With a decade long career in the fashion industry, Stacey McLean has an editorial style and a personal approach to her work. She has a strong focus on creating dreamy, authentic and heart-felt imagery for her couples, that unfold in a relaxed and fun environment. Based in Adelaide, South Australia, Stacey McLean travels worldwide to capture weddings.
Tell us about your business!
I’ve been working in the fashion industry for over 10 years, and have been a Photographer and Creative Director. Over the last decade I’ve worked with some pretty cool clients and publications, like Dior, Vogue and Fashion Journal. I had no idea about how cool and fun the wedding scene could be until I got married in 2021. I instantly fell in love with the whole process of planning my wedding and how important it is to have moments captured that are meaningful, but with an editorial eye that shows the couple as individuals. And I’m having so much fun!
What would you like couples to know about you?
I’m down to earth and personable and I like to show that through my work. I enjoy connecting with others as well as being a fly on the wall to candid moments. I put a big emphasis on making other people feel comfortable, the more positive energy you give them, the better energy you get in return; and that’s where true and genuine magic can be captured. No awkward posing and blue steel looks here.
Where are you based?
Australia, specifically my home is in Adelaide however, I travel often to Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Byron Bay for weddings. In the off-season in Australia, I will be heading to Europe every year for a few months, and will be available for couples in Paris, London, Italy and anywhere else in Europe.
Do you travel for weddings?
Most definitely! I love to travel and explore the world. I have some exciting bookings coming up in Tuscany and London in 2025, and I'm also available for direct bookings in the USA. I don't fly around for just any wedding though, I love to get to know lots of about potential couples in my enquiry form and if we vibe and are a good fit for each other than I'll be there in a heart beat.
How would you describe your style?
Candid, genuine, heart-warming, fun, true to colour and with a warm vintage feel. The kind of pictures you can be proud to have on your wall, as well as show generations to come where your grandkids will say how trendy and fun you guys were.
What is your most memorable career moment?
Last April, I got to create a wedding film for Jessica and Travis Head (Australian Test Cricketer). I went to school with them both, so it happened really naturally and organically. I was chatting to Jess about her upcoming wedding and she mentioned that she had not booked a videographer, and I had just purchased a Super 8mm. It was so much fun and so high end, they just trusted me to create whatever I felt like. It was held in their backyard overlooking the Adelaide skyline and we drove golf buggies next door to Carrick Hill. About a year later I got a call from the producer at The Test on Amazon Prime who purchased the rights to some of the video, and it was used in the opening segment to Season 3.
I also photographed the backstage of the recent Paolo Sebastian show and it was featured on Harper's Bazaar, which was definitely a career highlight.
What inspires and motivates you?
My family, my daughter and old family photos. I am very nostalgic and I think it's such an honour to be the person responsible for capturing such important moments in time, especially seeing how much I cherish my own wedding photos, as well as my family’s wedding photos. I am also inspired by fashion, vintage photos of strangers from past eras and travel photography.
How would you describe your working style?
Super relaxed and going with the flow. I always make a moodboard before the day, but I always forget to look at it because I’m so lost in the moment. I also always look at the photos straight away, I can’t just put my camera down and go to bed, I’m too excited!
Do you shoot digitally, on film or both?
Both! I love film - I find myself editing digital similar to a film vibe so it always ties in well together. I also have this method in video as well, offering Super 8mm and digital.
Do you have custom packages according to individual needs?
For sure. I generally have three photography packages and one videography package, depending on how many hours the client is after. I also have add-on options. If a client is wanting everything, then I also have a package price for that where I offer complimentary second shooters.
What is a favourite product or service that you offer and why?
I think Super 8mm video is something super special that not too many people are offering yet. There is something so so special about it, it just hits different.
Where would you love to travel to for work?
Anywhere in Europe, but also interstate bookings in Sydney or Queensland would have my heart. Basically just take me somewhere green and tropical.
Who is your dream client?
Any couple who is down to earth and fun, and doesn’t mind just being themselves and letting my camera capture that genuine nature. But also a couple who appreciates the importance of the little details of a wedding like decor, good venues and clothing. A bride who loves fashion and being unique would be a cherry on top!
How do you select music to your films?
A lot of Shazaming, I’ve Shazamed just four songs already today haha. I also love Musicbed for Royalty Free music.
What is your advice to couples getting married?
The best advice I received for my own wedding, was to attend your own wedding like you’re a guest. Don’t be worried about if people are having fun or not, don’t stress about things going wrong, and hand over all the on-the-day coordinating to the professionals. It helps capture those candid moments if a couple is relaxed and having fun in all of those in-between moments.
