With every glance, I’m captivated by the ethereal beauty of Ilaria Petrucci Photography’s images, bathed in the warmth of natural light. I’m confident you’ll be equally enchanted. What draws me to her work is the effortless, candid nature of her photography – a quality that makes her couples feel at ease before her lens. But it’s not just the final product that impresses; Ilaria’s dedication to providing an exceptional service experience for her clients shines through in every aspect of her process.
Hi Ilaria, could you firstly tell WWW readers a little bit about you?
Having grown up in Italy, I’ve spent the past 14 years residing in the UK, where I’ve developed a passion for devouring delicious food – much more so than taking pleasure in cooking it myself. When not indulging in my favorite dishes, you can find me pursuing my fitness fix or getting lost in the world of nail polish colors. Interestingly, despite being an avid foodie, I’ve never succumbed to the allure of a McDonald’s burger. More recently, I’ve found love and happiness with the man of my dreams, whom I married last year, and we’re now settled into our dream home in Berkshire – living life to the fullest.
How did you get into photography and into the wedding industry?
After years of feeling unfulfilled in the Telecom industry, I finally took the leap to pursue my true passion: photography. It’s no surprise that I had always been drawn to capturing life’s special moments, being the ‘paparazzo friend’ who was always ready to snap a shot wherever we went. But for many years, I put my creative interests on hold, letting them collect dust alongside my daydreams and romantic ideals. That all changed when I started photographing weddings – it was as if everything around me came alive in a way that made every moment feel more vibrant and meaningful. In that instant, I knew I had found my calling.
Tell us about your typical working day.
The thrill of not having a set agenda is what makes my work so exciting. Each day presents a new opportunity for adventure, and that’s exactly what I love. The unpredictability of it all is what keeps me going.
What do you aim to achieve for your clients?
I’m deeply grateful for the trust my clients place in me as their wedding photographer. It’s a responsibility I take extremely seriously, and I strive to deliver exceptional service from initial enquiry to post-wedding delivery. From our first meeting to the final images, I commit myself fully to ensuring each couple feels valued and cared for throughout the entire process.
What style is your work?
With a distinctive blend of natural elegance, romance, and playfulness, my photography style is characterized by an editorial flair. I strive to capture simplicity and authenticity in my images, often relying on a relaxed atmosphere and genuine interactions with my couples. This approach has been incredibly rewarding, as it allows me to build trusting relationships with clients who appreciate my unique voice and creative vision.
How do you make a bride and groom relax in front of your camera?
As a photographer, I’ve found that building rapport with my subjects is crucial in capturing their authentic essence on camera. To achieve this, I often engage them in conversation, sharing humorous anecdotes or self-deprecating stories that help break the ice and put them at ease. This approach not only makes my clients feel more comfortable but also allows me to tap into their personalities, creating a relaxed atmosphere that yields beautiful, natural, and joyful images.
What lighting equipment do you use?
As a natural light photographer, my go-to approach is to utilize the sun’s rays whenever feasible, allowing its warm glow to illuminate my subjects. However, this philosophy isn’t without exception; I do make an exception for the evening reception, where artificial lighting, courtesy of flash, becomes essential to capturing the perfect moments.
Where would you love to shoot a wedding next?
There’s something about Italy that gets my creative juices flowing – perhaps it’s because I have a deep connection with the country as it’s where I was born. The rustic charm and breathtaking landscapes never fail to captivate me. And then there’s the light – oh, the light! It’s like nothing else, illuminating every moment with an effortless elegance. Italy has a special place in my heart, but it’s not the only destination that sparks my passion for photography. Paris, with its romantic allure and iconic landmarks, is another city that I would be thrilled to capture through my lens.
Do you have any tips for couples in selecting their photographer?
While it may seem trite, the notion rings true: after the wedding day, the only lasting mementos are often the photographs that capture its essence. In light of this, I firmly believe that couples should take the time to find and invest in a photographer whose work resonates with them on a deep level. Amidst the countless talented photographers out there, each with their distinctive style and voice, it’s crucial to identify someone whose personality and company you genuinely enjoy, just as much as you admire their artistic vision. The ideal approach is to set up a meeting – whether in person or via Skype – to gauge compatibility and ensure that your photographer of choice is the perfect fit for your special day.
How can we get in touch with you?
Get in touch with me through my website’s contact form at www.ilariapetrucci.co.uk, or shoot me an email directly to [email protected]. If you prefer a more social approach, feel free to send me a message on Facebook via www.facebook.com/ilariapetrucciphotography. Whatever method suits your style, I’m here and eager to hear from you! 😊 A huge thank you goes out to Lou for their kind words – it’s moments like these that make all the hard work worth it.