Today I have the pleasure to publish the interview with Frank Farrugia - an Australian-Maltese wedding and fashion photographer who is also currently the MIPP president in Malta. I met him on two different occasions at MIPP and I have to say that I was struck by his humbleness and down to earth attitude.
So Frank could you tell us a bit about yourself and how you got into photography.. and specifically into wedding photography?
Thanks for having me Franklin. I was lucky to discover photographer when it was in my final years of study, spurred on by my first overseas holiday to Italy and France. My parents are both Maltese/Gozitan however like many I was born and raised in Sydney, Australia. In all honesty, wedding photography was never the plan, I wanted to be the next Nick Knight, or Mario Testino. For me it was fashion portraits. But as it does, opportunities come your way and you take them on and that’s what I did 20 years ago and have photographed close to 1000 weddings and events.
Did you always want to be a photographer? How did your studies and experiences help you in the photography world? What inspired you to venture into photography?
I always saw myself in a creative industry - first it was in film, then a chef, but then that one trip to Europe changed everything when I picked up a camera properly for the first time. It felt so natural, I know this is going to sound very cliche but it became an extension of me. In high school, we were lucky to have a dark room in the arts faculty and every lunch I was in the darkroom, my friends barely saw me or at least knew where I always was. I then went to university to studio design and photography played a major role in that. Although it feels like a lifetime ago, it was a great part of my life, my final year of university especially and the amazing people I met and still have strong connections with today.
I would personally describe your photography style as a mixture between fashion, portraiture and documentary. How would you define your artistic vision and style in your wedding photography? (maybe you can include some examples of photos which illustrate this point)
Thank you! We as people naturally take on and become shaped by our experiences and I think your description is accurate. Between weddings I also shoot a bit of fashion and portrait. I love the process. I love turning up to a space and the energy the hair and makeup team, the models all bring to the table, knowing that collaboratively, we are all working on a set objective that will probably change again and again and again between the start and end of the shoot. Everyone brings their A-Game and magic is created. Here are some examples.
What books / resources or training did you find more useful at the beginning of your photographic career that helped you prepare for today?
For me and I think still today, I’ve always gravitated to physical, tangible photo books. I pride my collection sitting in Australia in boxes, wish I had them here. A photo book is a photographer’s life displayed in front of you. It is years, thousands of hours of highs and lows printed in a compact volume waiting to be analysed, dissected and internalised for that one time when you are on set and a miss-mash of mentally collecting elements from this image and this image result into the decision that concieves the hero shot of the day.
We all agree that photography is not about equipment, though professional equipment helps. Can you tell us what is currently in your photography bag when preparing for a wedding (flashes, triggers, tripods, other useful accessories)? Do you have different setups for different occasions or do you always shoot with the same set of cameras and lenses?
Sure, I’m a Canon user. Two bodies an R6 and a 5D Mark III, a 24-70 f2.8 which is my go to lens, an 85 F1.2, the holy grail of lenses, a 16-35mm, a 100mm macro and I do have a 35 and 50mm but rarely touch them. I have two flashes, a 680exii and a good v1 and I carry buttonhole pins and Hollywood tape for emergencies. I do, although I consider myself both technical and creative, I’m not one that goes and buys the latest and greatest the moment it comes out.
I know this is a hard question, but let's try... from all the wedding / photoshoot images you took, which is your favourite image and why? (include photo for inclusion)
No this is an easy one! And it’s not, in my case, about the image entirely, it’s what happened before and after. And there is no incredible story, just to bring down the excitement levels, but I created this image just after I finished university and won a national award which was judged by my peers through the AIPP (Australian Institute of Professional Photography). Malta has the MIPP. Which then lead to a touring exhibition and printed in a book. It was a simple image that was also experimental, it was a day of playing in the studio with a HMUA friend and Antionette, the subject, essentially creating a Marie Antoinette ruffle using black chiffon and her hair as a crown. Did we know what we were creating at the time, no….but it became a little political with the judging panel which I was present for and it somehow translated to a sense of validation that I was desperately yearning for at 19-20 years old.
Which is the photo which took you the most time and effort to take? (include photo for inclusion)
I went to NYC with a group of talented friends, designer, makeup artist, hair, stylist etc and did 6 shoots in 5 days I think. It was all a blur, got in trouble a few times, stopped traffic, pissed off a few New Yorkers which seems to be a pretty easy thing to do, organising models from the other side of the world, one not turning up even though she confirmed. Created a number of cool images that I still love and managed to get the attention from some notable people in insta. The day Roberto Cavalli’s son Roberto Cavalli and a Real Housewife of New York liked one of my images was fun. Or at least their marketing team, who knows, probably their marketing team but was still cool.
What was one of your ahha moments in your photography career and experience?
Not every client is your client! I think there are countless lessons to be had as a photographer and a lot of them have to do with outlining your terms as a service provider. Accepting a job is a two way contract and sometimes a corporate creative director will want you to create x when you want to create y. So clear communication is key to ensuring the service transaction from beginning to end is pleasant for everyone.
How do you approach a wedding day? (mentally, preparation wise, etc)
I personally prefer to shoot with a second shooter first and foremost. This is for reasons that suit both the client and myself. I’m no spring chicken anymore lol so running from one prep to another to the church then the location and the reception, it’s a lot! And after almost 1000 weddings, I think I’ve paid my dues. So, having an extra shooter not only helps with simultaneous prep coverage, it also means more. They will arrive at the ceremony and reception before me as I will be still with the couple, where they can capture setup and guests arriving. And I also get to help someone trying to forge their own career which in time will be hopefully paving the way for someone else to do the same.
I create a call sheet for each job, knowing time frames, set alarms on my phone when appropriate (obviously not at a church) so they day can run according to plan. Cameras need to be synced, so that when downloading cards from multiple cameras from different shooters, all the images fall chronologically into place. I make sure my clothing is respectfully suited for the occasion with the weather and practicality in mind. I keep some nut bars and water especially during summer where the heat in Malta can be pretty extreme. I try and remember most names of the immediate families and ask in advance if there is any family politics worth noting for moments such as family photos. I think I could go on forever! Above all I try to keep things relaxed and funny and I’m good at reading people which I think helps. Bring on the Australian charm when required!
How much does post-production play a role in your photography?
It consumes my life but not in the sense that I do a lot to manipulate an image. Weddings are high volume days opposed to a day of headshots where you are selecting 2 or so images from each person. The culling is the part that is pain staking and although once upon a time, I used to love the process, it is mentally enduring. I use Lightroom for the most part with the occasional use of photoshop to correct anything that Lightroom simply isn’t capable of doing seamlessly or quickly.
What are the typical challenges you find as a wedding photographer?
Ooh great question!!!! Hahah where to start! Managing demanding personalities can be a challenge. There is a lot of expectations and emotions invested in a wedding and for the most part I’ve learnt how to deal with most but sometimes a new lesson presents itself. Every day is different and just when you think you’ve seen everything, haha you haven’t!
As now also the president of the Malta Institute of Professional Photographers, what advice would you give to new photographers to improve quickly and effectively? What advice would you give to the more experienced ones?
I’ve been teaching for over 10 years now and have always had this charitable/giving back aspect of my career. The MIPP is an amazing space for photographers alike. Whether picking up a camera for the first time or a seasoned pro, I think it’s above anything a central meeting place for like-minded people. The advice I’ve always lived by and seems to work is that there is enough work for everyone but like any industry there needs to be mutual respect. The new up and coming photographers should reach out to those that have been there and done that. There is no point in reinventing the wheel, and conversely I believe those who have forged a successful career, it is also time to help and give back as much as possible. There is no one size fits all path and a career in photography like all industries have peaks and troughs, but can a full time photography career be a sustainable, viable path in life. ABSOLUTELY!
What are your future goals as a photographer? Do you have any long term plans?
Personal work, it’s always one of things that you wish you had more time for. I have some ideas that are worth exploring and before wedding season kicks in, I’d love to start putting the components in motion so that post wedding season, I can work on executing them.