Vendor Spotlight: Alex Spracklin (Atlantica Photography)
Welcome to the blog!
St. John’s is such a tight knit community and there is so much passion and hard work that goes into our jobs in the wedding industry. I’m hoping to use this space to chat with some of my favourite local vendors, and really dive into getting to know the face behind their brands, and why they do what they do!
I chatted with Alex Spracklin from Atlantica Photography recently, who has quickly become a good friend. I have personally had photos taken by him, and I have nothing but good things to say about him and his work! Such a fun but calming presence, and always makes you feel amazing!
Can you tell us a bit about yourself and how you got started in wedding photography?
“Born and raised in St. John’s. Been shooting and loving weddings for the past 8 years now with over 200 under my belt. I’m an extremely curious individual who thrives in chaos and fun. My love for movies and light patterns growing up helped give me a good eye for composition and helped me understand the delicate balance between darkness and light. It didn’t take me long after getting a camera placed in my hands to catch on quick and I’ve had the pleasure of working alongside and training under some of this provinces best along the way.”
How would you describe your photography style?
“Definitely a little more on the moodier side of things. But ultimately it’s all about the couple. I take a very candid comedic approach. (Lots of hand holding, walking different directions and laughing at my stupid lil dad jokes). I often describe myself as the photographer for people who don’t like getting their photo taken. Mainly because as someone who was dragged to the Sears Portrait Studio one too many times, I too find it a fairly unnatural thing to do and wanted to find a way to make it easier on people. So my goal is to always set people at ease and make them feel comfortable. Because that tends to be when people are looking and feeling their best.”
What do you enjoy most about photographing weddings, and what keeps you passionate about your work?
“That they allow me to be myself. Not too long ago I was diagnosed with adhd and my life started to make a lot more sense. I’ve always been a fun loving person who’s hyper vigilance has allowed me to read rooms very quickly, notice things most people don’t, laterally think, be extremely empathetic and make lots of snap decisions in the heat of the moment. All deadly things but a lot of these intangible skills are garbage in a typical 9-5. However, they tend to be vital when it comes to a big pressure day such as your wedding. The ability to travel this beautiful province for work and to create and choose my own schedule allows me the proper rest time my brain needs to make sure I am on my A game for you. And the combination of all of that leads me to genuinely loving my job. Genuinely blessed to be a wedding photographer.”
What inspires your approach to capturing weddings?
“Definitely the couple. I try to shoot every wedding how it feels. My main focus on a wedding day has always been creating memories that are going to be important to you, for you to look back on. I like to find out as much stuff prior to the wedding so that if you and your partner are really into pool we can make sure we hit up a pool table. Genuinely want your big day to be YOUR big day. Nothing is too strange a request, I’ve driven to Paradise to photograph some hamsters before, not much I haven’t seen. It’s your day, do you I’m just here to make sure the suns not in your eyes and you are looking your best while doing it.”
What advice would you give to couples when selecting a wedding photographer?
“Make sure you chat up a couple different photographers; ask all the questions, and not just photography related. What type of music and movies do they like, do they have pets? Really try and make sure the vibe is right. Because in the end, your photographer is going to be the person you will likely be spending the most time with on your big day. You are going to want a person who can not only be professional, but someone who you can have a laugh and a good time with.”
Visit his website at atlanticaphotos.com
