Bored Panda had the pleasure of reaching out to photographer Jordi Tudela, who kindly agreed to share his insights with us. We were eager to learn more about the behind-the-scenes of wedding photography and how Jordi navigates the unique challenges that come with this art form.
First, Jordi shared the personal story behind his work and how it has shaped his approach to photography: “The brand Jordi Tudela was born in 2014, a fusion of my name and my wife’s surname. Until then, she had been my second photographer (she’s still involved, but now manages the administrative side). In early 2015, our first son, Marc, was born, and everything changed due to medical negligence, which left him with cerebral palsy. My wife decided to dedicate herself fully to him. I’ve always been an emotional person, but becoming Marc’s father intensified my search for emotions and memories on a whole new level.”
Some of Jordi’s shots have an effortlessly natural and candid feel, and we were curious about the secret to making couples feel at ease in front of the camera—especially those who might be a bit camera-shy. Here’s what we discovered: ”First, it’s about attitude, building trust is key. I think this comes naturally to me; in Spain, we’d say I have a good ‘don de gentes’ (a way with people). I also use a kind of ‘mind hack’ to bypass overthinking and tap into emotions instead. This helps couples experience the moment more intensely and react instinctively rather than self-consciously. If they start thinking too much, they lose the essence and emotion of the moment. In fact, I even teach a workshop for photographers about this very approach.”
Weddings can be unpredictable, which is why we asked the photographer if he had ever encountered a major challenge while shooting and how he managed to overcome it. Jordi shared with us: “Oh, absolutely. Once, a mother of the bride started feeling unwell and had to be taken away in an ambulance just as the party was starting. Thankfully, it was just a scare, but the wedding effectively ended there. Since I was being updated constantly by the venue staff, I knew I had limited time, so I focused on capturing as much as possible before the party was cut short. When I delivered the photos, the couple thanked me because I had taken so many images of the celebration that it didn’t feel like it had only lasted 30 minutes, meaning the photos brought them joy rather than sadness."
"Another time, the bride became ill and wasn’t able to enjoy much of the day. She and the groom were absent for a couple of hours during the cocktail reception. Again, I made sure my work reflected all the beautiful moments of the day so that when they looked back, they’d remember the joy rather than the difficult moments.
Whether it’s unexpected rain or any other challenge, my approach is always the same: empathize, help as much as possible, and then use my work to minimize the impact of any setbacks.”
We asked the photographer about the importance of lighting in wedding photography and whether he has a preferred time of day or lighting condition for capturing the perfect shot. Jordi said: “I’m a hopeless romantic, so I love the golden hour and blue hour. I also enjoy capturing the energy and lighting of the dance floor during the party. That said, I believe you can always work with the available light; every location has its own angles and moments. It doesn’t have to be golden hour to create something beautiful. I’ve embraced the harsh midday sun just as much as dense fog. It’s all about making the most of what you have and finding the best way to use it.”
Lastly, Jordi offered some valuable advice for couples on selecting a wedding photographer to ensure they have the best possible experience and lasting memories: “Your wedding photos are a lifetime memory, so take your time to find the photographer who truly represents what you’re looking for, someone whose work resonates with you, someone you connect with. In the end, these images will be the only tangible memories left from your big day.
There are many talented photographers with different styles and personalities, but true quality comes from dedication. That’s why great photographers aren’t usually the cheapest option. Two professionals might deliver the same number of photos, but not the same level of quality. It’s important to consider that.
Make sure to review full wedding galleries rather than just a photographer’s portfolio highlights. Anyone can take a few stunning shots, even by chance, but seeing an entire wedding will reveal consistency, storytelling, and how they handle every part of the day.”
