In this month’s vendor spotlight, meet the lovely Kyrstin Healy. Find out more about the life of a wedding photographer in Ireland, Enjoy reading!
Tell us about your you?
Hi! I’m Kyrstin, a Kilkenny-based, documentary-style wedding photographer with a passion for all things cosy. You’ll often find me searching flights online, hanging out with my cats Doc and Arty, or possibly bundled up on the couch alternating between Gilmore Girls and Star Trek. I’m currently building my forever home with my husband/travel buddy.
What led you to photography?
Photography has been part of my life for as long as I can remember, but it really took off when I was a teenager. I would bring my camera to parties and gigs every weekend and would take every opportunity to photograph my friends and willing models! Finally, I got into weddings like a lot of us do I think. I started by shooting some friends’ weddings as favours/gifts and just got the love-buzz bug!
Since those first weddings back in ’09/’10 I’ve learned a whole lot about the industry and about my own style and vision. I focus on the people first, the connections, and the story of the day. My main goal is to make sure you can look back on your wedding photos years later and be transported back to the day.
What keeps you passionate about events and weddings?
Honestly, the love keeps me passionate. I get so much joy from seeing two people in love. No couple I meet are the same, some are more physically affectionate, some are giddy together, and some have been together so long they’ve settled comfortably into each other.
I’m in the unique position as a wedding photographer to get a glimpse into these lives and I feel honoured and touched every single time for the opportunity. I spend wedding days seeing all the big and little ways people show their love and appreciation, not just between the couple, but also with family and friends. Secret smiles, little hand squeezes, inside jokes. It gives me warm fuzzies every time.
How long have you been in business?
I shot my first wedding over a decade ago, but have been in the business full-time for almost six years.
Where do you find inspiration?
All over. Through other wedding photographers. From paintings, architecture, documentaries, etc. I believe art can be found everywhere if you only stop and look.
On a wedding day, I mostly get inspired by the location and couple, though. I allow the day to take me where it wants. Whether that be a high-energy, festival-style party buzz, or an understated, tender affair.
What should couples know before hiring you as a photographer?
My style is mainly documentary, so if you’re looking for someone to capture the chaos and beauty of your wedding day as it happens, I’m your woman.
I love to slip into the background and capture the day without obstructing it. My favourite thing to hear when delivering a gallery is “you were there when that happened? I had no idea!”.
What sets you apart in your field?
I take on a limited amount of weddings each year because I want to be fully invested in each and every one. I like to focus on the connections being made and the big and little expressions of love and friendship.
What common mistakes do you see couples making?
I wouldn’t say I see many mistakes, but I often hear the same thing from couples on their wedding day. They confess that they’ve been told that ”the day goes by faster than you can imagine” but didn’t fully believe it or wrote it off as a cliché. They always say that it really has flown by and they can’t believe it!
It’s a cliché for a reason. Do try to take the time and savour it all. For everything else, I’m there to capture and preserve for you.
What’s your best advice for couples planning a wedding?
Have a game plan, create a mood board, know your budget, and accept help wherever it’s given. But most importantly, when it comes to the actual day of the wedding, stop planning and just enjoy it all. Some things may not go to plan, but they can often become your most cherished memories and favourite stories to tell.
What’s the most memorable event/wedding you have ever worked on?
It’s genuinely too difficult to pick just one memorable day. I have had the pleasure and privilege to be part of some truly spectacular days, both in terms of production and raw human emotion. The weddings that stand out to me the most are the ones that stir up the most emotions in me.
Even years later I can get choked up looking through some galleries and slideshows. It truly humbles me to be trusted with my couple’s love stories and I always do everything I can to capture them warmly, honestly, and accurately.
Outside of photography, tell us about yourself?
I’m a woman of many contradictions. A hygge-obsessed homebody who loves to travel. I’m as comfortable in nature as I am in the city. I like to spend my free time playing with my cats, going for walks with my husband in the woods near our village, watching sci-fi shows, and playing video games.
I love being busy and meeting lots of different types of people through my work, but I am definitely introverted, and I really appreciate the quiet country life since we moved from Dublin two years ago.
Where can we find you?
Instagram: @kyrstinhealyweddings
Web: www.kyrstinhealy.com
Email: kyrstinhealy1@gmail.com
If you want to chat about your unique wedding celebration, get in touch here.
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