A moment with ‘Kandi Lane Photography’

ABIA meets talented wedding photographer Emma King

All images Kandi Lane Photography

Melbourne-based wedding photographer Emma King, of Kandi Lane Photography, clearly remembers the day when, as a photographer’s assistant, she was entrusted with her first solo wedding shoot.

“That day lit a fire in me. I realised how much I loved not just taking photos, but telling stories, watching moments unfold and preserving them for people in a way that felt real and meaningful,” she explains.

Years later she remains as committed as ever — both to her art and to her couples — and, through Kandi Lane Photography, has expanded her wedding services to cover videography and content creation to provide seamless wedding storytelling.

ABIA slipped behind the scenes with Emma to chat photography packages, current wedding trends and favourite photography locations.

Tell us about your business and wedding photography services.

Kandi Lane Photography offers wedding photography, videography and content creation with added extras like Super 8 highlight films, engagement sessions and beautifully-edited, shareable online photo galleries.

On a wedding day, I’m more than just a photographer though, I’m a calm presence, a dress-fluffer, a timeline ninja and a cheerleader. I gently guide my couples when needed and help them feel totally at ease in front of the camera, but also know when to quietly step back as the magic unfolds on its own. My goal is for my couples to feel present, relaxed and completely themselves, while I capture their big day naturally and honestly.

Having shot hundreds of weddings, I bring the reassurance of experience, care and full professional coverage — including the likes of insurance, dual-camera setups and backup systems — so my couples know they are in safe hands and can fully enjoy their wedding day without worry.

Where are you based and what locations do you service?

I’m based in Melbourne, but travel all over Victoria to capture weddings big and small. Whether it’s a stylish city celebration, a country church ceremony, a vineyard wedding in the Yarra Valley or a relaxed beach day on the Mornington Peninsula, I go where the love is. Some of my favourite spots to shoot include Ballarat, Daylesford, Bendigo, Gippsland and the Dandenong Ranges, but I’m always up for exploring somewhere new.

How did you get started in the wedding industry?

I truly started from the ground up, carrying bags, assisting on shoots and saying “Yes” to any opportunity. I began by photographing friends’ weddings, which gave me the chance to experiment, grow my confidence and see firsthand how much heart goes into every celebration. Alongside that hands-on experience, I studied photography formally to strengthen my technical skills and really refine my style. Over time, I fell completely in love with weddings — not just the beautiful details, but the energy, the emotions and the incredible privilege of being invited into such an important moment in people’s lives. Building my business has been a slow, steady and intentional journey, shaped by lots of learning, connection and the belief that every couple deserves to feel seen, celebrated and totally themselves in front of the camera.

Do you remember your first wedding photo?

I’ve always been drawn to photography. It started as a quiet love for capturing moments, even as a kid, but my real entry into the wedding world was a wild one. I was assisting a photographer when they suddenly sent me off to cover a full wedding solo. Talk about being thrown in the deep end! I was terrified, but instantly hooked.

That day lit a fire in me. I realised how much I loved not just taking photos, but telling stories, watching moments unfold and preserving them for people in a way that felt real and meaningful. The first time I delivered a wedding gallery the couple cried happy tears — that’s when I knew I was doing something that mattered.

Where do you get your creative inspiration?

My biggest source of creative inspiration comes from the couples I work with — their personalities, their connection and the little in-between moments that make their love unique. I’m always looking for ways to capture their story in a way that feels fun, heartfelt and true to who they are.

I especially love regional weddings because the colours, natural textures and beautiful landscapes give me so much room to play. Whether it’s golden paddocks, moody skies or soft, earthy tones, I use the surroundings to reflect the energy of the day and the couple’s vibe.

I don’t come in with a rigid shot list, I like to stay curious, respond to the light and let moments unfold naturally. Some of the most meaningful images come from letting people be themselves and just gently guiding them into the best light to capture it all.

What are the latest trends in wedding photography you're seeing, and how do you cater to them?

While full-length wedding films are still popular, short-form storytelling highlight reels or ‘highlight edits’, set to music, are in high demand. They’re shareable, emotional and perfect for social media. I offer these, alongside Super 8 or standard digital video, often delivering a beautifully-edited 90-second clip that captures the essence of each wedding day.

Couples also want to share authentic moments, not just polished breakdowns. That’s why I offer a content creation add-on, meaning I send a second shooter, or content specialist, along to record behind-the-scenes Reels or TikToks, that we deliver within 24 hours.

Aerial footage is becoming more common too, and while not every wedding venue allows drones, a sweeping overhead moment — whether it's a lakeside kiss or vineyard panorama — adds cinematic scale that’s hard to replicate any other way.

Digital galleries are essential, but the  tangibility of personalised albums and printed heirlooms is also trending. Couples love custom albums, fine-art prints or wall art, and I work directly with trusted vendors to help them create keepsakes they cherish forever.

What wedding photography packages do you offer, and what’s included?

Kandi Lane Photography offer a selection of thoughtfully-curated packages designed to suit a variety of wedding day needs, from intimate elopements to full-day celebrations. Each of our packages includes unlimited images, coverage across up to three locations and a beautifully-presented crystal USB, together with 50 prints in a keepsake box.

Our ‘Light Touch’ package includes a four-hour session, making it perfect for shorter weddings or elopements. Our ‘Love This’ package captures key parts of the day, from prep to party, with six-hours of shooting. And our ‘Best Friend’ package combines full-day coverage of eight-hours, together with a luxe mini suede photo book and fine art prints.

All packages include access to an online gallery for easy sharing and downloading, and high-quality print options, and we happily customise wedding photography packages for couples wanting something slightly different. We can also include videography, content creation and a range of additional extras, for seamless storytelling.

What’s the most interesting wedding photo you’ve ever taken?

Last year, at a wedding in Heathcote, my couple set alight a giant pile of wood in the middle of a paddock with a flaming bow and arrow shot from a distance. It was incredible, and made for some amazing silhouettes!

What are your favourite photographic locations?

I absolutely adore photographing in regional Victoria, places like the Macedon Ranges, Daylesford, the Yarra Valley and the Bellarine Peninsula. There’s just something magical about wide open landscapes, golden light through gum trees and vineyard backdrops that bring out the best in candid, heartfelt moments. Mount Buninyong and the charming little churches around Ballarat are also favourites.

What do you do when it rains?

We embrace it! Some of the most romantic, atmospheric photos I’ve captured have been in unexpected weather. I always come prepared with clear umbrellas, backup indoor locations and a flexible approach, so the magic continues rain, hail or shine. At the end of the day, it’s about telling a couple’s wedding story authentically, no matter the weather.

What should couples look for in a wedding photographer and how far in advance should they book?

I always tell couples to look for a photographer with a photographic style that they love and, perhaps more importantly, a personality that they really click with. They’re going to be spending a huge part of their wedding day with them, so finding a photographer who understands their vibe, and makes them feel comfortable, is key. If a couple feels awkward or misunderstood the feelings can come through in their photos, so connection and trust go a long way to creating natural, candid images that feel authentic.

As for booking, I suggest the sooner the better, especially for couples getting married in peak season. Bookings for spring and autumn weddings in Victoria fill up quickly, so I recommend locking in a photographer 12 to 18 months in advance, to avoid disappointment

What makes your wedding service unique?

What sets my work apart is the heartfelt, fun and completely personalised experience I bring to every wedding. I’m not just there to take photos, I’m there to help my couples feel comfortable, to be their biggest cheerleader and to capture the genuine, unscripted moments that truly reflect their connection.

My photography is all about storytelling with feeling. I focus on natural, candid imagery that highlights my couples’ personalities, their people and the in-between moments that make their wedding day unique. Every couple is different, and I adapt my approach to match their vibe, whether that’s relaxed and intimate, playful and bold or something beautifully in-between.

My couples are never just a booking to me, I genuinely care about their day and want to help make it incredible, from timeline support to fluffing the dress or calming nerves. It’s this level of care, attention and creative storytelling that my couples tell me they value most.

How would you describe the couples you connect with the most?

The couples I connect with most are those who value the real, unscripted moments, who want their wedding captured with heart, laughter and a whole lot of love. They're down-to-earth, love a good laugh and are more focused on celebrating with their favourite people than putting on a show.

Most of them tell me they feel awkward in front of the camera, but they trust me to guide them gently and keep the experience fun and relaxed. They care more about connection than perfection, and that’s exactly where the magic happens. Whether they’re getting married in the middle of Melbourne or out in the country somewhere wild and wonderful, they just want their day to feel like them, and that’s what I love most.

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