The essence of each moment: Interview with wedding photographer Iker Larburu

Every wedding is a universe of emotions, looks and fleeting moments that deserve to be immortalized. Iker Larburu, a renowned photographer specializing in weddings, has made his art a way of telling real stories, capturing the beauty of each celebration with an authentic and timeless style.

With a unique sensitivity and a documentary approach, Iker transforms each image into a genuine reflection of the connection between couples. Throughout his career, he has developed a distinctive style that has made him a benchmark in wedding photography. In this interview, he talks to us about his career, his creative process and the way in which he manages to capture the magic of each wedding through his lens.

Read on and discover his inspiring vision!

What inspired you to become a wedding photographer?

It took me a bit by surprise!

I've always carried my camera with me and one day some friends asked me to take it to their wedding. It was 2012 and it was a very relaxed wedding, very much “them”. There were three of us friends taking photos, each in our own way (as best we could!).

The truth is that I had a great time and the experience surprised me in a good way because, in short, it was about observing, feeling, enjoying the company, the good things in life and trying to create a memory that lives up to what I had experienced.

That changed the way I saw weddings. Later, when I decided to dedicate myself to this, that feeling grew, and here I am! Just as motivated, almost 10 years later :)

How would you describe your style?

I like to photograph weddings in the same way that I look at the world. I think that life, at times, can be a wonderful spectacle. And weddings have the ability to bring together, in a single day, many of the most beautiful things that exist.

So I try to convey all that in credible images, through a documentary style, although with some touches of editorial style and artistic photography. Always paying attention to the human factor, which for me is the greatest treasure of any wedding.

On an aesthetic level, I strive to create an interesting and varied report, paying attention to detail. Weddings are a feast for the senses and a rollercoaster of situations, and that's why I try to honor all that diversity.

I think it's good that in the same report elegant photos can coexist with wilder ones, scripted moments with unexpected ones (which then become anecdotes), suggestive photos, others that are simpler but more important, some that are totally unexpected... nothing is written in stone, anything goes and everything is fine.

What key aspects do you consider when photographing a wedding in a setting like Son Sampol?

Knowing the estate and how the light works in the different spaces is something that always helps. In that sense, Son Sampol offers many possibilities.

Apart from that, I think it's important to understand the couple's personality and what their values and expectations are. And it's funny, because when I think of Son Sampol, I see that there is something that is repeated, and that is closeness, in the best sense of the word.

Whether it's an intimate wedding or a larger one, the weddings I've done here have stood out for the closeness and affection with which the couples have done things, taking care of the smallest details. They are couples who pamper their people and who want to enjoy them at their wedding.

And that is very much in line with the way you are and do things, and I love it.

How do you manage to capture the most important moments of the wedding while maintaining a natural and spontaneous feel?

By acting naturally (and also with a little skill, sometimes). I like to mix with the couple and the guests. To tell the story of the wedding from the inside, as if I were one of them. That's where the juice is.

Of course, there are times when you have to leave a little space and take a step back. But yes, in general, I try to connect with people and be part of the day, that's how I enjoy it the most.

Do you have any advice for couples looking for the ideal wedding photographer?

Of course! I'll go for the basics, to make it easy:

Keep in mind that photographers, like venues, have very limited availability. So, first thing's first: look into this in advance and, as soon as you have the date confirmed, check availability.

When searching, Instagram is a good place to start, because it puts us all in the same mold and in a minute you've got an initial idea.

From here on, you should see more in-depth reports (web, galleries), to better understand the complete work. And finally, a video call will always be a positive thing, to clear up any doubts and see how you feel about it.

Oh, and perhaps most importantly: choose someone you can trust... and trust them!

Let yourself go, the wedding day is for you to be present, body and soul. All of us professionals who will be accompanying you will be ready to give our very best.

What is the biggest challenge when photographing a wedding?

Balance, always!

During the day there are many things to keep an eye on: being aware of the timing, taking care of the narrative, managing the group photos, anticipating certain situations, not letting your guard down at key moments, coordinating with the other suppliers, helping the bride and groom at specific moments, reacting to the unexpected... it's a series of small challenges that add up.

So, the biggest challenge of all may be to find a balance between all these parts, while at the same time giving creativity the space it needs.

How do you prepare before the wedding to make sure that everything goes perfectly?

The technical and equipment side is non-negotiable, I'm very strict about that. I take backup equipment in duplicate and even triplicate (cameras, lenses, batteries, cards, flashes...) and I spend a long time checking everything before each wedding. The same goes for backups.

Then, on the logistics side, it's important to establish timings well, with partners and planners. And add a little margin, especially at the start of the day.

If those two things are right, the artistic side can shine to the full, and the work will be less work and more enjoyment.

So all that's left is to arrive at the wedding fresh, with an open mind and ready to enjoy the day.

What do you like most about photographing weddings in special places like Son Sampol?

Son Sampol has that feeling of closeness, that “home” atmosphere, it's like an oasis of peace that welcomes you as soon as you enter the grounds. Perhaps partly because it's surrounded by nature.

What's more, it's a country estate with countless corners full of history and character. Working with such a variety of spaces and diversity of light is a joy.

The final touch is the good service you always give us suppliers and how well the estate is prepared. It's a pleasure to work here!

What are you most passionate about in photography and how do you apply it to weddings?

Well, sometimes we are a bit hostile with ourselves, aren't we? We have this somewhat unfair perception of ourselves, which drags us down and hurts us.

Over the years photographing weddings, I have realized that I have in my hand the opportunity to make others see how beautiful, valuable and special they are.

And not only because of the way I look at them and photograph them, but also because of the love and affection they show each other. I think that recording that love between the couple, and the love that their family and friends show them is one of the best things I can do with my camera.

To offer them that place to look when we forget.

If, in addition, I manage to give that kind look to some guests, I couldn't ask for more!

How has your photographic style evolved since you started photographing weddings?

It has matured with me. I am quite critical of what I do and I always try to expand the way I photograph, whether it be weddings or any other type of work.

So I tend to keep up with trends and I continue to learn by attending conferences and courses, both online and in person, from other photographers. Lately, I have been incorporating a slightly more editorial style for some moments. And I have also made room in my work for a more organic or imperfect photography.

What do you enjoy most about working with couples on their big day?

Without a doubt, the fact that I am in the “front row” all day and get to witness the whole spectacle is a gift! Of course it's an intense job, both physically and mentally. But it's a wonderful job.

It's not just that I'm passionate about photography. It's also that I'm hired to capture the beauty of a day full of nuances and to bear witness to the affection and energy of a group of people who bring out the best in each other. How could I not enjoy it!

Photo: @iker_larburu_photography⁠