Back in 2015, I did a series of interviews of my preferred wedding vendors in Tahiti, all those amazing and super talented people I am lucky to work with on a regular basis. Helene Havard has a unique approach and signature to her photography work which really sets her apart in Tahiti, and is among my favorite wedding photographers in Tahiti.
I said that before, but it’s all too easy to get fooled by what you see online, images that are pleasing to the eye, carefully curated to only show the very best shots, or names that are associated with an “award-wining” or “international” label but how do you verify that? Most often that means you won a so-called award from a wedding blog that you are listing with, and that’s called marketing.
With these blog interviews, I want to bring the very best people to you : those that you can safely think “what you see is what you get”. I’ve worked with these individuals, and would refer them to anyone of my couples without hesitation. Not only do they have inspiring personalities but I’ve also spent (wedding) days with them, and seen their work on numerous occasions, so I can witness of how good it is!
Helene’s work has been published on numerous world-famous magazines and very influential websites (she was featured on the Huffington Post, CNN, BBC News, Washington Post, and more) and has also been named among 30 rising stars of wedding photography 2015 by Rangefinder Magazine. Most recently, she’s been innovating with drone photography with her associate Samuel from Flying World Pictures, and shooting never-seen-before images with our lucky couples.
Daniella & Bruno’s beach wedding in Moorea – December 2015
Catherine & Rob’s destination wedding in Moorea – December 2016
Wedding Photographer In Tahiti – Moorea
HELENE HAVARD
This month I’m bringing back the interview of Helene from Helene Havard Photography, a talented photographer in Tahiti (based on the capital island of Tahiti) who’s happy to shoot my couples everywhere in French Polynesia. Enjoy!
1. Tell Us A Bit About Yourself And What Led You To Wedding Photography In Tahiti.
I am originally from France but I have been living in French Polynesia for the past 7 years. Since I was a kid, I always loved to express myself through painting, drawing, theatre or graphic design. I initially followed a conventional path, but after a few years I decided at the age of 28 that I wanted to make a living out of my passion for photography and graduated from the EFET School in Paris. I first started shooting movie and theatre sets in Paris. It is only when I settled in Bora Bora that I started shooting weddings. I am based in Papeete now but can travel to any island.
2. How Do You Work With A Couple And What Is The Process Of Planning Wedding Photos?
Usually clients would contact me anywhere from a few months to a few days from their wedding day. In most cases I know nothing about them until we get to meet, as they live abroad. When we first meet, I follow my intuition to produce images that look like them. Most clients let my imagination run wild which is great as I prefer not to be overwhelmed with too many specific requests before the actual day, in order to not be blocked in my creative process.
3. What Inspires You? Are There Colors Or Trends You Absolutely Love?
I’m mostly inspired by paintings and the special lighting that prevails on movie and theatre sets. Ever since I started shooting weddings I use pastel colours on some of my photos because this is how I see the scenes through my lens.
4. What’s Your Favorite Part Of The Job?
What I love most in my job is that I can create never-seen-before-except-in-my-imagination images and that I get to travel to different places with clients who seem to always be ready to follow me in my world. In short, make a living from my passion without a routine.
5. Any Advice To Pass Along To Couple About Choosing Wedding Outfits, Props And Shooting Style?
Think out of the box! I tell them to dare to try whatever they want. The Islands of Tahiti are stunning and full of gorgeous and magical places, where a black wedding gown, a new age style, 70ies, vintage all work great, at least you can count me in for anything new and original!
Thanks Helene! For more about Helene Havard Photography, please head to her website.
Helene and I have collaborated a lot these past years! Are you interested in eloping in Moorea and would like to find out how much a wedding in Tahiti costs when you elope? I’ve got you covered! Head to this article to find more.
