Jody Lidstone

Professional Wedding photographer Jody Lidstone from I Do Photography - enjoys shooting Weddings so much she'd go as far to say she lives her dream job.

 
Where are you based?
I live in Auckland and photograph weddings both nationally and internationally.

When did you first pick up a camera and what was it?
I studied photography at school which followed through into a course at Unitec. I was then fortunate enough to assist two of New Zealand's finest fashion photographers - Craig Owen and Cindy Wilson whom I will forever be grateful their knowledge and guidance.
My first camera was purchased at 15 and was a Nikon SLR camera of some sort!

 
 
Tell us a little about your style of photography.
I specialize in weddings and adore everything about them! My style is modern, yet timeless. I love interacting with couples to create natural images in beautiful settings and capturing details that tell the story of their special day.
 

 
What gear do you use?
I'm a Canon girl and use a 5Dmk3 and a 5dmk2. Lenses include a 50mm f1.2, 85mm f1.2, 135mm f2 and a 24-70mm. Next on the list will be the 35mm f1.4.

 
If you had to choose only one lens, what would it be and why?
I think it would have to be the 85mm f1.2 which was the first prime lens I purchased. I love the creaminess of it and find it really lends to my style.

 What is/has been your greatest challenge as a photographer?
I think with owning your own business and being responsible for all areas of it there are always going to be challenges. Initially, I found pricing a challenge; setting them, discussing them with clients etc.
Now my biggest challenge is finding a good work/life balance!

What do you feel has been your greatest photographic achievement to date?
I feel very blessed to have developed my passion of photography into a successful business so in a sense that would be my greatest achievement.
On a job basis, this year I was fortunate enough to photograph a couple of destination weddings to Singapore and Fij and also a couple of celebrity weddings.
 
If you weren't a photographer, what would you be?
Architect, Designer…something creative for sure.
 
 
What would be your dream job or assignment to shoot?
I love every wedding I photograph and without sounding cliché feel they are all dream jobs. A genuine couple, a gorgeous location with lots beautifully styled elements is all I need.

What tips or advice do you have for budding photographers?
Perserverance. By all means look at what others are doing but stick to your own style and what you love doing and develop that.

 
What are your thoughts towards videography - do you see yourself moving on to shoot more video than stills in your work?
I love the style of DSLR wedding video at the moment and the cinematography feel of it. I have dabbled in this a little bit with my 5dmk3 but will keep it to my personal work for now.
 
 
Are you a fan of using flash in your work?
Occasionally I will hire lighting for a particular wedding but generally I love the look and feel of natural light.

 
 
In your opinion, what makes a good photograph?
To me a good photograph is one that invokes emotion. I often find myself smiling away or getting all teary when editing a wedding. I love being the extra eyes for a couple on their wedding day and capturing moments/details that otherwise would have gone unnoticed.
 
 
What do you enjoy doing to take a break from photography, what recharges you?
I love the outdoors, exercising and spending time with family and friends.
 
 
Who motivates or inspires you to keep doing what you do?
The amazing couples I get to meet, the joy it gives them in receiving their images and the uniqueness of every wedding.
 

Visit Jodys website here