What 25 Years of Photographing Weddings in Sydney Has Taught Me About Love, People, and Timing
After photographing weddings in Sydney for over two decades, I’ve come to realise that this job isn’t just about cameras or lighting or perfect weather.
It’s about people — their quirks, their nerves, their families, and the fleeting moments that happen when no one else is watching.
Quiet Observations Over Perfect Poses
When I first started photographing weddings, I thought the most important thing was the technical side: the lens, the angles, the precision.
But over time, I’ve learned that what couples really remember — what really matters — are the little things.
The way a groom exhales deeply just before the ceremony.
The unspoken glance between a bride and her mum.
The flower girl’s last-minute stage fright.
These moments are impossible to plan for, and yet, they’re everything.
I grew up in Kyoto, Japan — a city that teaches you to appreciate simplicity, seasonality, and quiet beauty.
That way of seeing the world still influences how I approach weddings today. It's less about staging moments, and more about noticing them as they unfold.
Why I Still Love Photographing Weddings in Sydney
Sydney has been my backdrop for hundreds of weddings — from coastal elopements in the Eastern Suburbs to elegant receptions in the heart of the CBD.
And while each venue and couple brings its own flavour, the city always delivers something unexpected.
A patch of sunlight at just the right moment.
A breeze that lifts the veil.
A stranger cheering from a café.
It’s these unscripted elements that make photographing weddings here so rewarding.
Blending In to Let the Real Story Unfold
I often tell couples that my job is to blend in — to quietly document the day without turning it into a photo shoot.
I want you to enjoy your wedding, not feel like you’re performing in it.
After 25 years, I still believe that the best images often come when people forget the camera is even there.
This is why my wedding photography style is natural and candid. — (although I still give you directions on how to pose or where to stand!)
What’s Changed — and What Hasn’t
People sometimes ask me what’s changed in the industry since I started. The truth is, everything — and nothing.
Styles shift. Technology evolves. But at the core, weddings are still about love and connection. That doesn’t go out of fashion.
The One Thing That Matters Most
Whether you’re newly engaged or simply browsing, my only advice is this:
Choose a photographer you feel comfortable with.
Someone who listens. Someone who notices.
Someone who knows that it’s not about them — it’s about you.
And when that trust is there? That’s when timeless images are made.
Written by Katsu Nojiri
Sydney Wedding Photography by Katsu
Over 25 years of quiet observation — and still loving every frame.