Interview with a Destination Wedding Photographer: Vivien Malagnat

I encountered Vivien’s work through a random instagram post and I was immediately enthralled. The colors, the style, the editorial vibe–all drew me in and made me so curious to learn more who was behind the images. So I reached out with the desire to hear more of his story and he graciously accepted my interview request.

Vivien is based in France, and has been featured on several of the prestigious photography platforms (Magnolia Rouge comes to mind). His take is winsome, evocative with a strong fashion forward flare (just what I love!) I found his work inspiring, and I know you will as well.

How would you describe your style?

I’d describe my style as a mix of documentary, editorial, and fine art. I don’t like to box myself into a single category…I prefer to stay open and be guided by what genuinely moves me. That said, my main focus is always on capturing real, meaningful moments that feel cinematic yet raw. I’m drawn to natural light, strong composition, and timeless tones. My paradox is also loving some very edito pictures with direct flash like some old school vogue. Trends can be cool, use them when you like them, but don’t let them define your whole style. My way to think: old film aesthetics meets modern storytelling.

I avoid overly staged or posed setups, aside from the occasional “wow shot.” In general, I believe the experience is better when people actually live their day instead of spending it moving from one setup to another just for photos. That’s just my own personal approach, I try to find the right balance for each couple. I’m here to document their day, all the details they have seen and maybe not seen, all the cool moment. Not to be the attraction of the day.

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Did you grow up loving photography or pick it up later in life?

I didn’t grow up with a camera in hand, the few moments I got one in hand I was bad at it. I was more of a nerdy kid, into computers, video games and films. And honestly, I still am! Photojournalism was a dream of mine at one point, but I ended up working in web development until around 2015, when I decided to shift toward something more meaningful for me.

I started shooting friends and small events, like CrossFit competitions. It was actually a great environment to learn: people were focused on their movements, so I could test things out without constant pressure or feedback. I quickly realized I loved the ability to freeze real, emotional moments.

By 2016, I made the leap into wedding photography full-time. I trained with Xavier Navarro, and I started following photographers who opened my eyes to a very different approach than what I was seeing locally, people like Nirav Patel, who was a big inspiration (and still is), and others followed on my journey, like Béatrice and Jérémy from The Quirky, Cécile Creiche, Patrick Lombaert, Alison Bounce, Thomas Audiffren, The Wild Strawberries, and Cleya Asulon for some example. They’re all very different, and I think that diversity is healthy. It helped me understand that this work is ultimately about storytelling, yes, I know that word is overused! But it’s storytelling through light and emotion, not words. Everyone has their way to express it. 

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Tell us about your creative process when preparing for a shoot. Do you come up with specific ideas or provide guidance on wardrobe, etc.?

Before any shoot, I focus on understanding the people I’m working with, their energy, their dynamic, and their story. The goal is to make sure we’re aligned in terms of vision and values, not just aesthetics. I try to please everyone on inspiration shoot (and on wedding too, but the groom and bride are ofc my top priority)

I often work with a core creative team, and I’m lucky to count my friend Héloïse (from So Hélo and SH Signature on insta) as a close collaborator. She’s incredibly talented at planning and styling, and she brings a lot of structure and inspiration to our shoots.

We do plan certain shots in advance, do our research, and gather inspiration, but we always leave room for improvisation. Sometimes, the light or the location gives you something unexpected, and it would be a shame to ignore it just because it wasn’t part of the plan.

Visually, while I’m inspired by cinema and documentary, emotion is always my top priority. This is why I love working with real couples, people who already have a connection. If I do my job well, you should be able to feel that in the images.

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In the moment, do you give your clients direction or go with the flow?

We often start with some light direction to help people ease in, especially if they’re not used to being in front of the camera. But then I like to let things evolve naturally. With models, we might try more structured poses, but I always welcome their input too. I think the best photos often come from a middle ground, when there’s a conversation happening between the photographer and the subject. Most of time for the couple session, I told the couple to relax and just have an intimate moment together. Of course, I’m still here, but after a few hours with me on the day, when the couple moment arrive they get used to having me around 😉

For regular clients, most of them end up preferring the candid moment, the ones where they’re just enjoying living their wedding at their fullest. Even if the picture is sometimes not technically perfect, it can carry more meaning simply because of what was happening at that time. A good shot is, before everything else, a shot that exists.

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What is your favorite camera and lens you can’t live without?

I mostly shoot with two Sony Alpha 9 bodies. My go-to lens is the G Master 50mm f/1.2. It’s fast, versatile, very qualitative, and perfect for indoor and outdoor work. For tighter spaces, I love the G Master 35mm f/1.4, it’s a bit more immersive and intimate, great for storytelling.

On my second body, I often use the G Master 135mm f/1.8. It’s a beast for portraits and great for catching candid moments during cocktails or speeches without being too intrusive. And when it’s party time, I switch to the G Master 24mm f/1.4, which lets me get right in the middle of the action and embrace the wild, distorted energy of the dance floor.

I only shoot with prime lenses. It forces me to move, be intentional, and stay out of the comfort zone of just zooming from a corner. But maybe I will consider to try something else like their new lens 50mm-150mm F/2 looks amazing … 

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If you had one piece of advice for a younger photographer, what would it be?

Imitating others is fine, as long as you do it with intention and acknowledge it. That’s how we all learn. But eventually, find what moves you emotionally and visually, and lean into that.

Technical skill is important, work on it so you don’t have to think about it anymore when you are with client! But what matters more is presence, trust, and curiosity. 

Above all, be kind. The way you make people feel will stay with them long after the photos are delivered. If you leave a wedding where the couple feels supported and happy during the whole day, they’ll already love the images before they’ve even looked at them.

Thank you Vivien for your sincerity and generosity in giving me your time and your insights!

All images in this blog post are copyright Vivien Malagnat, 2025. You can find him on Instagram or at his website Vivien Malagnat.