Behind The Lens - Interview with Kareem Virgo (Reem Photography)

Insights from Kareem Virgo of Reem Photography on Luxury Wedding Photography

In the enchanting world of luxury weddings, every moment is draped in romance and elegance. Capturing these moments with the perfect click requires more than just a camera; it demands an artful eye and an understanding of the scenery's soul. Enter Kareem Virgo of Reem Photography, the maestro behind some of the most awe-inspiring wedding shots from around the globe.

With a penchant for blending luxury and authenticity, Kareem has mastered the alchemy of turning fleeting moments into timeless memories. In this exclusive feature, we delve deep into his insights and techniques that make every shot a masterpiece.

Q. How did you venture into luxury wedding photography,andwhatinspiredyoutochoose thisspecificniche?

I ventured into luxury wedding photography by initially exploring general photography and honing my skills in capturing beautiful moments at various events My inspiration to specialize in luxury weddings came from a passion for capturing the elegance, grandeur, and emotional significance of high-end weddings, as well as the opportunity to work with discerning clients who value premium photography services Most importantly, I love capturing love. Seeing the genuine love between couples keeps us going every day.

Q. Howdoyoubalanceyourworkandbeing anewdad?

Being a dad and working is like a seesaw – sometimes one side's up while the other's down I try to be with my family when I'm home, and schedule time to have no phones allowed and just enjoy each other’s company And I make sure to plan family time like game or movie nights It's not perfect, but it's about making the most of the moments we have together

Q. What would you describe as your signature style or approach when capturing luxury weddings?

My approach to capturing weddings is a thoughtful and personalized one By recognizing the uniqueness of each client and their love story, I ensure that their wedding photographs reflect their individuality and the special moments they share This approach acknowledges that no two weddings are alike, and it highlights the importance of tailoring my photography to create a meaningful and distinct visual narrative for each couple

Q. When photographing at opulent destinations, how do you pinpoint the ideal spotstoencapsulatethecouple'sessenceand thevenue'sgrandeur?

We typically scout the venue the morning of the wedding or the day before This allows us to highlight key areas that we feel bring out the essence of the couple as well as the destination For example, if the area is known for its beautiful beaches, we’ll make sure the couple gets photos by the beach, and so forth

Once, during a wedding, we encountered unexpected rain just as the couple was about to exchange vows in an outdoor ceremony. We immediately grabbed some umbrellas and turned the rain into a beautiful backdrop for their intimate moment. Thinking on my feet allowed me to capture a unique and unforgettable scene that added an extra layer of magic to their wedding album.

Q. How do you establish trust and rapport with couples,especiallywhendealingwithhigh-profileor celebrityweddings?

Establishing trust and rapport with couples in high-profile or celebrity weddings requires a multi-faceted approach First and foremost, I prioritize understanding their vision and expectations I like to be transparent in all my interactions, discussing the photography process, timeline, and any potential contingencies. This approach has helped me build trust and rapport, ensuring a successful collaboration. The best thing we can do is be genuine, especially if you truly believe in your body of work.

Q. In your view, what separates luxury wedding photography from more conventional wedding photography?

Luxury wedding photography distinguishes itself from conventional wedding photography through a few key factors It places a strong emphasis on capturing opulence, extravagance, and intricate details often associated with high-end weddings Additionally, luxury wedding photographers tend to offer more personalized, exclusive services and often work with higher budgets, allowing for a greater level of creativity and artistry in their work

Q. The world of luxury is ever-evolving. How do you stay updated with the latest trends and shifts in luxuryweddingaesthetics?

Staying updated with the latest trends in luxury wedding aesthetics involves actively reading wedding blogs and magazines, where experts often share insights and real wedding features Additionally, regularly checking out social media platforms, particularly Instagram and Tik Tok, can provide a visual feast of emerging styles and ideas

Q. How do you work in tandem with wedding planners, decorators, and other professionals to ensureseamlessdocumentationofweddings?

Collaborating effectively with wedding planners, decorators, and other professionals is essential for seamless wedding documentation. First, establish open lines of communication and discuss the couple's vision and the event timeline Coordinate on key moments and preferred angles to ensure your shots complement the overall design Regularly check in with the team throughout the event to adapt to any changes or challenges This collaborative approach ensures that our photography seamlessly integrates with the broader vision of the wedding and results in a cohesive and memorable documentation

Loveistherootofitall.Yes,luxuryelementsand theelegantsceneryisFANTASTIC,butthecoreofwhatwe doiscapturingthelovebetweenthecouple.Withgenuine love,everythingelsefallsintoplace.

Q. Are there any luxury wedding destinations currentlytrendingoronesyou'reeagertoshoot at?

I recently captured weddings in Greece, Paris and Italy All of which were amazing I’d love to shoot a wedding in Africa or a few Caribbean destinations such as Saint Martin, Turks and Caicos, etc

Q. Over the years, do you have a particularly memorable wedding shoot that stands out?

Whatmadeitspecial?

We captured the wedding of NBA star Tobias Harris and his lovely wife Jasmine last year (Planned and designed by Akeshi Akinseye - Keshevents com) From beginning to end the wedding was absolutely amazing. The wedding had so many high end elements and the entire vendor team/wedding party was a pleasure to work with.

Q.Whatadvicewouldyouofferphotographersaimingtobreak intotheluxuryweddingphotographydomain?

For photographers looking to break into luxury wedding photography, I would suggest honing your craft with a strong portfolio that showcases your best work Invest in high-quality equipment and training to meet the elevated expectations of luxury clientele Finally, network with industry professionals, develop a unique style, and consistently provide exceptional customer service to build your reputation in the niche

Q. Luxuryweddingsaregrandaffairs.Canyoushareabehindthe-scenesanecdoteorfunmomentfromoneofyourshoots?

We captured a VERY memorable moment when the bride’s father (who was the officiant) told them “ you may now kiss”. To be funny, she covered her dad’s eyes while they exchanged kisses.

Kareem Virgo is a husband, father, photographer, businessman, and health advocate, born and raised in West Palm Beach, Florida Kareem has a passion for entrepreneurship and an unwavering commitment to living a healthy lifestyle, which has guided him throughout his life He has dedicated his life to helping others achieve their goals, bothinbusinessandintheirpersonallives Kareemisaworldrenowned photographer with a keen eye for detail and a talentforcapturingtheessenceofhissubjects

His photography has been featured in several magazines, including Vogue, People, Essence, BRIDES Magazine and Munaluchi Bride, among others He has worked with a wide range of clients, including top celebrities, corporations, and high-profile eventsIn addition to his photography work, Kareem is a seasoned businessman with experience in several industries, including commercial cleaning, juicing, and marketing He is the founder of several successful businesses, including REEM Photography and REEM Studios, a photography and videography company specializing in weddingsandlifestylephotography

Kareem is also a passionate health advocate, and he believes that living a healthy lifestyle is essential to achieving success in all areas of life As a husband and father, Kareem understands the importance of family and works hard to maintainahealthywork-lifebalance Inhisfreetime,heenjoys spending time with his family, traveling, and staying active Kareem is a true inspiration to those around him, and he continues to make a positive impact on the world through his photography, business ventures, and dedication to living a healthylifestyle

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