READING TIME: 3 min 29 sec
PUBLICATION DATE: 08/19/2024
UPDATED: 08/29/2024
Miks Sels' path to wedding photography was anything but straightforward. His story begins far from the world of cameras and creativity. "Wedding photography or any photography was not in my daily life until I was 30," Sels reveals. "I studied and worked in the property maintenance industry before."
It was a personal milestone that sparked his passion for capturing moments. "The 'click' happened when my daughter was born and I started taking pictures of her and some landscapes," he recounts. "Instagram was at its peak as well, so the rest is history."
This late-blooming passion has since flourished into a full-fledged career. "10 awesome wedding seasons," Sels says, summarizing his decade-long journey in the industry.
When asked to describe his photography style, Sels pauses, acknowledging the complexity of the question. "Tough question!" he exclaims. "I would love to be the guy who catches the best in-between moments. Love motion! Love black&whites!"
Pressed further, he elaborates, "Style? Probably a documentary combined with aesthetics, an editorial touch and detail-driven." This fusion of approaches results in a distinctive visual narrative that sets Sels apart in a crowded field.
Sels' equipment choices reflect his unique approach to wedding photography. He combines modern technology with vintage optics to achieve his signature look. "Nikon D780 DSLRs plus lenses manufactured in the 80ies - the look is more filmy with these old babies," he explains. This blend of old and new allows him to create images that feel both contemporary and timeless.
In addition to his primary gear, Sels adds, "Small flashes like SB300/400/500. DJI drone. And that's it." This minimalist approach to equipment allows him to focus on capturing moments rather than managing gear.
Post-processing plays a crucial role in Sels' workflow, but he maintains a light touch, preferring to enhance rather than alter. "I do love the filmy look," he shares. "90% of work happens in Lightroom and I create custom presets for each wedding - because the light changes!"
In an era where AI-driven editing tools are becoming increasingly prevalent, Sels takes pride in his hands-on approach. "I don't use AI products," he states firmly.
For Sels, being a photographer isn't just about creating beautiful images. It's a lifestyle choice that aligns with his personal values. When asked what he enjoys most about his profession, he doesn't hesitate: "The freedom, cool people I meet and the fact I can see my children a lot!"
This balance of professional satisfaction and personal fulfillment is at the core of Sels' approach to his career.
Over the years, Sels has refined his approach to working with clients, finding a balance between meeting their needs and maintaining his creative vision. "I keep it my way," he states. "Clients rarely ask me for specific things!"
This doesn't mean he disregards his clients' preferences. Rather, he ensures that potential clients have a clear understanding of his style from the outset. "I try to create blog posts of a wide range images on the website where clients can check if is it the style they are looking for," he explains.
Sels' approach has evolved over time. "For the first 6/7 years, I tried to shoot for the clients, now I focus more on my goals and it works better for sure," he reflects.
Unlike some photographers who offer hourly packages, Sels takes a different approach. "The clients book me for the date," he explains. "I don't care if the work is 5 or 15 hours. The photographer is for the wedding and not for some specific events during the day - that's it!"
This comprehensive coverage allows Sels to tell the complete story of the wedding day, from the nervous anticipation of preparation to the joyous celebration of the reception.
Experience has taught Sels the importance of maintaining a manageable workload. When asked about his comfortable wedding count per year, he's clear: "Comfortable is 20-30," he states. Then, with a hint of hard-earned wisdom, he adds, "I've done 50 - DO NOT RECOMMEND!"
Sels' work takes him across Europe, allowing him to capture love stories against diverse backdrops. "Yes!" he enthuses when asked about destination weddings. "I shoot weddings all over Europe."
His favorite locations? "Top destinations - Italy (Tuscany/Puglia) & Spain (Barcelona/Sitges/Girona)," he shares, painting a picture of sun-drenched landscapes and romantic architecture.
Drawing from his extensive experience, Sels offers some practical advice for couples preparing for their big day: "Hire the wedding planner!" he emphasizes. "Number two - delegate duties as much as possible to others. Photographs reflect the vibe of the day and if you are worried about technical stuff - no good!" And for those pre-ceremony jitters? Sels has a simple solution: "Number three - take one glass of Cremant and off we go!"
Through his unique blend of vintage aesthetics, modern technology, and a laid-back approach, Miks Sels has carved out a distinctive niche in the world of wedding photography. His journey from property maintenance to capturing life's most precious moments serves as a testament to the power of following one's passion, regardless of when that passion is discovered.
