READING TIME: 4 min 44 sec
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/01/2024
UPDATED: 10/03/2024
Sheri McMahon Photography has carved a niche in the elite world of wedding photography, distinguishing herself not only through her professional acumen but also through her radiant personality. With an extensive background spanning eight years, Sheri is known for her infectious energy and meticulous attention to detail, elements that she brings to every wedding she captures.
Sheri explains her philosophy with a smile, " I truly believe that positive vibes and auras are infectious, and I bring that energy to every wedding and elopement I capture. I draw inspiration from and love working with unique couples who are passionate about creating an exceptional experience for their special day. My goal is to provide a high-end, service-oriented, and personable experience that reflects the individuality of each couple. My love for traveling to new places, learning about new cultures, and experiencing life is a big reason why I focus on weddings outside of my home country, Australia. I specialize in luxury beach resorts throughout Thailand, Bali, and epic destinations in New Zealand, Europe, and beyond."
Her approach is deeply rooted in the art of film and fine art photography, which she believes not only creates a visually stunning image but also encourages a thoughtful pace. "I'm obsessed with film and fine art photography, not only because it creates that beautiful, bright, and airy look but also because it forces us to slow down—in a good way. With every roll of film offering just 16 opportunities, each photo must be taken with purpose, intention, and an eye for detail. This approach allows us to fully take in the moment and be present. Each moment of your wedding day has a story attached to it, and those moments will fly by. You want those stories, the priceless memories, and all the personal details to last forever in the most beautiful way imaginable—bright, natural, and joyful. This is how you want your day to feel and your photos to look, and I'm here to make that happen. I am dedicated to providing a high-end, service-oriented, and personable experience that ensures your wedding day is captured perfectly."
This methodical approach ensures that each moment is savored and each snapshot encapsulates a story, reflecting the individuality of the couple and the uniqueness of their love.
Sheri's toolkit is a curated blend of modern digital technology and traditional film. "I am a hybrid photographer," she states proudly. Utilizing the Fujifilm GFX medium format for digital shots and the Contax 645 medium format for film, she ensures a seamless fusion of styles that maintain both consistency and artistic integrity. "Each image is meticulously edited with my signature style, which emulates the characteristics of film, including its brightness and elegance," Sheri adds, detailing her post-processing techniques that use state-of-the-art software to achieve her signature style.
"A wedding day is brimming with joy, and there’s nothing more heartwarming than being immersed in the happiness of my couples, from the morning moments to those tender, in-between emotions. Each detail of the day, meticulously chosen by the couple, deserves to be captured with the utmost care and attention. I have a special fondness for flowers and table settings, and it brings me immense joy to see these elements come to life in the photos. One of my favorite aspects of being a destination wedding photographer is the opportunity to explore incredible new locations. Traveling to unique venues and experiencing different cultures not only invigorates my creative spirit but also adds a distinctive touch to my work. This passion for travel and discovery shines through in every image I capture, bringing a fresh and vibrant perspective to each wedding," Sheri shares, her eyes lighting up as she talks about her favorite parts of the day.
From the early morning preparations to the fleeting, tender moments in between, she finds immense joy in capturing the meticulously chosen details like flowers and table settings, which she believes bring a wedding's theme to life in photos.
Sheri's passion for travel is a cornerstone of her photography. "My passion for destination weddings and traveling to unique locations is at the heart of my photography. I thrive on exploring new places and capturing the beauty of each distinctive setting," she explains. This love for exploration makes her a sought-after photographer for destination weddings, where she blends the local charm and character into each frame. Italy, France, and Thailand are among her favorite destinations, though her bucket list includes dreamy locales like Greece and Bali.
When it comes to working with clients, Sheri emphasizes understanding, trust, and creativity. "We begin with an in-depth phone call where I take the time to learn about your interests, preferences, and the vision you have for your photos," she says, underscoring the personalized nature of her service. This initial conversation sets the stage for a tailored photography experience, culminating in custom collections that perfectly align with each couple's specific needs.
"After our conversation, I’ll promptly provide you with custom collections tailored to your specific needs. I’m always available to answer any questions you might have, helping you feel comfortable and confident in your choices. Additionally, I offer valuable tips and recommendations to enhance your photography experience, both before and after our agreement. This includes suggesting trusted vendors and providing other helpful insights to ensure a smooth and enjoyable planning process," Sheri affirms.
Sheri offers comprehensive advice to ensure clients are fully prepared for their photo shoot or wedding day. "Communicate Your Vision," she advises. "Clearly express your vision for the day and any specific details you want captured. Share your ideas, preferences, and any personal touches you envision." This proactive communication helps ensure that the final images align perfectly with the couple's expectations and the essence of their celebration.
To alleviate any camera shyness, Sheri suggests, "Prepare for the Camera. If you're feeling nervous about being in front of the camera, consider scheduling an engagement session." She explains that this not only provides beautiful moments to capture from this special time but also serves as a valuable practice to help couples feel more comfortable and confident on their wedding day.
"Relax and Enjoy the Moment," Sheri continues. "It’s natural to feel a bit anxious before an event, but try to take some deep breaths and enjoy the experience." She emphasizes that the best photos come when clients are relaxed and having fun. "To help with this, let’s have a pre-event consultation where we can discuss any concerns or preferences you have, and I’ll share tips on how to stay at ease during the shoot."
Sheri reassures her clients, "Trust that I’ll be there to guide you and capture those genuine moments of joy," ensuring that every photograph reflects the heartfelt emotions of the day. This level of dedication and personal attention is what makes Sheri a beloved choice for couples seeking a photographer who can truly capture the spirit of their celebration.
