Amelia Soegijono
Amelia Soegijono is a Sydney based film photographer capturing love and heartfelt stories around the world. From investing in herself to finding the moments that feel authentic to each subject, Amelia has honed her soft, feminine visual aesthetic to create her own clear style.
“As a fine art film photographer, designer, and host, I live for the pursuit of love, a meaningful life and sharing stories.”
I am excited about empowering others and being a blessing. I endeavour to embrace a journey where love flows in and out of my life like a river – a desire that is woven into everything that I do. If I had to choose a favourite, expressing stories through the medium of film photography is the thing that brings me unspeakable joy. It's so tangible and the results and impact are everlasting – through the generations.
HOW DID YOU BEGIN WITH PHOTOGRAPHY?
Once I graduated with my Bachelor of Arts majoring in photography, I started working for fashion labels, shooting their campaigns and look books. Friends were asking me to do their weddings and then began requesting me to photograph their growing families.
I took any kind of work that came my way. By 2018, I was burnt out and told my husband, “If I don’t feel fulfilled by next year, photography is history.” My clients were happy with my professional work, but deep inside I’d hit a glass ceiling and didn’t know how to grow.
We then invested a huge chunk of our savings to do a 1:1 mentoring with Jose Villa and dived into the world of film photography.
“It was life-changing and I am thrilled with where I am placed in the industry now – I have found my true calling. I unfold stories for people in their everyday lives and capture the most beautiful weddings in Australia and Europe, saving legacies wherever I go.”
I also work with brands, helping them to express their dreams and bring their vision to reality. It truly is such a joy!
WHAT SORT OF EQUIPMENT DO YOU PREFER TO USE?
I am a simple photographer and do not wish to get lost in a ton of equipment and flashes! I photograph with the humble film negatives and use a Contax 645 to drive my vision for my clients, supplementing with my digital camera.
“Using the film medium results in very pleasant, real and classic colour tones that will last forever, while the process of film slows us all down, turning a photoshoot into a precious experience.”
WHAT IS YOUR CREATIVE PROCESS WHEN YOU
BEGIN WORKING ON A NEW PROJECT?
“I start by immersing myself in my clients' stories first, learning as much as I can about them.”
Then I find a quiet place in my heart and that's when I will start to receive glimpses of visions. I am very invested in my work, therefore I limit the number of projects I take on board so that I have enough passion and creativity to give and not burn out. I always want to be in the best position to give generously to my clients!
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR PHOTOGRAPHY STYLE?
“Airy, pretty, tender, heartfelt. Some say it's magical, quietly nostalgic and poetic. I think my style can also be honest and pure, sometimes raw.”
My clients have told me how the photographs are so meaningful and richly woven with their stories that tears trickle out of their hearts. This happens not just with life stories and weddings, but also with brand photography. Sometimes we have to wipe away our tears while shooting as these dreams are bursting to come to life. Together, we give those dreams a voice. They finally emerge from their hearts and become tangible through photographs – it’s such a wonderful experience!
PEOPLE ARE THE HEART OF YOUR WORK. HOW DO YOU CONNECT WITH YOUR SUBJECTS?
“I love and adore every one of them. I guide them thoughtfully instead of posing them. I don't pressure them but give them a safe space and gentle direction.”
I always tell them that I am here to tell their stories, not mine - I am mindful not to tell them how to hold hands or how to kiss as the way lovers hold hands are all so different! One bride loves to be kissed on her forehead, another loves to kiss her groom’s nose. I always encourage them to not perform for the camera, but to be who they are and to trust me to find the right frames that will hold their stories. Sometimes I will feel compelled to share a vision that might surprise them, but most of the time they can already visualise which images would be precious to them and we unfold heartfelt stories, together.
YOU DO A LOT OF WORK IN THE SOUTH OF FRANCE.
HOW DID THAT JOURNEY COME TO BE?
My heart is smitten with the French way of seeing beauty. I see their beautiful and intricate architecture and feel their buildings have all been touched by love through the hands of skilled artisans. Whilst their vision of beauty is intricate and complex, there is a sense of effortlessness weaved through them. Even their language sounds so effortless but yet so deep.
“Their gardens are lush and magical… I just feel so happily 'lost' and 'at home' when I am in France! I had always dreamt of working there and telling tales of stories in France.”
As I grew in my calling as a photographer and educator, it made sense to bring my photography workshop to France. My beautiful industry friends who collaborated with me started sharing our work. Through the magic of Instagram, the photographs travelled the world and we were instantly connected to lovebirds and brands all sharing the same vision. As they say, the rest is history!
HOW DOES EACH NEW SETTING AND LOCATION
INFLUENCE YOUR WORK?
I am very inspired by stories behind the setting. Once my heart is aligned to the stories, I will just need to find that quiet time to close my eyes and I will start seeing visions or, at least, I will start understanding the 'feeling' I would love to share through the photographs.
“Whether it's sophistication or tenderness, elegance or nostalgia. Each location adds its own unique colour to the canvas we are painting.”
AUSTRALIA WENT THROUGH A LARGE LOCKDOWN DURING THE PANDEMIC. HOW DID THAT SHIFT YOUR WORK?
I was devastated for my clients who had to cancel, postpone or just felt very unsure about when their wedding story would actually happen. Financially, we were also at a difficult place as we had ongoing running costs but no work.
“However, we are grateful we survived and I have used that time to do a lot of reflection, be a mum and grow as a person and an artist.”
DOES SOCIAL MEDIA PLAY A ROLE IN YOUR WORK?
Absolutely! Social media (especially Instagram) has made the world so much smaller and accessible.
“And because photography is such a visual industry, Instagram is such an effective platform to inspire others and have your work seen.”
WHAT ARE SOME SUSTAINABLE PRACTICES IN
THE WORLD OF PHOTOGRAPHY? HAVE YOU SEEN
ANY NEW TRENDS IN THIS SPACE?
“In my case, the world of film photography has made me embrace the slow and intentional way of living. When I was only shooting digital, I’d shoot a lot. Like fast food and fast fashion, I’d also produce a lot of waste.”
Around 70% of those digital images would go to the trash bin on the computer. With film photography, I only have 16 frames in a roll and every click has a price tag. Because of this, only around 10-15% of what I shoot are unusable. Sometimes I throw nothing! This way of creating has truly impacted the way I live.
I now invest in good quality items whether it's for my wardrobe, my home or my work. Recycling and upcycling when I can, buying from the marketplace and op shops brings me delight.
I also felt the responsibility of sharing the stories of our way of slow living with our friends and clients. We also have a vegetable patch that nourishes us and our neighbours. We’re teaching our children to appreciate and celebrate nature, which is just so beautiful. So sustainable practice has not just impacted my photography, but it has inspired me and the people around me to live in a better, more meaningful way.
YOU PHOTOGRAPH YOUR SUBJECTS OUTSIDE QUITE FREQUENTLY. DOES THE NATURAL WORLD INSPIRE YOUR WORK?
Oh absolutely. The smell of the grass, the damp earth, the chirping of the birds, the feel of the breeze, chasing after the waves, the rain on our faces - they make us all happy. I remember wandering with a beautiful florist through her secret forest in Avignon, and she said to me that her experience with the camera that afternoon had rekindled her first love with nature and opened up a new chapter for her.
“Nature has never failed to create wonder, both for me and my clients. This unspeakable happiness is what I always seek to capture for my clients, so they will forever remember how beautiful their lives are.”
When they go through their valleys, the photographs they hold will remind them of the path they long to return to - nature never fails to bring us back home.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU SHARE WITH
ASPIRING PHOTOGRAPHERS?
“Know that you are born for a journey that is unique to your calling. Seek a purpose beyond the beauty of photography. This purpose will carry you through your journey as you navigate through the inevitable dark and light, the ups and the downs.”
You will make mistakes but you will also grow. You may feel overwhelmed at times but you will also conquer. Have a teachable heart and hunger for new knowledge. Lastly, remember, if holding the camera sparks joy in your heart, you are most likely called for it - you are a gift to this world.
WHAT’S NEXT FOR YOU?
I am so excited to be back in France next year and, perhaps in a few years,
“I’m dreaming of renovating a charming little farmhouse in the south of France to live during the summertime with my family!”
All Photo Credit via Amelia Soegijono