I just want families to be able to pull grandkids up in their laps and flip through a wedding album of their celebration and just remember how wonderful it really was.
Oona Breyer
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Oona Breyer has carved a unique name in the world of wedding photography. Drawing inspiration from her grandmother, who was a pioneer in her own right, Oona’s story is one of tenacity and resilience. She seamlessly blends the art of photography with the challenges of running a thriving business, all while staying true to her vision of preserving family memories for future generations.
Oona’s photography is deeply rooted in the preservation of family legacies, aiming to create images that will be cherished by future generations. Her approach is both artistic and strategic, ensuring that each photograph tells a story and stands the test of time. Beyond her stunning imagery, Oona embraces the responsibility of guiding her clients through their special day, making sure every moment is captured beautifully and authentically.
In this episode, Oona and I chat about:
- Oona’s reflections on transitioning from film to digital photography and how this evolution has influenced her style.
- Her dedication to capturing the essence of wedding ceremonies as both a creative and logistical endeavor.
- The profound impact of her grandmother’s legacy on her approach to photography and business.
My conversation with Oona provided a captivating glimpse into her world, where creativity meets legacy. We shared a lot of similarities and it shows that even two photographers from different worlds can meet and enjoy a couple of stories.
Enjoy the episode 🙂
Q: Do you think your grandmother’s style kind of rubbed off on you? Do you see a lot of her work represented in your work?
Oona Breyer: You know, I think the way that she influenced me the most, I think she taught me about people before she taught me about photography. So although, you know, we obviously worked on very different mediums and I mean she was running around with a Hasselblad and I was absolutely not running around with a Hasselblad. She taught me that people were beautiful and they were different and they were interesting and to listen when they talked and that you weren’t taking a photo for them, you were taking a photo for their grandchildren. That’s the lesson that I got from her. And I think that influences me every single day.
Q: Was there ever a moment where you’re just like, ‘I’m on the right path. This is what I want to be doing’?
Oona Breyer: There was this one shoot where everything seemed to go wrong. It was pouring rain, like buckets from the sky, and I had to get my client to a freeway underpass. It wasn’t the prettiest spot, with cement stamps and litter, but I saw potential for a great portrait. I asked her to trust me, and she did. We took some shots there, and one of them ended up winning a big award. It was a moment that reminded me how photography can transform any scene into something beautiful.
Q: Have you found that peace with film and digital now, and how do you decide which medium to use during a shoot?
Oona Breyer: Yes, I do shoot film. Couples can choose to add it to their wedding package, but sometimes I just bring it along if I feel it’s the perfect venue or couple. I use both medium format and 35mm. Each has its strengths, and it’s about knowing when to use which. For emotional moments, like a dad tearing up or a grandma helping with the veil, everything happens so quickly. We capture those moments rapidly with digital, ensuring we don’t miss a single second, while I also shoot film to add that special touch.
