Cristiana Fiorini is an international wedding photographer based in Italy, her photographic journey began with a deep love for both her homeland and the universal language of love that transcends borders. Over the years, she has honed her skills, blending technical expertise with an innate ability to connect with couples on their most important day. What sets her apart is not just her photographic talent but also her unique approach to documenting destination weddings.
When, how, and why did you start your job as a wedding photographer?
I grew up with analog cameras in my hands since I have memories and I had always been passionate about photography. After university (I studied Philosophy) I started working as a photographer at the Rome Opera House shooting operas and ballets but it wasn’t until I moved to Sydney in 2015 that I seriously considered it as a full time profession. During my time in Sydney, I worked as a photographer covering corporate events, and I honed my skills in various aspects of photography.
The pivotal moment came when a colleague asked me to photograph her friend’s wedding. I was initially hesitant because I hadn’t shot weddings before, but I decided to give it a try. Capturing the emotions, the love, and the unique moments of that wedding day was incredibly fulfilling. I realized that I could create lasting memories for couples through my photography, and that’s when I decided to specialize in wedding photography. Then I also realized that wedding photography gives me the opportunity to express my creativity in a much wider way than other genres of photography.
Where do you work? Tell us the main destinations where you love to work as a wedding photographer.
Currently, I’m based in Italy, which offers an incredibly rich backdrop for weddings,I live in Rome but I often travel all around Italy to capture beautiful destination weddings. Italy is renowned for its picturesque landscapes, historic venues, and vibrant culture, making it an ideal place for destination weddings. I have the privilege of working in some of the most stunning locations in the world, such as Tuscany, the Amalfi Coast, and the romantic Lake of Como.
When it comes to dreamy destination weddings, Italy stands as an unparalleled choice. The romantic allure of this Mediterranean gem, with its rich history, stunning landscapes, and delectable cuisine, provides the perfect backdrop for celebrating love. One of the many reasons Italy is an attractive wedding destination is its breathtaking venues. From historic castles and charming vineyards to picturesque coastal towns, Italy offers a plethora of beautiful settings that will turn your special day into an unforgettable masterpiece.
However, I’ve also had the opportunity to work in various international destinations during my time in Sydney, which broadened my perspective. Australia’s diverse landscapes and vibrant cities provided unique settings for weddings. I particularly enjoyed capturing weddings in Sydney, with its iconic landmarks like the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge serving as stunning backdrops for couples. I am very grateful for the opportunity I had abroad because it allowed me to improve my english and now I can easily communicate with all my couples who come from abroad.
Read also: The 6 Best Wedding Location In Rome
How do you deal with demanding customers?
Dealing with demanding customers can be a challenging but essential aspect of providing excellent customer experiece. By handling their requests and concerns effectively, you can turn a potentially negative situation into a positive one. It’s important to keep calm and this very easy for me as I consider myself a very calm and easygoing person.
Dealing with demanding customers is part and parcel of the wedding photography business. It’s essential to remember that weddings are deeply personal and emotional events for couples, and their expectations can be understandably high. To handle demanding customers effectively, I adopt a few strategies:
Active Listening: I begin by actively listening to their concerns and expectations. It’s crucial to understand their vision and what they value most in their wedding photos.
Clear Communication: I maintain open and transparent communication throughout the entire process. This includes setting clear expectations, discussing the scope of my services, and providing a detailed contract.
Flexibility: I remain flexible and adaptable. Every wedding is unique, and I’m prepared to adjust my approach to accommodate specific requests or unforeseen circumstances.
Professionalism: I approach every wedding with the utmost professionalism. This includes arriving on time, dressing appropriately, and conducting myself in a respectful and courteous manner.
Quality Assurance: I make sure to deliver high-quality photos that meet or exceed their expectations. This often involves post-processing to enhance and refine the images.
In my experience, most demanding customers simply want their special day to be perfect, and by working closely with them, we can usually find common ground and ensure they are satisfied with the results.
What do you like most about your job?
There are so many aspects of being a wedding photographer that I cherish, but if I had to pick one, it would be the opportunity to capture genuine emotions and create lasting memories for couples. Weddings are filled with moments of pure love, joy, and connection, and being able to preserve those moments through my photography is incredibly rewarding.
I also appreciate the creative freedom that wedding photography offers. Each wedding is unique, and I get to explore my artistic vision while adapting to the couple’s style and preferences. It’s a perfect blend of artistry and storytelling.
Lastly, the privilege of witnessing the love between two people, their families, and friends is truly heartwarming. It reminds me of the beauty in human connections and the power of love.
What do you dislike about your job?
While I love my job, like any profession, there are challenges. One significant challenge is the unpredictability of the weather, especially when shooting outdoor weddings. Weather conditions can change rapidly, and I need to adapt my shooting style and equipment to ensure the best possible results. Rain, wind, or extreme heat can present obstacles, but they also provide opportunities for creativity.
Another challenge is the long hours on wedding days. Weddings can be emotionally charged and last well into the evening, which can be physically demanding. It’s important to maintain energy and focus to capture every moment. It’s important to be physically prepared and trained at the beginning of each season,
Lastly, the post-processing work can be time-consuming. Editing and retouching photos to meet my high-quality standards can be labor-intensive, but it’s a crucial part of delivering exceptional results.
How do you deal with videographers?
Collaboration with videographers is an essential part of ensuring that the couple’s entire wedding day is documented seamlessly. When working with videographers, clear communication is key. We often meet before the wedding day to discuss the timeline, shot lists, and any specific requirements from the couple.
During the wedding, I make a conscious effort to work closely with the videographer to avoid getting in each other’s shots. We respect each other’s space and coordinate our movements to capture the essential moments without disruption.
I find that having a good rapport with the videographer is essential for a smooth working relationship. We often share creative ideas and support each other in capturing the best angles and shots. Ultimately, our goal is to provide the couple with a cohesive visual narrative of their wedding day.
Read also: 10 Things To Consider When Choosing A Wedding Videographer
How do you deal with wedding planners?
Collaborating with wedding planners is crucial for a successful wedding day. Wedding planners play a pivotal role in orchestrating all the elements of a wedding, and they often have a detailed timeline that guides the day. Here’s how I work with wedding planners:
Initial Consultation: I start by having an initial consultation with the wedding planner to discuss the couple’s vision, preferences, and any specific photography requirements. This helps me align my photography services with the overall plan.
Timelines: I closely follow the wedding timeline provided by the planner. Being punctual and adhering to the schedule ensures that we capture all the important moments without any delays.
Communication: Throughout the day, I maintain open communication with the wedding planner and their team. If there are any changes or adjustments to the timeline, we can adapt quickly to ensure a smooth flow of events.
Support: I’m always ready to assist the wedding planner in any way I can. Whether it’s helping with logistics or suggesting creative ideas for photos, I see myself as part of the collaborative team working towards a successful event.
Respect: It’s essential to respect the wedding planner’s expertise and authority. They have a comprehensive understanding of the couple’s vision and expectations, and working harmoniously with them is key to delivering a memorable wedding experience.
In my experience, a well-coordinated team effort involving the wedding planner, videographer, and other professionals leads to a seamless and stress-free wedding day for the couple.
Thank you for the opportunity to share my journey and insights. It’s been a pleasure, and I hope that my experiences can inspire others in the world of wedding photography.
