A moment with 'Iris Faith Photography & Film'
ABIA meets Brisbane wedding photographer Judy Johnston
All images Iris Faith Photography & Film
Flying in by helicopter to photograph her couple on a New Zealand mountain top might have been a highlight for Brisbane-based wedding photographer Judy Johnston, of Iris Faith Photography & Film, but she happily admits that most of her wedding shoots are more down-to-earth.
“A lot of my creative inspiration comes from the wedding venue, the couple and the wedding day itself,” she explains.
Judy puts her wedding photography, videography and content creation success down to good communication, both with her couples and the talented team of wedding videographers that she works with.
ABIA sat down with Judy to find out a little more about her team approach, and chat favourite photo locations, wedding packages, and 35mm and Super 8 formats.
Tell us about your business and wedding photography, videography and content creation services.
We are a small team of creatives, including myself as the main photographer and a close-knit team of videographers. We offer stunning wedding photography and videography, together with content creation, 35mm film and Super 8 formats. We capture love stories across South-East Queensland and beyond.
How did you get started in the wedding industry?
I was lucky enough to get my start pretty easily. I was asked to be the second shooter at a few weddings and picked up the process so quickly that I decided to offer a package of my own. I started out offering a six-hour photography package at a bargain price, which generated a lot of bookings and interest, and I’ve never looked back.
Where are you based and what locations do you service?
We're based in Brisbane, but also service the Gold Coast, the Sunshine Coast and beyond.
Do you remember your first photo?
Drawing and painting were more my thing, and I wasn’t into photography at all when I was younger, but my Dad loved it. I took my first photo in 2021 with an old DSLR camera and I guess I was hooked instantly. I started out with landscapes and ocean scenes and I’ve progressed to beautiful wedding photography from there.
Where do you get your creative inspiration?
A lot of my creative inspiration comes from the wedding venue, the couple and the wedding day itself. I draw a lot of inspiration from social media too, but for the most part my approach focuses on whatever I have to play with on the day.
How do you manage to capture the photos, videos and content for a wedding?
We take a team approach. I manage the photography and I have a videographer who shoots with me on the day. We work together, so can ensure we get the best photos, video and content for each couple’s wedding day.
What wedding photography and videography packages do you offer?
We offer set-price Full Day, Half Day and Elopement packages that are all-inclusive, but we can also customise wedding photography and videography packages to suit most budgets.
What’s the craziest wedding photo you’ve ever taken?
I recently had the privilege of shooting a wedding in Queenstown, New Zealand, and the couple wanted to shoot their wedding photos on top of Cecil Peak. We flew to the location by helicopter, then I had to photograph the couple on the side of the mountain. It was crazy fun and super scary all at the same time!
What are your favourite locations for wedding photographs?
I go to so many beautiful wedding photo locations, especially around Maleny, but Queenstown in New Zealand is probably my all-time favourite.
What makes your wedding photography and videography service unique?
I think the communication I offer leads to a genuine connection with my couples and that really makes my service stand out. I really listen to what my couples want, and their vision for the day, so that I’m truly able to reflect this in their photos and video.
Do you have a favourite wedding?
I have photographed so many spectacular weddings, but if I had to choose a favourite it would be a wedding I shot in Italy last year. It was an idyllic Tuscan wedding, framed by rolling hills and sun-drenched vineyards.
How would you describe the couples you connect with the most?
The couples I connect with most tend to be easy going and down-to-earth, just like me.
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