Colin Ross: Documentary Wedding Photography Elegance

AUTHOR: Editor-in-Chief

READING TIME: 3 min 41 sec

PUBLICATION DATE: 10/22/2024

UPDATED: 10/22/2024

Content

Colin Ross’s passion for photography was ignited while traveling through Australia nearly two decades ago. What started as a way to document his adventures turned into a lifelong passion for capturing the essence of human connection. Over the past nine years, Colin has established himself as a renowned wedding photographer with a signature style that blends documentary realism with an editorial edge.

We had the privilege of sitting down with Colin to uncover the story behind his work, his creative process, and his experiences documenting weddings across the globe.

A Serendipitous Start

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Photo by @Colin Ross
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Photo by @Colin Ross

Colin’s first introduction to photography was as spontaneous as it was transformative. “The first time I picked up a camera was around eighteen years ago. I went to Australia and started documenting my travels, and from then I was hooked!” What began as a travel diary evolved into a passion for storytelling through imagery. His early experiences behind the lens were a catalyst for a new career path.

His transition into wedding photography came after years of exploring different countries, honing his craft, and refining his unique approach to capturing genuine moments.

A Blended Style: Documentary Meets Editorial

When asked to describe his photography style, Colin explains, “I’ve always been drawn to documentary photography and wanting to capture the true moments in real-time through a lens of elegance mixed with an editorial finish.” His approach combines a natural, unobtrusive style with the polished look of an editorial spread, allowing couples to relive the emotions of their day without the photos feeling overly staged or posed.

His preference for minimal post-processing further supports this approach. “I believe in minimal editing, keeping the colors and tones true to color mixed with black and white,” he says, ensuring that each image maintains its authenticity while offering a timeless aesthetic.

Tools of the Trade

For Colin, the right equipment is essential in creating his signature look, but he emphasizes that simplicity is key. His current go-to setup includes the Canon R6 Mark x 2, Canon EOS 5, and Contax T2. In terms of lenses, he favors the Canon 50mm 1.2, 85mm 1.4, and 35mm 1.4, noting, he also loves the versatility of the Canon 28-70mm 2.0. To capture the perfect light, he relies on Godox flashes and the AD100, ensuring he’s prepared for any lighting condition without over-complicating the process.

The Beauty in Small Moments

What does Colin enjoy most about photographing weddings? It’s the unscripted, emotional moments that resonate with him the most. “I really like speeches and looking for the quiet moments or hand grabs between the couple, as well as giggles shared between family and the tears from loved ones,” he says.

While portrait time is also a cherished part of the day, Colin ensures that it feels relaxed for the couple. “I try to make this as relaxed as possible and love it when I can incorporate the nice light and the surrounding areas,” he adds, making sure that every session feels natural and easy.

And let’s not forget the reception! “I also love the dance floor!” Colin’s candid, documentary style allows him to capture the joy and energy that fill these moments of celebration.

Client Collaboration: A Seamless Experience

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Photo by @Colin Ross
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Photo by @Colin Ross

For Colin, the key to successful wedding photography is collaboration. “I like to have a timeline of the wedding day, but what’s most important is that the couple can fully enjoy their wedding day,” he explains. His laid-back approach helps clients feel at ease, ensuring that they remain present in their moments, while Colin handles the details behind the scenes.

Most of his clients work with wedding planners, which helps ensure that everything runs smoothly. However, Colin also enjoys offering input based on his experience. “I’ve been to lots of weddings, so I may look over the schedule and make some small suggestions to help the wedding day run smoothly,” he says. His experience and calm demeanor are instrumental in helping couples feel comfortable throughout the day.

Destination Weddings: Capturing Global Love Stories

Colin’s work has taken him across the globe, photographing weddings in some of the most stunning locations. From Mexico and Barbados to Morocco, Sri Lanka, and Australia, his portfolio spans continents. When asked about his favorite destination, Colin reflects, “I work a lot in Europe and have traveled all over the world. I’ve photographed weddings in Mexico, Antigua, Barbados, Morocco, Sri Lanka, India, Singapore, and Australia.”

Though Europe holds a special place in his heart, it’s clear that each location offers something unique to the storytelling process. The backdrop of a destination wedding adds a layer of magic to his documentary style, enriching the narrative he captures.

Customizing the Experience

Understanding that each couple is unique, Colin frequently tailors his packages to meet specific needs, especially for multi-day celebrations. “Yes, I do this a lot for multi-day weddings,” he says, emphasizing the importance of flexibility and customization to create a truly bespoke experience for his clients.

Whether the wedding is a one-day event or spans several days, Colin’s adaptability allows him to capture every moment, ensuring that nothing is missed.

A Final Thought

For Colin Ross, wedding photography is about more than just capturing images—it’s about immortalizing moments that will be cherished for generations. His ability to blend documentary and editorial styles creates a timeless, elegant record of the day, allowing couples to relive their story in a way that feels both authentic and beautifully polished.

To learn more about Colin Ross or inquire about his availability, visit his profile on Wezoree and explore the artistry behind his work.

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