over the years, but it was photography that allowed him to fully express his creativity, and he hasn’t looked back since.
"I realized that I wanted to pursue something that allowed me to express my creativity fully," he explains. "That’s when I discovered wedding photography. It’s a perfect blend of beauty and art." This realization sparked his professional journey in 2016, where he found the perfect balance between artistic expression and capturing the beauty of life’s most special moments.
When asked to describe his photography style, Arturs immediately replies, "Elegant and timeless." These two words truly encapsulate his approach to capturing weddings. Arturs’ work stands out because of his commitment to preserving the authenticity and beauty of every moment. "I focus on capturing the beauty of each moment with a natural approach to color correction, ensuring the true colors are preserved," he shares. "For me, it’s important that the photographs not only reflect the authenticity of the day but also remain beautiful and relevant for years to come."
His post-processing style reflects this philosophy. He meticulously selects the best photos and applies natural color correction. Retouching is minimal, just enough to ensure the image looks polished and balanced. His approach is simple, but highly effective—his photos are as much about artistic vision as they are about allowing couples to relive their day in the truest form possible. His attention to detail, including horizon adjustments and cropping, ensures that each photo is a work of art in its own right.
To create these stunning images, Arturs relies on high-quality equipment. "I use Sony cameras, along with various lenses and flashes to adapt to different scenes," he reveals. Versatility is key in wedding photography, where the lighting and setting can change rapidly, and Arturs is always prepared. His gear allows him to transition seamlessly from intimate close-ups to wide, sweeping landscapes. He also incorporates drone photography to add unique aerial perspectives that elevate the visual storytelling of the day.
When you ask Arturs what he loves most about being a wedding photographer, his eyes light up. "It’s the ability to capture real, raw emotions during such special moments," he says. For him, there’s nothing quite like being part of a celebration of love and joy, where he gets to witness and document the most important moments of a couple’s life. "I find great satisfaction in photographing stunning weddings in breathtaking locations," he adds. Whether it’s a grand European destination or a quaint local ceremony, Arturs is always inspired by the unique love stories he’s entrusted to capture.
Social media plays a big role in his professional life as well. "I love sharing my work on Instagram," he admits. It’s not just a platform for exposure—it’s a way for him to connect with couples and others in the wedding industry. "It’s where I can showcase these moments and connect with people through my photography," he says, underscoring how much he values the feedback and interaction he receives from his online community.
Arturs takes immense pride in his ability to work closely with couples to achieve their desired outcomes. "I approach working with clients by being as attentive and polite as possible," he explains. From the very beginning, he prioritizes understanding the couple’s vision for their photos, asking the right questions and being actively involved in the planning process. "Once I know their style and preferences, I do everything in my power to achieve the desired outcome," he says confidently.
This collaboration doesn’t end once the photography begins. "I also incorporate candid, reportage-style photography to capture the natural flow of the day," he explains. This approach helps him create images that feel authentic and organic, allowing couples to experience their wedding day through fresh eyes when they look back at their photos. "Working with me is always a comfortable experience," he adds, noting that this ease allows him to capture the most genuine moments.
Flexibility is one of the hallmarks of Arturs’ service. When couples have specific needs, he’s more than happy to accommodate them. "I always work closely with couples to create custom packages that fit their specific needs," he says. Whether it’s adjusting the number of hours or including special photography requests, Arturs believes that no two weddings are alike, and his services reflect that.
Arturs typically covers 10-12 hours per wedding day but has also handled more complex weddings, such as Indian celebrations that span multiple days and can require up to 25 hours of coverage. No matter the size or scale of the event, Arturs gives each wedding his full attention, ensuring that every detail is captured and every couple’s expectations are exceeded.
Arturs is an avid traveler and loves working in diverse and stunning locations across the globe. "I work worldwide and love capturing weddings in beautiful locations across the globe," he says. Destination weddings are especially close to his heart, as they combine two of his greatest passions: photography and travel. He has photographed weddings in a variety of countries, each offering its own unique charm.
"Each destination offers something unique, and I’m always excited to explore new locations that bring out the best in my photography," he explains. Whether it’s a romantic Italian villa, a beachside ceremony, or a mountain retreat, Arturs embraces the opportunity to capture love in beautiful, awe-inspiring settings.
One of Arturs’ key pieces of advice for couples is to communicate their preferences. "My recommendation for couples is to create a reference collection of photos that they love and send them to the photographer," he advises. This simple step helps ensure that both the couple and the photographer are on the same page about the style and mood they want to achieve.
But above all, Arturs encourages couples to trust their photographer. "A good photographer will always do their best to capture the most beautiful and memorable moments of the day," he says.
With his award-winning experience, natural style, and client-focused approach, Arturs Lacis continues to set himself apart as one of the top wedding photographers, not just in Latvia, but worldwide. His passion for capturing authentic moments and his dedication to making each couple’s vision a reality ensure that every wedding he photographs is as timeless as the love it celebrates.
