Samantha Riles' style is editorial, elevated, playful and a little ethereal. She strives to make her couples feel relaxed in her presence and loves being able to create something that will be treasured in years to come. Samantha Riles is based in Sydney, Australia and travels worldwide to capture weddings.
Tell us about your business!
I am a romantic at heart and often get swept up by the love stories I witness. I have had the privilege of documenting over 100 weddings and each time I walk away with a new found curiosity and love for my job.
My background in lifestyle photography has shaped the way I capture a wedding, from candid portraiture, to a hyper focus on the styling details, to pulling back and capturing the essence of your day.
What would you like couples to know about you?
I’m the photographer for a modern couple who wants a twist on traditional wedding photography. I love images that are joyous and candid with an editorial feel.
My approach to shooting a wedding is simple - I want to make my couples feel relaxed as possible, so that the camera just becomes an extension of me.
Where are you based?
Sydney, Australia.
Do you travel for weddings?
Absolutely!
How would you describe your style?
Playful. Feminine. Elevated. Timeless. My style is quite editorial and a little bit ethereal. I love images that capture people’s natural expressions.
What is your most memorable career moment?
This year marks my tenth year of shooting weddings. I have loved the journey my business has taken me on and all the wonderful people I have met along the way. For me, it’s the relationships and connections that have grown over time with clients. Some have become very close friends and with others, I have had the honour of capturing the following chapters of their lives, whether that’s a new home, a growing family or so on. For me, that’s really special, that the story of working together can evolve over time.
What inspires you?
The romance of everyday moments. Beauty, more broadly, found in nature, music, art and film. I particularly like the style of late 80s and early 90s films; some of my favourites are Sleeping With The Enemy, Basic Instinct and When A Man Loves A Woman.
What motivates you to do what you do?
Connection. I’m motivated to find a common ground with people so I can authentically and responsively capture their expressions of love.
How would you describe your working style?
Intuitive and curious. I love getting to know people and I love surprises - as well as obviously being there for the big moments, I am always seeking out those small and unexpected moments throughout the day.
Do you shoot digitally, on film or both?
Mainly digital! I have shot on film at weddings previously, but I love how far you can stretch digital as a medium, you can essentially recreate a film aesthetic without the added risk of film failure!
Do you have custom packages according to individual needs?
Definitely. I am all about customising my offering to suit you as a couple and what will work best for your event.
What is a favourite product or service that you offer and why?
I love it when couples have me on for the whole day. That way, I feel I truly get the opportunity to capture the event from its quiet beginnings to its loud and crazy ending. For most people, you only get to do this once, so why not invest in having one of the most important days lovingly documented?
Where would you love to travel to for work?
Somewhere culturally rich and deep with history—Greece, Italy etc. I am really drawn to heritage architecture, I love the contrast of a modern wedding against a historical landscape.
Who is your dream client?
An Anti-Bride fan! I love couples who bring their own unique style to their day, couples who are happy to ditch traditions that don’t serve them and bring in new fun elements to the day that reflect them genuinely. I love a client who is willing to break the rules.
What is your advice to couples getting married?
Don’t lose sight of why you’re getting married in the first place. Do the planning together and enjoy the process. Be sure to have the big conversations too, and share your hopes and dreams with one another.
