Sydney-based Damien Milan has been capturing weddings since 2013. He shoots with Leica analog and digital cameras and aims to create real, soulful and timeless images. Damien Milan captures destination weddings and elopements in the European summer months and shoots worldwide.
Tell us about your business!
I am genuinely curious about people and find it extremely rewarding to be given a chance to connect with like minded couples and to document their story. I feel deeply fascinated by light and love to experiment with film to create soulful and timeless images.
What would you like couples to know about you?
My wife Nastia is a painter and mural artist. We call the Blue Mountains (near Sydney) our home with our cat Frida and Mia, our 3 year old daughter who brings us so much joy and happiness.
Where are you based?
Blue Mountains near Sydney, Australia.
Do you travel for weddings?
As I grew up in Belgium, I am lucky to hold both the Belgium and Australian passports and travel to Europe in summer between May and July to photograph a limited number of destination weddings and elopements.
How would you describe your style?
Real, soulful and timeless.
What is your most memorable career moment?
A couple of my images were awarded Best of the Best Wedding Photographers worldwide for two consecutive years, however I do find most satisfaction in the trust and connections built with my clients over the years.
What inspires you?
IÂ find a lot of my inspiration in nature, exploring remote locations and other art forms. Music is also a huge source of inspiration as I feel like it constantly influences my work even if subconsciously.
How would you describe your working style?
My approach is unobtrusive as I like to give my couples a lot of space to be themselves and be fully present with each other.
I like to build genuine connections with my couples and trust is a key part of my work as it allows me to photograph soulful and vulnerable moments which I chase dearly.
Do you shoot digitally, on film or both?
All my packages include digital and 35mm film photography.
Do you have custom packages according to individual needs?
The amount of coverage is flexible and I am always happy to discuss the possibility of shooting on film only.
What is a favourite product or service that you offer and why?
Shooting 35mm film on my Leica M6 analog camera. I find the analog process to be very meditative as it allows me to slow down and feel more present while pushing my creative boundaries.
Where would you love to travel to for work?
My interest for photography grew from my love for getting immersed in new cultures and dramatic landscapes. It would be very hard for me to refuse a chance to travel to Japan, Morocco or Mexico.
Who is your dream client?
The ones who genuinely connect with my work and trust me to document their day in an artful way, giving me full creative freedom. I create my best work when couples are brave enough to be their authentic selves and be vulnerable in front of the camera.
What is your advice to couples getting married?
Don’t be afraid to strip back your wedding plans to what’s most meaningful to you. Authenticity is the key.
Damien Milan
Website: damienmilan.com
Instagram: @damienmilan_photographer