Photography & Film

An interview with wedding photographer Johanna Ellen

When the wedding industry was facing its greatest challenges during the pandemic, behavioural scientist Johanna set up her business as a photographer – and since then she has forged a clear path forward with an artistic eye and her heart in the right place.

Who is Johanna Ellen and what is her top tip for brides and grooms?

When the wedding industry was facing its greatest challenges during the pandemic, behavioural scientist Johanna set up her business as a photographer – and since then she has forged a clear path forward with an artistic eye and her heart in the right place. Perhaps it is precisely her background and interest in people’s emotions that make us love her photos, in which she captures just that: the emotion behind the image. Read her own thoughts on wedding photography, what inspires her most right now, and the tips every couple should know!

a photograph of the photographer Johanna Ellen
a bride and groom at a bar
a wedding couple by a flight of stairs

“It’s all about creating a setting where people feel safe, seen and are having fun. That’s when the conditions are right for creating memories that actually mean something.” Johanna continues: “Many people can take a beautiful photograph, but to create images that take our breath away, fill us with joy or bring a tear to our eyes, you need to be fully present – and, above all, the people being photographed need to feel completely at ease and fully present in the moment. That’s where my job as a photographer comes in – to ensure that sense of security is in place even before we start taking photos.”

a dancing bride
a bride and groom kissing each other

What inspires you?

When asked what inspires her most right now in wedding photography, Johanna replies with a twinkle in her eye: “When the bride and groom dare to go the extra mile and do their own thing. Anything that feels extra cool, romantic or dramatic feels 100 per cent right – whether it’s a winter wedding in the city centre just the two of them, a town hall wedding with dinner on a boat, or a grand castle wedding with a champagne tower and dancing until the early hours.”

a bride is walking down a flight of stairs
a wedding ceremony
a newlywed couple

TIPS!

01. Look beyond the price tag

This is perhaps where the most important tip for future brides and grooms comes in: namely, to look beyond the price tag when it comes to choosing a photographer. After all, the photos are essentially the only thing we spend money on during the wedding (apart from the rings) that we’ll actually have left for the future, so it’s important that the photographer is someone you trust completely, ensuring the photos capture memories you’ll truly cherish. Make sure you choose a photographer based on their style and personality. After all, this is someone you’ll be spending a lot of time with on one of the most important days of your life – so make sure they feel like a reliable best friend!

02. Involve the photographer

Tip number two from Johanna Ellen is to involve your photographer in the planning of the day, as a skilled and experienced photographer has often seen most of what works well and what doesn’t. The photographer often has tips that not only help you with the planning but also enhance the day in various ways. It also makes it easier for the photographer to capture the photos you’ll love in the future if they’ve been able to contribute practical input on lighting, time allocation in the schedule, and so on.

03. Book well in advance

Right now, the 2025/2026 seasons are filling up with weddings, and it looks set to be a real wedding boom, so our final tip is to book your favourite suppliers well in advance!

Contact

Visit Johanna’s website to see more photos or to book!

www.fotografjohannaellen.com

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