A Moment With 'Alen Kontra Photo + Film'
ABIA meets Alen Kontra, the award-winning talent and name behind this Melbourne-based wedding photography and videography business.
Image Alen Kontra Photo + Film
It was on his own wedding day that Alen Kontra made the decision to focus his creative talents on photographing and filming weddings.
“I realised the immense power of visual storytelling in preserving those precious memories,” he says.
Ever since, he’s dedicated himself to capturing every moment of his couples’ wedding days, and crafting unique, personalised visual narratives.
ABIA sat down with Alen for a candid chat about focus, favourite locations and his evolution as a professional photographer.
Image Alen Kontra Photo + Film
Image Alen Kontra Photo + Film
Tell us about your wedding photography and videography services.
As a wedding photographer and videographer, I capture the essence and beauty of a couple’s special day. My business focuses on creating timeless and captivating imagery that tells the unique story of each wedding's love and celebration.
How did you get started in the wedding industry?
Even before officially entering the industry, I always had a love of photography and videography. It was at my own wedding though, that I truly witnessed the incredible significance and beauty of capturing these special events. Experiencing the joy, love and emotion of my own wedding day, I realised the immense power of visual storytelling in preserving precious memories. That was the moment I made the decision to focus my artistic talents on wedding photography and videography. Since then, I’ve dedicated myself to honing my skills, staying updated with the latest trends and technologies, and continuously evolving as an artist.
Where are you based and what locations do you service?
I am based in Hillside and travel a lot around Victoria for weddings. Most of my weddings take place in the Yarra Valley, Dandenong Ranges, Mount Macedon, Daylesford and Melbourne.
Image Alen Kontra Photo + Film
Image Alen Kontra Photo + Film
What got you interested in filming and photography? Do you remember your first video or photo?
My interest was initially sparked when I owned my own streetwear brand. I found myself in need of quality product images, and that prompted me to purchase a camera.
To my dismay, the first photo I took turned out completely black and underexposed. It was a moment of frustration and confusion, but it ignited a determination in me.
I embraced the learning process, and my talent grew with my passion. Even today I continue to push the boundaries of my creativity, always striving to improve my craft and deliver exceptional results.
Where do you get your creative inspiration?
My creative inspiration primarily stems from my couples. Witnessing their love, and the genuine connections they share, is incredibly inspiring.
I believe that every couple has a unique story, and my goal is to capture and convey that story through my work. From the way they interact with each other, to their subtle gestures and expressions, I draw inspiration from their authenticity and emotions.
I believe that their wedding day photography should reflect their personalities and capture the essence of their journey together. I often discuss preferences, important locations, or venues that my couples consider significant to them. And I prioritise capturing beautiful portraits around the wedding venue, or locations that hold special meaning, to add an extra layer of depth and personalisation.
Image Alen Kontra Photo + Film
Image Alen Kontra Photo + Film
How do you manage to record both the video and photos for a wedding?
Working with the same team means that we are well-acquainted with each other's working styles, preferences, and strengths. This level of familiarity allows us to seamlessly coordinate our efforts and capture every important moment without stepping on each other's toes. We understand the importance of communication and collaboration, and ensure that we work together to document the day from different angles and perspectives.
Working on both mediums means we’re not competing with another vendor for the same shots or angles, so we can focus solely on delivering the best possible result, and create a seamless and cohesive visual narrative.
Do you offer packages?
Yes, I offer a range of photography-only, video-only or combined wedding photography and videography packages.
What are your favourite locations? And what do you do when it rains?
I love photographing at wineries and locations surrounded by greenery, which offer a beautiful and natural backdrop that enhances the romantic atmosphere and focuses attention on the couple.
When it rains, if there are no undercover spots, I use umbrellas to create stunning visual effects. I always adapt to the weather conditions and find ways to capture stunning and memorable images, regardless of the circumstances.
Image Alen Kontra Photo + Film
Image Alen Kontra Photo + Film
What do you suggest couples look for in a photographer and videographer? How far in advance should they book?
First and foremost, they should look for a style that resonates with their personal taste and vision. Each photographer, and videographer, has a unique artistic style, so it's crucial for couples to browse through portfolios.
Another important consideration is the editing style. Couples should pay attention to how a photographer and videographer edit their images and videos, as editing plays a significant role in shaping the outcome and mood of the visuals.
In terms of booking, it's advisable to secure a photographer and videographer as soon as possible, preferably shortly after booking the wedding venue.
What makes your service unique?
My service stands out due to my personalised approach. I get to know my couples on a deeper level, to ensure their images and videos reflect their true selves. I also accept limited wedding bookings, so I can provide dedicated attention.
How would you describe the couples you connect with the most?
I connect most with those who are open to collaboration and actively participate in the creative process. It's a joy to work with couples who have a light-hearted and fun-loving attitude, as we can enjoy ourselves while capturing truly memorable emotions and candid moments.
Image Alen Kontra Photo + Film
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