Focus On…Sarah Gawler!
We would like to introduce Sarah Gawler, a wedding photographer based in London. Her light and dreamy style make her images mesmerising and feel as if they are captured from memories rather than moments. We hope you enjoy…
Tell us a bit about yourself and how you got involved in photography.
I started by studying fine art at university and specialising in photography. During that time I was focusing on the idea of memory and how I think photography and memory are intrinsically bound. I then went on to do loads of different jobs when I came out of university and eventually settled on wedding photography, mainly because it covered all the concepts that I was really interested in – such as why people take photographs and how they become so important in people’s families.
How long have you been a photographer?
I graduated university in 2003 and all I have done since then is be a photographer. But I have been photographing weddings for 10 years now.
Did you assist? If so, to who?
I have done a bit of assisting here and there, I worked in a portraiture studio for a long time and used to photograph events and private viewings for art galleries. For a couple of years when I was starting my own business Nikole Ramsay would book me to assist her.
How would you describe your photographic style?
I like to keep it light and ethereal with a slight dream-like quality to it. I like to try and make the images look as close to how memory feels.
What type of cameras do you shoot with?
I only ever use digital and I currently use Canon DSLRs.
What is your favourite editing tool?
Lightroom.
The best part of your job?
The best part is getting out and meeting loads of new people. Also every wedding is different and it’s a story that you become completely immersed in. I also love that I am actively creating which even now I still find really thrilling.
The worst part of your job?
Probably the admin and trying to do the business side of things. I don’t really enjoy that but you have to do it in order to run your own business.
Do you make time for personal photographic work?
I used to be known for always having a camera with me, but as my cameras have got bigger I have become a bit lazy. However, a couple of years ago I had a baby so the cameras are now quite often around.
Also, I have partnered up with Hannah Gooch and we have a business called Gooch and Gawler. She tends to do the styling and production and I do the photography and the post-production. Currently. we’ve done several personal projects together which have collaborated with lots of people from different industries. But it’s actually led to more work as well. Recently we’ve been commissioned by De Beers Jewellers which is really exciting.
What advice do you have for any photographer just starting out?
You can read as much as you want in books but it is important to practice and make mistakes. That’s what I felt to be the most helpful thing, you’ve got to make those mistakes to work out how to not make them again in the future. Also, letting other people look at your work or having some sort of mentor is a great help.
What is the best piece of advice YOU have ever been given?
Photograph what excites you and only show the work that you love.
If you weren’t a photographer, what would you be doing?
I would love to have been a musician. If I hadn’t learnt to use a camera I would have learnt to play an instrument.
Are you a Mac or a PC lover?
Mac.
What talent would you most like to have?
I would really love to be able to photograph in a storytelling way, so that every frame is a work of art. Also, I’m a natural light shooter, but I would love to know everything about artificial lighting, flash and continuous lighting.
Your favourite movie of all time?
Maybe “The Virgin Suicides” by Sofia Coppola or the French film “La Haine”.
What do you love to indulge in?
Wine and indulging my daughter!
If you could live anywhere, where would it be?
London, which is where I am now.
First thing you would do if you won the lottery?
I would help friends and family out where they needed it first.
For your business, what is the best thing on theimagefile?
It’s a great asset to have on your website, it’s a really beautiful way of showing your work to clients and it’s really easy for them to order prints. It’s seamless so from a client’s point of view they don’t realise they’re leaving your website to go into a shop. Also, your always so amazingly helpful!
Where to find Sarah Gawler:
Find Sarah Gawler on her website and blog or on Gooch and Gawler!
Follow her on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, Instagram and Pinterest!