London-based photographer Marta Ilardo is a cinematic, fashion-forward storyteller. She captures your day with authenticity, filtered through an artistic eye. Her photography style can be described as modern, editorial, and poetic, with a minimalist touch. Marta Ilardo travels all around Europe and beyond.
Tell us about your business!
I’m a destination wedding photographer based in London.
What would you like couples to know about you?
My mission as a photographer is to tell your unique story and the beauty of your day in an honest and artistic way. To do that I will use all tools that I’ve got - my fine art and fashion background, my love for design and architecture, my eye focused on raw moments of connection and joy.
Do you travel for weddings?
Oh yes I do! I travel all around Europe and beyond - Argentina, Thailand, you name it.
How would you describe your style?
My photography style can be described as modern, editorial, and poetic, with a minimalist touch. It’s hard to pin down exactly, though, as I approach each wedding day with a documentary mindset. I don’t stage moments; I capture the real ones as they unfold. I’m highly attentive to the small details, often spotting fleeting moments that might otherwise go unnoticed. At the same time, I’m deeply inspired by fashion, art, and design. These influences are always present in my work, and my eye naturally gravitates toward those elements and compositions. I refine this vision further during the editing process, which I actually love—unlike many photographers, I really enjoy curating the final gallery. It’s in this phase where I strive to bring out the essence of the day, preserving the emotions that will still give you goosebumps decades down the road.
What is your most memorable career moment?
I remember all the weddings, especially those with tears flowing down the cheeks.
What inspires you?
Art. And by art I mean - fine art, cinema, photography and design. I feed on those things every day and this is what gives my creativity the full it needs. Does intake sense?
How would you describe your working style?
I’ve been described as a calming presence by my couples - I’m quite relaxed, but super focused. Fly on the wall is my favourite mode, because:
I’m an introvert
Your wedding is not my personal photo session, its your day and I would hate to be obstructive and drawing attention to myself.
Capturing raw moments requires focus and observation skills, you can’t have it while trying to direct people.
Do you shoot digitally, on film or both?
Both. Cameras are not my focus - they’re tools and I’ve got an arsenal. Personally I love film, but it feels safer to mix it up with digital during a wedding.
Do you have custom packages according to individual needs?
Yes, especially for those fantastic wedding weekends, when I’m needed for a pre-wedding party, rehearsal dinner and/or an after party. Love it!
What is a favourite product or service that you offer and why?
Wedding weekends with a second photographer and a film camera!
Where would you love to travel to for work?
Mexico is on my bucket list. Anyone?
Who is your dream client?
I absolutely adore working with couples who share my appreciation for art and who value photography.
What is your advice to couples getting married?
Follow your gut! The older I get, the more I learn to trust my gut, so that would be my advice. So if you strongly feel you want an elopement in a dreamy place - do it! And if you’ve always dreamt of a mother of all wedding parties - do exactly that! It’s the celebration of your love, let it be about you and your partner, as that’s what makes it special.
Marta Ilardo
Website: martailardophotography.com
Instagram: @martailardo_photos