This week’s vendor spotlight is on the brilliant wedding & fine art photographer Sharon Eliasi. I came across a few of Sharon’s images last year and fell head over heels in love with them.
Sharon’s (pronounced Sha-ron) work is incredibly unique since he is able to incorporate his fine art photography background into the realm of wedding photography. The result is bold and colorful images that are elegant, chic and stunning. According to Sharon, “Images are not just telling a unique story, but also turn out to be a tangible reminder of the feelings and bonds that are shared.”
Sharon graduated with excellence from the Bezalel Academy of Fine Art in Jerusalem, receiving a masters in documentary photography. He also served in the Israeli army. These experiences have shaped Sharon’s photography perspective and ultimately his career. As you’ll see from the images below, Sharon is unbelievably talented.
I interviewed Sharon to gain some insight into the realm of wedding photography:
Q: What inspires you?
A: I find inspiration is so many different ways… During my BFA (Bachelor of Fine Art) studies, I was exposed to the works of the greatest painting masters in the history of art. I always carry with me the excitement of looking at Rembrandt and Vermeer paintings and also Monet and other Impressionists. The exposure to these great masters work definitely defined the way I use light to express myself as an artist. I find inspiration in some great photographer’s work such as Richard Avedon, Dian Arbus and Sally Mann for portraits, and Luis Hine, Eugene Atget, Walker Evans, Alfred Steiglitz Joel Sternfeld, Cartier Bresson and William Eggleston for the way they documented life and landscapes. Furthermore, beyond each of these great masters, every day is full of inspiration for me. Every place I visit can be a background for the next portrait session…. I keep a bank of inspiring spots and corners in the back of my mind,. which I retrieve when I need to use them. I keep collecting them every passing day.
During a wedding, my greatest inspiration is the bride standing in front of my camera. The interaction I have with her through the camera is dynamic and always changes based on the current mood and atmosphere during her special day.
Q: How did you decide to become a photographer? How did you segue into weddings?
A: The first time I took a camera into my hands was during my service in the (Israeli) army. That was my way to relax during those intense years. I decided I want to become a professional photographer during a trip I took to South America in 1996. The passion I had for travel and documenting the life around me began there, and it keeps pushing me forward ever since. I decided to photograph weddings after a conversation I had with a photographer friend who really enjoyed it. I find it a huge privilege to document such an important day in people’s lives. The feelings I have when I document weddings are truly spiritual and second to none.
Q: What is your favorite part about shooting a wedding?
A: Working with people! A wedding is a very special day, especially for the bride and groom, and also for their family and friends. As a photographer, I have the privilege of witnessing more than any other person can during the wedding, I sometimes think I can actually hold the bride and groom’s hearts in my hands, feeling every little emotion with them. This is a very unique experience and it touches me every time! I can feel the excitement of the bride when I photograph her getting ready, preparing for the ceremony, and walking to the ceremony site. I see firsthand the little gestures that other guests might not notice, even just the groom loosening his tie, relaxing, and preparing to enjoy life with his beloved. I am there as the couple’s shadow, witnessing all of the excitement, feeling the anticipation, laughing and crying. In every wedding I become more than myself. I have never experienced any such feeling with other work.
I also have the privilege to see the bride and groom view their pictures for the first time, which brings all of the emotions back, just like the first time.
Did I mention I love to travel?
Q: Since you love traveling so much, what is your favorite city in the world and why?
A: It’s hard for me to pick only one but there is a particular place that I will always remember as true heaven. It is a small town called Honfler in France. I only spent 2 days there 6 years ago with my wife, just before our son was born. We couldn’t believe that this town wasn’t a fairy tale. It was small and colorful, filled with specialty boutiques, and galleries in every corner. It was exceptionally romantic.
Q: What do you recommend that brides look for when selecting a photographer?
A: Generally, when choosing a photographer, the images are the most valuable source, and you can learn a lot from them. Make sure that you like the photographer’s aesthetic and style. However, I am always open to adjusting my style a little, so do not hesitate to point what it is that you like most. My work is a blend of different fields such as documentary photography, fine art and fashion photography. I can change and alter this formula for each specific bride.
Do not hesitate to meet a potential photographer in person to see more than just what is on the internet. It is impossible to present everything online. If you really wish to understand the value of a photographer’s work, make sure to view albums, prints, and of course, make sure your personalities click! I truly appreciate clients who are not afraid to ask me anything. I know this is the best way for both of us to get to know each other, and for me to understand how to approach to a particular wedding.
Q: What important details should brides let their photographers know before the big day?
A: Every little piece of information that you think will help to be better prepared for the wedding! Tell your photographer that your mother will probably cry during the ceremony, that your brother is very shy, anything that he will not obviously see or feel on the wedding day.
Before the wedding, I try to stay involved. I encourage my brides to contact me when they draft the timeline for the wedding, or make any decisions which might effect my work.
Q: Do you recommend having a list of people who should be photographed?
A: Your photographer should definitely know who are the most important people for you. If my bride wants to take formal portraits, I always recommend having a list of the people that should be photographed. I even ask her to specify combinations of the people who should be in the portraits. Make sure to leave enough time in your schedule f
or all of those portraits and try to have someone other than yourself to organize the combinations of people. That way, as the bride, so you will only need to smile!
or all of those portraits and try to have someone other than yourself to organize the combinations of people. That way, as the bride, so you will only need to smile!
Q: What do you recommend for brides working in a budget?
A: Use your budget wisely. I’ll share my philosophy on shopping: I try to purchase better products but buy less!
Remember, your wedding images will live forever. You will go back to them when you wish to relive the wedding and the emotions. If you currently do not have the money to invest in an album, purchase it later. If you have good quality images, you can eventually have a beautiful album. However, if you try to go push your budget beyond your means, you might find yourself sacrificing quality.
Sharon currently resides in South Florida, but can travel to any client and event. He has worked on numerous international weddings. He can be reached at 786.566.7044 or at sharoneliasi@mac.com. More images are available on his (stunning) website and blog.
xoxo,
Niki
As someone who has worked with Sharon on several weddings, I can honestly say he is one of the most proffessional & unique photographers out there. As a bride, you will barely even know he is there, and yet he will capture every important moment you never knew you wanted, and even some moments you didn't even know happened! He is truly one of a kind.