Wedding Photographer Scotland Maureen Du Preez shoots a wedding at Wasing Park, Berkshire, United Kingdom

Tell us a little about yourself??

I live in the western outskirts of Glasgow with my husband/best friend, Chris. We enjoy escaping to the nearby woodlands & lochs to explore, camp & forage wild foods. I am passionate about my job, I love being able to tell people’s stories in an artistic way.

How do you think or would like people to describe you?

Just as me, we are all unique in our own crazy little way - I don’t pretend to be anyone else :-)

Tell us a little bit about the wedding day?

I met Kate & Giles the year before at their friend’s wedding I was photographing, I was so delighted when they got in touch with their wedding plans. They are a really down-to-earth couple & had a very relaxed yet elegant day. They didn’t get caught up in any wedding drama. They just wanted everyone to have a nice day which I think is just perfect.

How did you get into wedding photography?

I fell in love with wedding photography while I was planning my own wedding. I was amazed by the quality of work I discovered online, it was like nothing I had ever seen before – honest, creative & natural. I realised wedding photography could be a form of art & since then that’s all I’ve wanted to do.

How long have you been a wedding photographer?

About 18 months but the last 12 months is when I feel I have really stepped up my game. I’m really pleased with how everything has progressed so far, I can feel how I’ve grown with each & every wedding.

Can you share how you've made your wedding photography business a success? Any mistakes you made along the way?

Everyone’s definitions of success is different, to me it’s ensuring my clients are happy. As long as you’re meeting their expectations & delivering good work you’re proud of, that’s success. Since the beginning this is something I have strived for.

I wouldn’t say I’ve made mistakes, I’m quite happy with the way my business has unfolded – it’s been very organic. I believe everything happens for a reason so wouldn’t want to change anything.

What do you think a bride or groom should be looking for and not looking for in terms of wedding photography packages?

I think couples should really consider what they really want from their photographer. I personally believe style is hugely important, every photographer has their own unique vision. Couples should spent a lot of time looking through a photographer’s body of work, both wedding & personal. Go with your gut & don’t be afraid to ask questions. Don’t be tempted to just go with the cheapest photographer or the one offering the most extra’s. Remember your collection of photographs will last a lifetime, you don’t want to have any regrets.

How do you advertise yourself and what for you has really worked?

Word of mouth has always worked well for me. A lot of my clients have also been guests at other weddings I’ve shot at. I think it’s good for them to have seen me in action & got a feel for how I work.

Why do you think people hire you?

I like to think my couples hire me because they feel they share some kind of connection with me & my work. They should feel passionate about my images, my ethos & can easily visualize us working together.

How many weddings do you average per year?

2013 was my first full year doing weddings & I reached my goal of 15. I loved every single one of them.

Whose wedding would you love to shoot?

Anyone who likes my work, that’s a good indication we’d work well together.

If you were asked to shoot a destination wedding, where would you hope it would be?

It’s always been my dream to combine my two passions, photography & travel. I would love to photograph a wedding in New Zealand or Iceland as the landscape & light looks beautiful.

What equipment do you have for a typical wedding day?

I like to keep my equipment very minimal & light. I bring 2 Canon DSLR’s, 3 prime lenses, 2 speedlites, spare batteries, memory cards & a lens pen. This year I also hope to start taking along my Polaroid Spirit & Holga along for the ride.

What is the most challenging thing about a wedding.