Timeless, fun, and artistic are just a few words that describe French Touch Photography‘s signature style. After studying in Paris capturing fashion and art, Alex Mayeur moved to the states and continued his passion for wedding photography. His unique background allows him to have a keen eye for candid moments, and he tells us more about what he loves about weddings below in this week’s Vendor of the Week.
Q: Let’s get to it, what’s your business’ specialty?
A: Wedding photography
Q: Where can we find you?
A: Rochester MN, but covering Twin Cities’ weddings most of the time.
Q: Tell us when and how French Touch Photography began.
A: After I finished my studies in Paris in 2011 (University and Art School) I decided to open my own wedding photography business. I had already 7 years working for another company and 7 years experience in fashion and commercial photography as a 1st assistant. When I moved to the USA, I decided to continue with weddings.
Q: What makes your company unique from others?
A: Our way is to direct people to have pictures that look natural and not posed. Our way of creating dramatic and creative images of the bride and groom. Our way of staging group pictures looks natural. Our way of shooting real candid shots with authentic and funny moments.
Q: How long have you been in the industry? What do you think has changed the most since then?
A: It will be 20 years next year since I started working as a wedding photographer.
In the last 20 years, there has been a huge improvement on all the digital cameras. They are allowing photographers to shoot better pictures in any situation (specially lowlights), and to be much more creative.
Now, brides and grooms want more than just clean and nice pictures. Their eyes and education have increased. Thus they want dramatic images, true emotion, authentic candid shots.
Q: What would you want couples searching for wedding photography needs to know?
A: Not all photographers are equal in quality of image and service. Some use some selling technic, pretty pushy, some do not.
They should really take the time to look at an entire coverage to judge the quality of a photographer and not the best images on a website.
Q: How far in advance should a couple book with you?
A: Most of the weddings are booked one year in advance. Some people book 2 to 4 years in advance when they want a cheaper price (securing this year’s pricing), or when they want a specific date (that’s pretty rare). Some clients can be last-minute people and will book me 3 months in advance (if I am still available).
Q: What’s trending in wedding photography right now?
A: I believe real beauty is timeless. Therefore, regarding wedding photography styles, I’m usually against artificial trends created by the industry, especially all the filters. Pure beauty, pure esthetic, pure emotion don’t get old. Look at the fashion image of Irving Peen, the documentary image of Henri Cartier-Bresson, or the staged group of Annie Leibovitz. Or look at the paints from the Renaissance Period.
That being said, there are some real trends that reflect the spirit of our time, and can be authentic. For instance I witness and encourage the come back of disposable cameras on the wedding day.
Q: Describe French Touch Photography‘s shooting style.
A: Different moments require different styles. Pure candid and documentary shots during the cocktail hour. Staged group pictures that look like paintings during Bridal Party and family groups. Natural, dynamic, and alive style during the bride and groom. Artistic and dramatic during the creative pictures.
Q: Do you ever travel to shoot weddings? If so, what has been your favorite destination so far?
A: It happens sometimes (usually once a year). This year I will shoot a wedding in Mexico.
My best memory (despite all the French Castles where I have shot), is probably a wedding I covered in Martinique (Caribbean Island). The location and the nature are just amazing.
LIGHTNING ROUND!
Q: What show are you binging right now?
A: I have two kids, so no time for any show (I know, boring). The last show I watched was GOT.
Q: You’re in charge of the lineup for your dream concert. Who are your headliners?
A: Oasis, Radiohead, Eumir Deodato, Cigarettes After Sex, Morning Jacket
Q: What is your favorite Minnesota activity?
A: Hiking in the snow (coming from Paris where there is no snow).
Q: What is your hidden talent?
A: I started to grow my own vegetable last year 😀
Q: Do you have any favorite podcasts?
A: Entendez-vous L’éco . It’s a french podcast trying to decrypt the world through some economist mechanisms. It’s much more interesting than what I make it sound.
Q: Mountains or Beach?
A: Mountains; especially national parks 😀
Q: If you could choose any celebrity or public figure to sit next to on a plane, who would it be?
A: Michel Foucault.
To learn more about Alex and the incredible business he’s built, check out their website here!
All images by French Touch Photography
