Good afternoon folks,
It’s time for me to introduce you to another creative mastermind who has made it into my Dream Team. As many of you who follow Pocketful of Dreams will know, only the very best make it into my Dream Team. These are the people who I believe have that creative edge and spark of brilliance when it comes to their craft, Leo Bojesen is one of those people. A wedding photographer, originally from Sweden and now residing in Sheffield, Leo specialises in weddings, engagements and lifestyle serving the Yorkshire area and UK.
♦ ♦ ♦
Leo (that would be him pictured below) told me all about his passion for photography and why he believes in capturing memories in a moment…..
When people meet me or listen to my voice, one of the first things they ask is where are you from? To keep it short, I’m born in Sweden, grew up in Ohio, USA, moved back to Sweden and now I’m in the UK. I might not necessarily speak with the Yorkshire dialect but have picked up a few sayings, such as, “Hiya, you doin’ alwight.” I’d like to think of myself as a happy go-lucky type of guy. I love to see new places and meet new people. Which makes wedding photography such an enjoyment for me.
Why did you become a wedding photographer?
I have always had an interest in art. My mom actually wanted me to go to university to study art. However, when I went to university I decided to study science. The love of creating pictures has always been a part of me. I’ve been into photography for the past eight years and instead of drawing on a regular basis, I now create pictures using a camera. On a wedding day, there’s a great variety of photography that goes on from macro to landscape to portraits while thinking on your feet which gives me a buzz.
Who / what would you say has been instrumental in your success?
I really like the quote, ‘Wherever you go, no matter what the weather, always bring your own sunshine’ – A. J. D’Angelo People enjoy to surround themselves with positive people. It boosts them up. If I can do that, I feel successful.
Who / what inspires you?
I get inspired from movies, fashion and travel magazines as well as travelling. Seeing new places is a great way to open the mind. I love new adventures. One needs to also keep up on what others are doing in the photography world. So many people nowadays like to share what they do to help everyone reach new heights. When I meet couples, sometimes one of them are very keen on photography. They like to ask questions and I don’t mind to share. There’s the saying that “a rising tide lifts all boats”. It definitely rings true for the photography industry.
Do you have a particular style and can you describe it for us?
My style is a natural timeless imagery that can endure for many decades without looking dated. I like imagery that is bright, colourful and fun.
What is the most challenging thing about photographing weddings?
The most challenging part is making sure that I don’t miss any key event. I need to know the timeline of the day. I’m usually pumped up with adrenaline, being attentive and yet also keeping a calm disposition.
and the best part of it?
The best part is feeling the genuine care that everyone has for each other throughout the day. I love seeing how the couple’s wedding plans have come together, what items they’ve chosen to represent them and what new ideas they’ve come up with that I have not seen before.
What advice would you give to couples when choosing a wedding photographer?
What should a couple be asking their photographer? My advice to a couple is to find someone that shares your vision of your wedding. Couples like to meet in person or via Skype to see if the photographer is a good match for them. You can see the personality of the photographers and know if you like them. Another item is discussing family portraits. Some couples like a long list of portraits to be made and if that’s the case, ask the photographer if he/she is okay with that. Some photographers like to do only a few family portraits so the couple can get on with the rest of their day. Having the same vision of the day is crucial.
A little explanation of the wedding photo above….“This wedding took place just outside of Sorrento, Italy. As the bride gets ready in the morning for a few hours, I ask the bride’s brother what he’ll be doing. He said, he’s going to the beach. I turn to the groom, “what will you be doing?” “I don’t know,” he replied. I swiftly responded, “well, I’m going to the beach with the bride’s brother for a little bit so if you want to come, you’re more than welcome.” Let’s just say it didn’t take much convincing for him to come along. We had a fun time together and this is one of the shots in the water with the Pompeii volcano in the background. The groom said with a smile, “as she’s beautifying herself, I’m beautifying my skin with the sea salt treatment.” That made me laugh out loud. Sometimes you never know what will happen on a wedding day.”
How do you ensure the images you capture are what the couple wants from their day?
Open and specific communication is the key. The couples come to me since they feel that I can capture their day as intended. They’ve seen my photo gallery and liked my style. If there are any particular images they want to be taken, I ask them well in advance so that I can meet that expectation.
What are your thoughts on the wedding industry and how has it changed / how will it change in the future?
The wedding industry has shifted to a more relaxed approach. Instead of cookie cutter type of weddings, more couples are seeking to create a unique day that represents them. We see some couples wearing sneakers, suits instead of tuxedos or even no suit jacket but just a vest. Dresses have changed to different textures and colours and styles to make things more personalized. I like it when couples add special details to exhibit who they are. From vinyl LPs, sports equipment, knick-knacks and fashion stuff makes it a one of a kind wedding. That’s something I love! We see now that weddings are held in unique places such as in a barn or library. Some do what’s called a “first look.” Before the ceremony, the couple will actually meet, looking at each for the first time dressed in that gorgeous gown and awesome groom outfit. I get to capture that moment. It’s one of the few alone times they have together on the day. A lot times, after the ceremony there will be a demand on the couples attention and having family photos and so on. The first look though is a moment of personalized magic that more and more couples are taking advantage of.
Whose wedding (past, present or future) would be your dream wedding to photograph?
I would simply love to photograph a couple who feel comfortable in their skin and want to have a fun day celebrating their union. And if that were to take place in the Cayman Islands, Tuscany or Bali, for a destination wedding, that would be so much fun.
Who would you love to work/collaborate with and why? Do you have any plans to make this happen?
I would like to colloaborate with more stylists and wedding planners. There’s some incredible wedding planners out there with different styles. One would be Mark Niemierko for the exquisite details of the wedding. There’s another wedding planner based in the States that is amazing, the one and only Michael Russo. I would like to collaborate with Richard from FXfilms and we are planning on putting together a project together this year. I’m really looking forward to it. I hope to also collaborate on a few styled shoots.
Can you share with us a sneak-peak exclusive of future plans for your business / goals for this year?
As technology progresses, we need to adapt. One thought is to move away from discs and advance onto USB devices for images to be delivered and digital downloads. I will soon add a YouTube channel to share little video clips of what I’m up to and give some advice. (If there are any particular things you would like me to share, let me know and let’s see if I can make a short video on it.)
When you are not photographing weddings what are you doing?
I really like food and enjoy cooking up new recipes. Especially Mexican dishes. I love day trips. I enjoy reading about science and health. I have five brothers and sisters which I keep regular contact with. They are a lot of fun. I volunteer a portion of my time to different causes. I think it’s important to give back to the community and be a force for good.
What is your ultimate dream in life?
My dream is to be successful in my career, happily married and to create fun memories along the way in this journey we call life. I believe that true success is the optimal balance of five core values: Faith, Family, Friends, Fitness, and Finances. I think that’s a simple dream, easier said than done, but a great one to focus on.
Thanks so much to Leo for sharing this insight into his work. Don’t forget Leo, although based in the North of England can work with you wherever you may be based. Please do check out his website Leo Bojesen and if you make an enquiry be sure to mention Pocketful of Dreams.
Michelle xx
ALL THE DETAILS
- Based in south Sheffield, Leo accepts commissions throughout Yorkshire and the rest of the UK
- Wedding Package: Leo Bojesen Photography’s natural approach encompasses every element of the lifestyle of today’s people. Leo’s relaxed informal style combined with the utmost professionalism makes the day flow effortlessly whilst producing extraordinarily beautiful images.
- Your Wedding Day: Leo Bojesen Photography offers a very natural and artistic style of photography, capturing the true essence of your wedding day. From a selection of images taken — covering the bride getting ready, through the ceremony, then through the speeches and up until your first dance into the reception party — you can choose the images for your album which will be designed and handmade especially for you in New Zealand.
- Locations: Even though based in Sheffield, Leo Bojesen photographs weddings wherever they occur. Besides the UK, he has photographed weddings in Sweden and Italy.
- To discuss your wedding plans: Contact Leo though his website here or email: leo@leobojesen.com
- You can visit Leo Bojesen Photography website to view his portfolio, catch up with his blog, follow Leo on Twitter @leobojesen, Facebook, Ink 361 and Instagrid for the latest goings on.
* All images by Leo Bojesen Photography
