Stavanger, Norway – July 2024 – In the heart of Stavanger, amidst the picturesque Norwegian landscape, wedding photographer Rune Havn, a distinguished Rangefinder 30 Rising Star, orchestrated a masterful blend of documentary storytelling and gentle direction for the wedding of Fatima Mekdad and Eligijus Sukarevicius. Havn, who identifies 90% of his work as documentary, leverages subtle posing techniques to infuse his images with a distinctly cinematic quality. His philosophy centers on creating "scenes" that feel both authentic and artfully composed, a balance he achieves through a deep understanding of his clients and a nuanced approach to capturing movement.
Havn’s favorite image from the Mekdad-Sukarevicius wedding exemplifies this philosophy. "Posing-wise, movement is key," he states, describing the moment captured. While the couple’s union was documented primarily through candid, unscripted moments, Havn recognized the power of intentional direction to elevate certain portraits. His goal is to create photographs that feel like stills from a film, where every element contributes to a compelling narrative. This requires not just technical skill but an empathetic connection with the couple, understanding their personalities and anticipating their emotional responses.
The key to achieving these natural, relaxed poses, according to Havn, lies in incorporating subtle, deliberate movements. This is particularly evident in his guidance of the bride, Fatima, in a standout portrait from the day. Havn simply asked Fatima to engage with her veil, using her hand to play with the fabric. This seemingly minor direction transformed a potentially static pose into a dynamic and emotionally resonant image. "If I had asked her to simply hold the hand there without moving it, she would have been concentrated on her hand," Havn explains. "She would have looked more focused and the photo more staged. Small things like her eye movement would have been different." Instead, by directing a natural, flowing action, the focus shifts from the act of posing to the feeling of the moment, allowing genuine emotion to surface and be captured. "Where there’s movement," Havn notes, "the focus evolves into a moment."
Cultivating Trust and Understanding: The Pre-Wedding Foundation
Havn’s ability to elicit such natural reactions stems from a meticulous preparation process that begins long before the wedding day itself. He emphasizes the importance of building a rapport with his clients, aiming to be both a trusted friend and a professional collaborator. "The more work I do in my meeting pre-wedding, the more I am rewarded with amazing photos," he asserts. This proactive approach involves open communication about his working style and a genuine interest in understanding the couple’s unique dynamic.
Havn goes beyond typical pre-wedding consultations. He provides clients with detailed information about his methodology in advance, allowing them to feel comfortable and informed. Crucially, he dedicates significant time to learning about their "interests, ideas, and stories" and, perhaps most importantly, their "love language." Understanding whether a couple expresses affection through words, physical touch, or acts of service helps Havn anticipate and capture their most genuine interactions. He also probes into their emotional responsiveness: "which love language they have. He wants to know if they ‘get emotional if someone speaks nice words to [them], or if [they] think it’s silly to dance in front of everyone.’" This insight allows him to be strategically positioned to document those poignant, heartfelt moments when they naturally occur, whether it’s a tearful glance or a spontaneous burst of joy.
Nurturing Comfort and Confidence on the Wedding Day
On the wedding day, Havn continues to prioritize his clients’ comfort and well-being. He actively engages with them throughout the shooting process, not just to direct poses but to ensure they feel cared for. "I always ask my clients if they are feeling good when we are shooting," he shares, also offering breaks for water or snacks. This attentive approach fosters a sense of security and ease, enabling couples to relax and be their authentic selves. "When people are relaxed and feeling safe, they open up easier, and they do things they didn’t think they could do," Havn observes.
Positive reinforcement plays a significant role in Havn’s methodology. He consistently offers words of encouragement, such as "Love it," "You’re killing it," and "This is so nice," to build his clients’ confidence and create a positive feedback loop. When providing direction for poses, his instructions are brief and clear, focusing on actions rather than static positions. Examples include "Look that way," "Focus on each other," and "Move your hands." This unobtrusive guidance allows the couple to remain present in the moment, fostering an environment where they can "be themselves in front of me."
The Art of Creating a Cozy, Cinematic Atmosphere
Ultimately, Havn’s overarching objective is to cultivate an atmosphere of relaxation, safety, and intimacy. "I work a lot to make my couples feel relaxed and feel safe. I want them to be cozy with each other and make them forget that I’m there," he states. This deliberate creation of a comfortable environment allows the raw, authentic emotions of the wedding day to shine through. "I love real, raw feelings – tears, laughter, sorrow, and love," Havn enthuses.
Beyond capturing these profound emotional moments, Havn’s work is characterized by a keen eye for light and composition, aiming for a "cinematic moment." He skillfully uses light to "making the subject pop," enhancing the visual storytelling of each frame. This distinctive aesthetic, which blends documentary honesty with artistic flair, has rapidly propelled him to recognition within the wedding photography industry. His designation as a Rangefinder 30 Rising Star, achieved after only two and a half years in the business, underscores his innovative approach and burgeoning talent.
Havn’s success is a testament to the power of understanding human connection and translating it through the lens of a camera. By prioritizing authenticity, fostering trust, and artfully guiding moments, he creates wedding photographs that are not just records of a day, but timeless narratives of love and connection, imbued with the captivating allure of cinema.
Follow Rune Havn’s work on Instagram and Facebook. View the full 30 Rising Star Winners Gallery for 2024 here.
