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Held

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Hi, I’m Reece, the photographer behind Held Studio, a wedding photography studio based in the Blue Mountains.

I’ve spent years as a commercial photographer, capturing subtle emotion and human connection for some of the world’s biggest brands. Commercial work taught me to instinctively read light, composition and a room. However, it doesn’t bring the same warmth that comes from photographing people clearly in love, and those there to celebrate them. Their joy, their laughter and the unexpected moments. To me, there’s a certain freedom to be found in a wedding day.

My wedding work is filmic and observational, like scenes from a romantic movie, built around what’s real. Aside from portraits (or a particularly divine pocket of light), I’m not there to direct or stage. Instead, I’m there to notice what’s already happening and be ready for it, stepping in only when I need to.

Half the time you’ll forget I’m even there, catching little unguarded, unperformed moments. For the other half, when I can’t be missed, I’m chatting with your family and friends so they feel like I’m another guest along for the ride, rather than a photographer working the room.

I’m an easygoing presence on a wedding day, and people seem to find it easy to relax in front of me and my camera. That naturally leads to photographs that feel more intimate and genuine.

Every wedding is different, but my approach remains the same: to stay present, observe carefully and create photographs that feel timeless rather than trendy. Years from now, I want your gallery to transport you back to exactly how it all felt.

Ultimately, to be trusted and invited in to share and document your commitment to each other is an honour.

Based / Service Area

Blue Mountains, Sydney

FAQ

What makes you different from other wedding photographers?

Alongside my wedding photography, I still work as an advertising photographer, commissioned by national and international brands for my ability to create emotionally resonant campaign imagery. I learnt my craft over years of assisting some of Australia’s best advertising, portrait and fashion photographers. I’ve delivered major campaigns with high-profile talent, stressed stakeholders, tight deadlines, and zero room for reshoots, so I’m not rattled by high-pressure, high-stakes days!

All that said, weddings give me something commercial work doesn’t. I get to bring the same reliability I’ve built on high-stakes campaigns, and pair it with true creative freedom

How would you describe your photography style?

My style is filmic and observational, more like scenes from a romantic movie rather than a stack of individual images. I love creating layered images. Never busy, but with more details you’ll notice after the first glance: a bridesmaid’s reaction in the background, a bottle of champagne catching the light on the mantel, movement, occasional humour and moments of calm in between.

Ultimately, I want my camera’s perspective to feel like a close friend watching your day unfold. My two biggest criteria when selecting images are genuine expressions of emotion and beautiful light.

What's it like working with you on the day?

During prep, I like to read the room: knowing when to go quiet for a meaningful moment, and when to be conversational and jovial. Couples tend to quickly get used to me being there, and stop noticing the camera. I’m moving calmly around the space, catching the smaller, subtler details alongside the key moments.


Throughout the ceremony, your guests’ experience comes first. I stay out of sightlines and keep a low profile, while still capturing your story.


By reception time, if I’m not happily chatting and joking with guests, I’m roaming. Snapping photos quickly and moving on, chasing those candid sparks of joy as they happen.


For portraits, I keep things relaxed. A little wander, soft direction rather than posing you, and plenty of conversation and jokes along the way.

How long does it take to receive our photos, and how many can we expect?

Your digital gallery is delivered within four weeks. Prints and printed albums are available on request.

Image counts run lower than you’ll see from some studios, usually in the low hundreds rather than thousands. I’m discerning with my gallery editing and would rather hand you a smaller, stronger and more memorable gallery than an overwhelming stack of images to sift through, where you’re left trying to choose one photo from four near-identical options.

Something else you should know about me

I take my work very seriously, but the same can’t be said for myself. I love a laugh, I’m definitely not afraid of embarrassing myself to break the ice, and I genuinely enjoy connecting with the people I’m photographing. My favourite compliments to get at the end of the night are always about how fun and relaxed I made the photography side of things.

I choose to take on only a small number of weddings each year, and am terrible at social media (so I won’t be distracted trying to make content for my business on the day!). I want to make sure I can bring my all to every wedding I shoot.

So, if you want a photographer who’ll blend in with your guests, keep nerves down with the occasional terrible joke, and be fully present on the day, I might just be the guy.