Studio Sessions: Carla from The Unbridled

Carla is a client of mine who has just utterly wowed me with her work and sheer creative talent.  One of those clients who when the enquiry comes in you think to yourself “please work with me” because you just KNOW they are something special.  Crafting a message for someone like her – total honour.  So today, I’m sharing the love and letting everyone get a piece of Carla.

I’ve only gone and brought back The Studio Sessions.  This series of blog posts are one-to-one interviews with inspiring creatives from around the globe, getting beneath their skin and into their minds.  And we’re kicking off with our Carla who offers photography for the fiercely in love.  So without further ado, I give you the pure passion and photography prowess of… The Unbridled.

Over to Carla…

What made you start The Unbridled?

I have always admired photography, the ability to stop a moment in time, often an unseen moment. I studied the art of photography and swore I would never be a ‘wedding photographer’ At the time, my knowledge of wedding photography was that it was for the ones who didn’t really understand the art of it.  It was point and shoot, rigidity and false smiles. I was naive and little did I know that there was a whole world of art in the field of wedding photography. Perhaps it was as prominent then as it is now but boy, am I pleased I discovered it. 

I became ill a few years ago and as I was recovering my now husband asked me why I wasn’t doing what I love as a job. He works in the wedding trade and honestly he gave me the push and boost in confidence I needed. And that was that. I went on a workshop early last year and BAM! the flame was fully ignited. 

I know you were previously called Daze of Glory.  Why the name change? 

Daze of Glory served me well. It helped me attract the more boho vibed wedding and at the time it reflected what I saw through my lens. When you photograph a wedding, often the couples are in such a daze that they end up reliving and almost learning about their day through the images. However, as my style of work and use of light exposed itself, Daze was too soft and light hearted for my work. I needed something that reflected me, my work but also my soul – why I do this and what excites me. I worked with you and together we built the most incredible brand that I am wholeheartedly absorbed in. 

How did you get into photography?

My dad was a photographer in his free time before I was born and when I was growing up. I remember looking at his old sepia tinged photos of my mum with a huge perm, the woodland, the moors and many other places. It literally took me back in time to a different land. When I got to college, despite being told profusely that there is no money in photography, I took the plunge. 

Where do you get your inspiration from?

There are a lot of photographers out there that inspire me. There are some incredible wedding photographers for sure but my main influence is from people who’s work captures a connection, a feeling and a boldness. So whether they are fashion, landscape, street or wedding photographers, painters, artists etc people influence me from a variety of backgrounds

How would you describe your style?

Real, atmospheric, intimate, authentic, dramatic, art, story telling, emotive and non traditional. 

What is the most important lesson you’ve learned on your journey so far?

BE YOURSELF. I cannot stress this enough. Go with what you love and what makes your heart beat faster. Screw everyone else. Have confidence in your ability and your brand. 

What does a typical day look like?

Gym or yoga (on a good day!) dog walk then admin. So I reply to email, prep some posts for social media and then begin editing. Sometimes I plan shoots, or I’ll be culling images or meeting couples. It can be pretty varied but that’s how I like it. 

What’s your favourite song?

Gas Panic – Oasis 

What is your advice to someone interested in learning about photography?

Second shoot for people who inspire you. Don’t be scared to press send on that message you have drafted. Put it out there, all people can do is say no. Give you time, that is the biggest tool we have as photographers, give yourself opportunities to create, experiment and play. Immerse yourself with wonderfully creative individuals. Rescue a dog. 

What book most inspires you?

I’ll be honest with you, I don’t read much. SHOCK. Very rarely will you find a creative who doesn’t read much. I listen to audiobooks all day long but they are just your average thrillers or autobiographies. Nothing ground breaking or hugely poetic. However, when I was younger a read a book called Ralph’s Party. It was a light hearted book about a community of people that lived in a large house. It was about celebrating the ‘weird ones’ the coming together or very different people and the fact that community can be built anywhere. And I love that. 

What do you do for self-care?

Self-care for me looks like yoga, Dartmoor and cosy nights in. 

What is your biggest achievement in business?

Ooooh, so my rebrand was a MASSIVE deal for me. I was so excited and it literally went down a storm. I have recently been featured in Range Finder Magazine and this is one of my career goals. I have also been asked to speak at a workshop in 2020. All of these things feel amazing but I would say my biggest achievement is having built THIS. I work for myself, people book me to document their wedding. It’s incredible. 

What other creatives do you love and take inspiration from?

Wes Anderson, Nigel John, Sean Bell, Becky Stabler, Jess Collins, Liam Gallagher (obvs) 

If you were an animal, what would you be and why?

Definitely a house cat. Sleeping is my favourite pass time. 

Do you get lonely being a photographer or do you have a sense of community?

I get very lonely at times. It is one of the biggest lessons I have learned, being self-employed is fucking lonely. Don’t get me wrong, the ability to wrap up in a blanket with Netflix on whilst I edit is amazing but it is so so so important to mix with people. I have met some of the most incredible people this last year, you know good eggs that are just good to have in your life. Creative souls and fellow weddingers. Getting out, planning, chatting, bouncing ideas around is such an important part of my week. 

What are your creative ambitions?

I want to be successful enough so that I can offer up some ounce of knowledge that will help inspire someone else. I want to continue to create work that reflects my soul but also the couples souls. I want that fuck yes feeling to never fade when I get the shot I want. I want to travel the world photographer lovers everywhere. 

What 3 words sum up your life?

Erratic, content, never still. (Jess writing: can I just point out that she mentioned four words – forever the rule breaker!)

What is creativity to you?

The ability to put your heart and soul in to something tangible or that you and others can experience. Breaking the rules, experimenting and working with what you have in front of you to make something real. 

What are you most looking forward to for 2020?

2019 has taken me by absolute surprise. I am most excited about seeing what 2020 has in store for me!