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Chris Prestidge's tips on becoming an in-demand Aussie wedding photographer
Over the last 15 years, Chris Prestidge has become one of the biggest names in the Australian wedding photography industry. Based in Sydney’s Tamarama Beach, Chris shoots up to four weddings a week, often travelling to stunning destinations like Hawaii, Bali, the Cook Islands and Tahiti for client events. As if that wasn’t enough to make any creative green with envy, Chris’s work often graces the pages of leading bridal publications, from Hello May and Real Weddings to Bride To Be and Cosmo Bride.
We sat down with Chris to discuss the ins-and-outs of his high-flying career and uncover how he stays at the top of his game in such a highly competitive industry. We also asked about the equipment Chris uses to achieve his signature style. Also, check out his advice on how to build a career that could see you shooting in the most picturesque wedding locations in the world.
Accidentally in love
Like many professional wedding photographers, Chris began his career almost by chance.
“I actually started out shooting editorial projects, but my friends were getting married in Thailand and they asked me to capture their day. I said ‘yes’ and was hooked right from the start. The photos from that shoot were featured in a wedding publication, which encouraged me to pursue it professionally.”
Luckily for Chris, the high-pressure nature of shooting couples’ biggest days brought out the best in him.
“I’m crazy about those one-off special moments. I just love capturing the energy of emotional experiences and telling the stories that I see unfold through my lens.
Capturing the look of love
Drawing on his experience as a commercial photographer, Chris has developed a unique signature style that keeps couples lining up at his door. It’s described as ‘modern romantic’, with a uniquely unscripted look that’s elevated with the polished feel of an editorial shoot.
“I love the styles of the ’60s so I try to incorporate this to achieve a timeless aesthetic,” he explains.
Chris attributes a lot of his success to the time he spent developing his shoot style which, with its soft and warm tones, is instantly recognisable as an ‘At Dusk’ image. To stand out of the crowd, and to find success year after year in the wedding industry, Chris says fresh style is important.
“Don’t copy or imitate other people’s work. Find your own voice and style and be true to yourself. Do you want your shots to be dark and moody or warm and fuzzy?”
Developing, maintaining, and ultimately selling a style of wedding images that couples are drawn to relies on having the right kit to bring such images to life. Having shot with Canon cameras and lenses for over 20 years, Chris’s wedding photography kit usually features two cameras and an array of Canon lenses to ensure he gets the shot he wants every time.
Cameras
“I always carry two cameras at a wedding,” states Chris. “I have so much trust in my Canon gear, but still, anything can happen. Equipment can get damaged and batteries can go flat. You don’t want to miss an incredibly important and unrepeatable moment – that’s the job, that’s what I’m there to capture.”
Chris recently upgraded his kit of two Canon EOS 5D Mark IV DSLRs to the mirrorless EOS R5 and EOS R6. He says there’s no turning back. “I believe mirrorless is the future. The image quality is superb and I also think that, reputationally, it’s important to have the latest and best equipment.”
With the EOS R5 designed with wedding photographers in mind, Chris acknowledges the specific benefits that make his job easier day-in, day-out.
I just love the energy of emotional experiences and telling the stories I see unfold through my lens.
Chris Prestidge
“Ultimately, mirrorless cameras are much less intrusive and are so quiet due to the near-silent electronic shutter. These two factors alone are game changing for me and allow me to work more intimately to capture special moments. These moments are vital for capturing natural photos of couples on their big day. Plus, I enjoy how lightweight the EOS R5 and EOS R6 mirrorless cameras are – they allow me to be nimble and quick to capture the moments that couples will treasure for years to come. As a bonus, there’s no more worrying about changing the mirror box every few years.”
“What I love overall is that Canon’s mirrorless cameras and lenses produce images with a warm look and feel which is ideal for weddings shoots. I believe the warm colours evoke feelings of love and happiness that shine through in my images. I’ve tried other gear before and have found my images appear colder with green shades which may suit other styles of photography, but for me and the industry I am in, warm colours are key.”
Lenses
Chris has amassed an impressive collection of 15 Canon lenses, though his staples include the EF 24mm f/2.8 IS USM, the EF 35mm f/1.4L II USM, the EF 50mm f/1.4 USM, and the EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM macro for detail shots.
For portraits however, he has a firm favourite.
“The Canon RF 50mm f/1.2L USM – and the EF 50mm f/1.2L USM – is a staple for me and is on my cameras at all times to capture perfect portraits.
“The great thing about the Canon lenses is the versatility they offer when using an EF-EOS R mount adaptor which allows you to shoot with any EF or EF-S lens on an EOS R series camera. All lens functions of EF and EF-S lenses are supported when shooting with the adaptor so there is no loss of AF speed or image stabilisation ability.”
Advice for budding wedding photographers
- Research, research, research: Study the work of your favourite wedding photographers and take note of the key moments they capture for each wedding. Consider what is unique about their work and how you can take elements of their style to develop your own.
- Ask for advice: Reach out to your favourite wedding photographers. You’ll often find they’re happy to talk about their work and offer you tips and tricks to help your career.
- Be prepared: Make a list of key shots you need to take for each and every wedding.
- Focus on the details: Ensure you capture all the little details and important moments of the day… from morning preparations to significant mementoes and gifts.
- Get to know your clients: Ask your couples to tell you their story so you can re-create the essence of the journey to their wedding day through the lens. You’ll be amazed by how many ideas you can get just from a quick conversation.
- Keep your editing and grading consistent: Consistency is key to building a strong reputation and will help you stand out from the competition.
- Be confident: Don’t stress and keep calm – it’ll make everyone around you more relaxed and you’ll get better photos as a result.
- Slow down: Take your time. Observe and then capture. Pause between moments.
To see more of Chris Prestidge's photography, visit his websites – wedding shots can be found on At Dusk, and lifestyle and portraits at ChrisPrestidge.com.
Head to Canon Australia to find out more about its cameras and lenses.
