I discovered the photographer Max Wanger last year in university. It was the middle of winter in Montreal and I was sitting in my room, avoiding the blizzard outside. I somehow stumbled upon his very beautiful blog and all of a sudden I forgot about the wind and the snow outside. I’m pretty sure I spent three hours clicking through every single set of wedding and engagement photos. By the end of it all, I thought I was in a fairy-tale relationship and living in California. Then my window blew open and it was back to reality.
Max Wanger is an LA-based photographer who takes the most beautiful wedding and engagement photos. He also shoots portraits and pretty much everything else including food, fashion and travel destinations. His processing, eye for detail and quirky perspective make for the most romantic photos I ever did see. I love his original techniques including washed-out backgrounds, cutesy props, and making his subjects appear as if they were tiny little toys. Max kindly agreed to answer a few of my questions so check them out below!
H: I know you photograph many different things, but it seems that engagement photos and weddings have really stuck! How did you end up there?
M: kind of by accident. i photographed a friend’s wedding and things just kind of took off from there. I never expected or thought i’d be doing weddings full-time. but nothing gives me greater joy.
H: What influences your photos?
M: everyday life. traveling. books. art. design. fashion.
H: How did you become a professional photographer? Did you have any training?
M: i’m self taught. i just followed my bliss. it’s something i tell people often. do what makes you happy.
H: How do you choose the locations and props for each couple that you photograph?
M: locations are tricky because there are only so many, especially in LA, that are really good. i scout areas, but many times I just stumble upon places by accident. i’m always on the look out for props. anything that catches my eye, i’ll buy and test out. they don’t always work, but you never know until you try.
H: What camera are you using at the moment.
M: canon 5D mark ii.
H: Who would (or did) photograph your engagement and wedding photos?
M: i’m actually getting married next month. our good friends whitney and jesse from our labor of love are going to photograph our wedding.
H: What do you see in the future for your photography and in general? Do you have some goals you’d like to accomplish?
M: i only hope to continue pushing myself, to do new things, take risks, be original. i’m excited about getting into the commercial photography world as well. i see that as being something that opens up new doors for me. as far as goals are concerned, i guess i’d love to book a wedding in tokyo or paris. that would be amazing. i’ve been close a couple of times, but it didn’t end up working out. i’d also love to do a gallery show at some point. there’s nothing better than seeing your images blown up and displayed.
Also be sure to check out his online store featuring fashion and art based on his photographs!
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My dream is to have Max photograph my wedding one day.