MPB Meets: Wedding Photographer Gauthier le Guen

With over a decade’s experience, Gauthier Le Guen is one of France’s leading wedding photographers. Gifted with his talents as a travel photographer, Gauthier Le Guen brings a special touch to his wedding photography. 

In this interview, Gauthier Le Guen spoke with MPB about his Canon mirrorless setup, experiences and creative process, as well as his advice for aspiring wedding photographers. What are the benefits and drawbacks of working as a wedding photographer? As the wedding season is about to start, read on to learn more from Gauthier.

MPB: Can you describe your background as a photographer and tell us what brought you to this profession?

GLG: I studied business. But, at the end of my studies, I was not yet ‘ready’ to jump into the deep end and start a professional career. First, I needed to know what I liked and what I wanted to do. So I took my backpack, a camera and went to Australia and Indonesia. It was during these trips that I became passionate about photography. 

When I came back to Brittany, an acquaintance contacted me to cover his wedding. At the time, I didn't know anything about wedding photography—but I was interested in new experiences in this field. The few photos I was able to unveil on social networks opened up more shoots. Things went very quickly. From the second year, I was shooting nine weddings.

MPB: Are you a specialist in wedding photography? Do you do any other type of photography?

GLG: I've had the opportunity to shoot other types of reportage. Professional (hotels, corporate portraits, culinary, real estate ... ) but these are really "extras" that I do by affinity and especially in low season. Wedding photography is my main activity and my real specialty.

MPB: In your opinion, what are the benefits and drawbacks of being a wedding photographer?

GLG: On the plus side, you can ‘be your own boss’. You can plan your own wedding photography season around your other personal projects. Weddings are an ideal festive and convivial setting for meeting new people. I still maintain friendly ties with couples from previous seasons. 

I also like the fact that each wedding is unique—the reception locations, the decorations and the atmosphere are always changing according to the seasons—so I never get tired of the job. 

The drawbacks are that travelling can sometimes be very time consuming. When reporting in the Paris region, or far from my home, I often have to spend a night in a hotel the night before and the day of the shoot. And that’s not always easy to reconcile with family life, especially on weekends.

MPB: How would you describe your photographic universe?

GLG: I learnt photography while travelling, through portraits and landscapes. I need ‘freedom’ in the story I make. If I am free then I am creative and I can blossom. I like above all the naturalness, the side ‘taken on the spot’. In the same style as reporter photo. I highlight warm tones, which—for me—represent the atmosphere of a wedding.

MPB: For wedding photography, do you adapt to the universe of your clients or do they choose you for your universe?

 GLG: In the beginning, I adapted to the universe and the requests of my clients. Now, after ten years of reporting, most brides and grooms come to me because they have seen what I do and they like my approach to wedding photography. Before the wedding, we discuss their expectations and my way of working. This allows us to be in sync on the big day.

MPB: What is your photographic process? Do you meet the couple before the big day? Also, is it important to know the location?

GLG: Indeed, I usually meet the future brides and grooms before D-day. Either over coffee, or by video when the distance is too great. It is essential to agree on their expectations and on the way I work. I need their trust to be able to cover the event with complete freedom. Most of the time, the couple will want to know how I proceed for the ‘couple photo’ session and the group photos.

MPB: What do you think are the key elements for a successful wedding shoot? 

GLG: Wedding photography is different from other disciplines. Instead of a small series of precise photos, wedding photography is about immortalising the event as a whole. Some shoots can be intense and long—up to 15 or 16 hours of work—so it’s important not to miss anything. There is no photo more important than another. This requires a lot of flexibility, technical knowledge and reactivity.

As in many fields, it’s sometimes necessary to fail in order to better succeed. When you’ve been confronted with all possible situations, whether technical or human, then you’re not surprised anymore. 

If the couple are looking for a universe, you shouldn’t forget that experience is also important. And it’s important to anticipate, because everything goes so fast.

MPB: What equipment do you use?

GLG: I have two Canon EOS R6 mirrorless cameras, a Canon RF 35mm, 50mm and 16-35mm, a Canon flash unit and a DJI Mavic 2 Pro.

MPB: Do you have any advice for anyone looking to get into wedding photography?

GLG: Be patient. In time, the requests will come—through word of mouth, social media. Make sure you can make a living from it before quitting your day job. 

Don't be scared of making mistakes, that's how you gain experience and progress. Get inspiration from other photographers and their work, how they use angles, light and postures. 

Find a style you like and keep it, you don’t have to follow trends. The wedding couple will take you for your style and consistency. If you change your style—if you don't specialise yourself—clients will look elsewhere.

MPB: Do you have any stories about memorable weddings you’d like to share?

GLG: I’ve done more than a hundred shoots over the past ten years, with plenty of memories. But, if I had to mention one in particular, it would be a wedding near Rennes a few years ago. 

The bride had a secret passion for Johnny Hallyday [a famous French singer]. So, during the dinner—no-one was in the know—a Johnny Hallyday look-alike entered the room for a very lively concert.

It was really original and nice for the atmosphere. Especially as it was during a prestigious wedding, where the codes are rather to the restraint and the chic or elegant side of things.

You can also read our beginner's guide to wedding photography, learn more about our kit recommendations for wedding photography, or discover the Fujifilm X-T4 review for wedding photography on the MPB Content Hub.