“It was one of those wedding days that fell behind schedule – no surprise there! With guests from 13 different countries, my couple had a lot on their minds,” says Kim Wilfriedsson, setting the scene for a magical, timeless wedding shoot she recently photographed in Istanbul. Kim is one of Rangefinder’s 30 Rising Stars of Wedding Photography for 2024. The images she shares with us exemplify her ability to create moments of calm connection for her couples—even during a busy wedding day that is running behind schedule! 

Space and Room to Create Memories 

Weddings are full of activity, people, strong emotions, and timetables. They can be chaotic and stressful. But Kim Wilfriedsson prides herself on “making the couple feel comfortable, finding that balance between focus and spontaneity.” She is a rare person who thrives in stress and chaos. For her, thinking on her feet and adapting quickly “keeps things exciting and often leads to unexpected, great shots.”  

In these images, Kim wanted to create space for her couple – Negar and Nick – to have moments together to enjoy their special day and their love for each other. So, when guests started arriving, she led them into the interior of the venue for some privacy. She had already scouted it, and knew it was gorgeous.  

She began with some simple poses, adding in a touch of creativity where she could. To help them loosen up and have fun, she began with some poses that involved movement. They wrapped up in the hallway, giving the pair “a quiet, intimate moment before the craziness kicked back in.” 

Kim’s Tips to Create Calm in Chaos 

Kim notes that it is typical for weddings to be chaotic, “and when things run late, we photographers often have our time cut short.” Here are her tips to create a sense of beautiful stillness and calm in the midst of all that action. 

1. Always do a quick scout of the venue beforehand, so you’re not wasting time looking for spots. 

2. Start with a few reliable poses you know will work. This helps avoid getting stuck or overwhelmed. 

3. Even if time is tight, don’t be afraid to try something new when a creative idea pops up. Sometimes those spontaneous moments turn out to be the best shots! 

Support and Ease 

The mission of a wedding photographer is to create gorgeous images for their clients. However, Kim Wilfriedsson is careful to not allow photographs to take over the day. Her artistic style for creating a timeless wedding shoot is to be “a calm presence for the couple,” helping them to feel “supported and at ease so that their wedding isn’t overshadowed by the photography process.” She’s mindful that many people are not used to being photographed, and she wants to help create “those special moments with as little stress for them as possible—even when it feels like everything around them is falling apart.” 

Follow Kim Wilfriedsson’s work Instagram. View the full 30 Rising Star Winners Gallery for 2024 here.