A Show and Tell with Maureen Du Preez Photography

Today I’m pleased to introduce you to Maureen Du Preez from Maureen Du Preez Photography. Maureen is a London based Wedding Photographer and one of my newest sponsors, so today she has been kind enough to answer a few questions and share with us a few of her favourite images.

Muareen is offering 10% off any 2013 bookings for you lucky Boho Readers, just quote ‘BOHO OFFER‘ when emailing her.

‘I’m a relatively young photographer having just turned 25 years old. After growing up on a little island on the North West coast of Scotland, I escaped to the biggest city I could get to, which was Glasgow. There I met my partner (now husband) & we travelled extensively over the last few years. The most exciting being a campervan trip for 3 months across Europe.
I studied Film & Media at university in Edinburgh, alongside developing my skills in photography. As I progressed through life I initially saw photography as just a hobby to go alongside my other interests in the arts. However, it quickly became more & more a part of my work. I soon realised photography is where my true passion lies. After becoming more confident with my work & developing my own style, I decided to finally take the plunge & start up my own business. I’ve never looked back.’

How long have you been taking photos for?
Professionally for 4 years but I’ve had a camera in my hand since as long as I can remember. Before getting my first digital SLR at 20, one of my favourite cameras was my Dad’s Chinon 35mm film SLR from the 1970’s which he bought in a second hand shop. I still like using it today.

Where are you based?
I am currently based in London but am putting plans into action where I will only be spending my summer months in the city. The rest of the time I will be based in my home country, Scotland.

When did you start your photography business and what made you start?
I started my business in April 2012. I was fortunate enough to have my first wedding booked within a couple of weeks & it just snowballed from there. The feedback I received was incredible.
I got married the August before & it was during the planning of my own wedding that I discovered my love for wedding photography. Like many brides-to-be, I spent months trawling blogs for ideas & inspiration. I was simply amazed at how creative some photographers were with their work. Having only previously seen my parent’s & other relative’s wedding albums, shot in the more traditional posed style, I never realised weddings could be captured in such a unique way.

How far will you travel for a wedding?
As far as anyone will take me. This year I am travelling as far as the The Drakensberg mountains in South Africa for a wedding. I hope to continue combining two of my passions, travel & photography.

How would you describe your style?
I shoot in a natural/reportage style, capturing all the highlights of the day & all the little moments in between, mixed in with some cool & creative portraits.

What makes you different to your competitors?
I like to put an emphasis on the client experience. I am always available to speak to my couples & enjoy building a relationship with them. I particularly enjoy doing a pre-wedding shoot with my couples as it gives us a great chance to get to know each other in preparation for the big day.

What do you enjoy most about your job?
The freedom to run my own business & create art which others can enjoy for a lifetime.

What sort of couple do you think you attract?
I tend to attract couples who are on the same wavelength as me, who get me & my work. Couples who are laidback, enjoy life & appreciate beautiful imagery.

What in your opinion makes the perfect photo?
One which provokes a strong, positive reaction from its viewer. I want my clients to connect emotionally with my work & remember all the joy they felt on the day all over again.

What is your favorite photo that you have taken?
One of my favourite photographs is this one, taken at a wedding this winter. I was lucky enough to have some time with just the bride right before the ceremony. We took a sneaky walk around the side of the mansion, where we knew nobody would see her to take photographs around the gardens. This shot by the pond was one of the last we took, I just love the colours of her bouquet against the pond water. I didn’t even notice the swan until after I took the photograph, his ‘facebomb’ was a pleasant surprise!

What advice would you give couples when choosing their wedding photographer?
Make sure you invest time in finding your photographer, don’t just pick the first one you find. There are so many incredible artists out there to choose from, each with their own individual style.

Can you give me some information on your pricing structure?
My 2013 UK wedding packages start at £850 & includes:
• A pre-wedding consultation to discuss your needs (in person or via Skype)
• **Optional complimentary pre-wedding shoot depending on location
• All day coverage from bridal preparations until late into the reception
• 350 high-res photos, individually edited & presented on a beautiful wooden flash drive
• Animated slideshow displaying highlights from wedding day
• Your own private online gallery to share with friends & family
Album packages start from £1,325.

If you weren’t running your business, what would you be doing?
I would be living a self-sufficient life in the woods with my husband, creating art of some form.