“With a name like Groom, it felt inevitable I’d end up here”
The truth is I love directing, but only really to make you feel comfortable. This means different things to different people, depending on who you are. Some couples want candid, so let’s help you achieve that with movement. Some couples want structure but with elegance — I will tell you how to hold each other and also hold yourself. I understand insecurities and subtle body concerns. Let’s be honest, talk about it and then we can make you feel the best you should feel about yourselves.
Weddings are a balance. To make an album feel whole, it needs more than good looks — it needs community and life. As much as I believe all the above to be true, I also know when you need room to breathe. Capturing the energy of a wedding is about getting those moments that I could never direct. I sit back, observe and let people be themselves without my interference.
I love the details; I call them ‘sentimental details’. Right now, the tissue you used to capture your tears could just be a throw away. A picture of the fittings in the venue does not feel important, the cannoli you had for breakfast was just for convenience… but in 30 years all these ‘insignificant moments’ will paint the story of your surroundings, so you can relive your wedding all over again. I want to show you one photo to capture your entire day, and a hundred moments to let you relive it.
As an addition, I adore meeting couples, as everyone has their own unique way of being with each other, especially the representation of their love. From my experience, some people love outwardly, with words, gestures, getting a drink, holding of the hand. And some quietly. The challenge for me is how I capture that so you can have it forever.
About me:
I should start with the the first thing you will notice about me — I am British. I have been living in Australia for the past 10 years being a photographer, graphic designer, and also running a boutique social media marketing agency.
My partner and I live in Carlton, with our cat, Noodle, where we consume too much pasta and pastries. Noodle prefers biscuits.
My photography background:
I have a background in shooting fashion campaigns, a lot of e-commerce (photos of clothes in front of white walls) and jewellery. These days I spend most of my time with weddings but outside the seasonal part of the year (Winter), I capture content for event spaces, restaurants and musicians.
I feel like a lot of these introductions can be quite generic but yes, I have been a photographer since childhood (cliché). My earliest and favourite memories are of mum who used to carry around a Pentax MX and loved capturing black and white photos of me and my sisters as kids. She’s my first inspiration.
Topics of conversation I will always respond positively to:
Music… All of it, any of it — no one has good or bad taste, just whatever tickles your pickle.
Film… I conveniently live in near both IMAX and Cinema Nova so spend more time than I would like to admit watching movies. My partner and I recently purchased a TV that is quite honestly an eye sore, but WOW is it great to watch Love Island on… We also enjoy some GoggleBox (UK).
Sports… I watch football (soccer — Manchester United are my team), F1, running, Muay Thai, and my partner loves the Richmond Tigers so I recently got dragged to one of their games which I think officially makes me Australian!
Here is a link to an interview with Alexander and Ivory Tribe, discussing the ‘101 most essential tips for wedding photography’:
An insight into Alexander Groom and photography:
What do you love outside of photography?
I’m big on food and music, especially shared with friends.
Do you travel for weddings?
Of course. I’ve got one coming up in Vietnam, and I usually aim to travel back to Europe and see family once a year. I always take my camera gear with me everywhere I go.
How would you describe your style?
I was once told my style was timeless, and that is the best compliment I can be given.
What is your most memorable career moment?
Being published is always a huge achievement and every time it happens is such a compliment. However, that is definitely overshadowed by the mentoring I do. I was never given a helping hand in my photography journey, so having the ability to support new talent is the best.
What inspires you?
Film. Composition, story telling — its always fed me.
What motivates you to do what you do?
Delivering the final gallery. I not only receive messages from the couples but parents, siblings, even grandparents. Providing memories for them is beautiful.
Do you shoot digitally, on film or both?
Both. I love providing mixed media as a final product.
Do you have custom packages according to individual needs?
Yes, I am more than approachable.
What is a favourite product or service that you offer and why?
Photo booths are just the best. Interacting with every guest is typically a huge task at a wedding, but the photo booth allows that in such an easily achievable way.
Where would you love to travel to for work?
Japan.
Who is your dream client?
My parents. I wish I could have captured their day.
What is your advice to couples getting married?
It’s easier said than done, but enjoy your day. Don’t worry about the little things. If the entrées are delayed, you will have forgotten about that within a week.
How do you help couples feel comfortable in front of the camera?
Communication is key and making sure in the early stages of the journey that I am right for the couple. Then on the day, reading the room and understanding when to help direct, but equally knowing when to step back and let moments breath.
What’s one thing couples often overlook when planning their photography?
Managing expectations and planning for delays. I want couples to enjoy their photoshoot without worrying about arriving to the ceremony late.
What’s your favourite part of a wedding day to capture?
Preparation. Such a range of energies, that you can never predict. Beautiful opportunities to capture raw emotional moments between family and friends. Plus, breaks the ice when having your photo taken.
How do you handle unexpected changes or challenges on the day?
Calm and controlled. It’s in my nature. I’m fortunate but unfortunate to have experienced most potential challenges. Just remembering what the goal of the day is, and enjoying it no matter what.
What do your couples usually say about working with you?
My most common feedback is that people feel comfortable around me. I read energy well and balance out the room with what is needed.
How do you stay inspired creatively between weddings?
In regards to photography, I shoot a lot of editorials to keep my creative juices flowing. Also lucky to work in multiple areas of photography, which helps my vision stay fresh.
What kind of couples do you love working with?
It’s cliché but couples who are obsessed with each other. I love, love, and when a couple are in love on their wedding day, I naturally become background noise.