Michael Tree Photography

Location: Gauteng, Johannesburg,

AIA – How long have you been involved in photography?
MT – Professionally, 5 years, however I have always loved taking images when I’ve had a camera to hand.
AIA – Why wedding photography?
MT – I adore the interaction between people, and capturing the sacredness and absolute joy that unfolds through the day.
AIA – How would you describe your style?
MT – Well to be honest I could use all those photographic buzzwords that describe style; candid, illustrative, photojournalism, timeless, artistic, free style you can name the rest of them. Essentially all these come together at a wedding. The secret is to have an eye & feeling for all these styles and to capture them for your client. It is also important that you understand your clients interpretation of these styles. My advice to people looking for a wedding photographer would be that if they are immediately impressed by a photographer’s style, they are halfway there, regardless of the category of style.
AIA – Which South African wedding photographers do you admire?
MT – I have taken great inspiration from several photographers, but the ones I admire the most are those willing to share their knowledge and guide your talents to the next level. To name but a few: Mario Sales for his elegant images, Dror Eyal &, Andrea Carlyle for their perspective when capturing images, Jules Morgan for her simplicity and natural captured images & Jaco Fourie for his enthusiasm when trying something different.
AIA – What is your muse?
MT – Well, I guess it’s my brides. It’s those little actions in between the shoot that I try to capture. It’s when you are who you are.
AIA – What things would you look for in a photographer’s portfolio if you were getting married?
MT – Experience, style and consistency are important, but what’s more important for me is the maturity and flexibility of the photographer to adapt to the unexpected. I believe a photographer needs to be genuinely interested in the couple he/she is photographing. There are so many personality types and what is normal and comfortable for one couple is unfamiliar to another. A photographer needs to be able to give direction and encourage his clients to feel comfortable. I also firmly believe that a photographer needs to treat every wedding with the same enthusiasm and creativeness they did for their first shoot.
AIA – How can someone you are photographing ensure that they are helping you get the best images of the day?
MT – Dress well, keep it simple yet elegant and be comfortable in the dress you choose, you will be in it all day! Remember I am with you all day; make sure you are comfortable with me being around you and speak up if you want something specific. It’s your wedding day, you’ve worked hard at it, don’t get bogged down with last minute arrangements or mishaps, let things be as they are, the images need to reflect your happiness it’s a very special day ENJOY it!