READING TIME: 3 min 38 sec
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/22/2024
UPDATED: 11/06/2024
From Croatia to Ireland, Ivana Patarcic has followed her heart—and in the process, discovered her passion for wedding photography. Her decade-long career has blossomed through a combination of artistry, authenticity, and a deep commitment to capturing love in its most genuine form. Ivana’s unique style, described as "loyalty, trust, style, and soul," reflects the depth of connection she forms with her clients, offering them beautifully emotive, timeless images.
In this interview, Ivana takes us through her creative journey, sharing insights into her craft, the experiences that have shaped her, and the beauty of weddings captured through her lens.
Ivana’s path to photography began far from the world of art. Growing up in Croatia, she initially pursued a different career: “I left Croatia to come to live in Ireland with my now 20+ long love. I always knew it was not a problem to move because I wanted to be with him. Then studying law I came here and studied business, but my passion for photography was there.”
It was her husband who recognized her true calling, encouraging her to follow her passion: "My husband said, ‘I think we know you would be a lot happier if you try photography.’ I studied for two years, and that's where the dream came true. So glad I persisted." This turning point marked the beginning of her career, which has now spanned 10 years.
Ivana’s photography style is elegant yet intimate, combining both digital and film to create images that are as honest as they are artful. She captures not just moments, but emotions and stories, allowing each couple's unique connection to shine through. “There is a strong sense of loyalty, trust, style, and soul. Using a variety of perspectives and lenses both on film and digital, I tell unique intimate stories of love, connection, and honesty.”
Ivana’s images are known for their sophisticated simplicity. She focuses on beautiful lighting and natural palettes, creating compositions that often feature negative space to draw attention to the subject. “Joy. Beautiful light. Natural palette. Lots of negative space around the subject.” This approach allows her to craft dynamic shots that feel candid yet artistically composed.
Ivana’s tools of the trade include both Canon digital cameras and a collection of analog film cameras. The duality of digital and film allows her to tailor her work to the specific vibe of each wedding: “Canon for the digital work and a few different analog cameras for the film side of the work.”
While Ivana’s shooting process is precise, her post-processing is minimal. Her attention to lighting and skin tones during the shoot ensures that little editing is needed: “Focusing on the light and the skin tones throughout the time of the shooting so I would not have to do a lot of post-processing after.”
For Ivana, the joy of wedding photography lies in the privilege of being part of one of the most important days in a couple’s life: “I think wedding photography for artists who love people is just truly a perfect combination. Giving a ticket to the front row of the most wonderful moments in the lifetime of many different people can only evoke joy and inspiration.”
Her approach to working with couples is rooted in empathy and understanding. Ivana makes it a priority to connect with each couple, ensuring that their personalities and desires shine through in the final images. “My main focus would be to concentrate on the experience—how do couples experience their wedding day? Adapting to the ones that will look at the photographs I captured for many years to come.”
Ivana is a firm believer in the power of customization. She works closely with each couple to create a wedding photography package that suits their needs, especially for weddings that span multiple days. “Of course, and the weddings that are more than one day in particular.”
Preparation ensures the wedding day runs smoothly and the couple can enjoy every moment without stress. Ivana recommends a simple process to help couples prepare for their photo shoot: “Just answering the questionnaire and a phone call or Zoom would be ideal.” This way, everyone is on the same page, and the couple can relax and enjoy their day.
Ivana’s love for travel is evident in her enthusiasm for destination weddings. While she has captured love stories in many places, Italy holds a special place in her heart. “Yes, Italy,” she says when asked about her favorite destination. The timeless beauty of Italian landscapes, combined with the romance of its architecture and culture, makes it an ideal backdrop for her style of photography.
For Ivana, photography is more than a profession—it’s an art form that allows her to create lasting memories for her clients. Her sophisticated, intimate style has earned her a reputation as a photographer who not only captures the beauty of weddings but also the unique love stories behind them.
As Ivana reflects on her decade-long career, she is grateful for the journey that brought her to photography. From Croatia to Ireland, from law studies to weddings, Ivana’s path has been defined by passion, persistence, and a deep love for the art of storytelling through her lens.
Want to learn more about Ivana Patarcic’s work or book her for your wedding? Visit her profile on Wezoree and let her capture your most magical moments.
