How it all started
Prior to attending my first Way Up North, I was searching for ways to invigorate my photography and infuse my work with fresh ideas. Little did I know that this conference would become the catalyst for change that I desperately needed.
But before that, the first Way Up North event took the stage in Stockholm back in 2015. Created by the talented photographer and creative, Cole and his team, it laid the foundation for what would become an incredible community and source of inspiration for wedding photographers around the world.
Surrounded by other creatives and professionals in Berlin, I was blown away by the sheer amount of inspiration and the diverse mix of speakers who shared their stories on stage.
Each speaker brought their own unique perspective, from unconventional techniques to out-of-the-box ideas, and it really left a mark on how I approach my photography. It was like a big melting pot of creativity and passion—a real eye-opener for me.
WUN FLORENCE
Now, let's fast-forward to this year's Way Up North in Florence. I vividly remember sitting in my seat in Berlin, completely immersed in the conference experience, when the announcement came: of reveling mystery city.
The excitement was palpable. Before the location was announced, ticket prices were cheaper, adding an extra layer of anticipation. We knew it would be somewhere in Europe, but the mystery only added to the thrill. And when it was revealed to be Florence, I couldn't have been happier.
Having visited Florence back in 2018, I had already fallen in love with the city's charm, its rich history, and of course, its stunning architecture. It had been a place I'd been longing to return to, so you can imagine my joy at the prospect of being photography inspired in Italy!
This year, I decided to attend the conference alone, wanting the freedom to explore and mingle without being tied to a group. Even though we were a bunch coming together from Iceland. This choice became a reality on registration night when we gathered to collect our name tags for the event.
I sat on a restaurant terrace, surrounded by fellow photographers who were indulging in good conversation and sipping Aperol Spritz. As I perused the menu, I noticed the table next to me had ordered the exact pizza I had in mind. However, there was a mix-up, that wasn't what they wanted. Seizing the opportunity, I claimed it as my own and offered to take it off their hands while the waiter was fixing the order.
This simple act sparked a conversation, and before I knew it, I was invited to join their table. We delved into discussions about photography and shared experiences, and got to know each other over delicious food and drinks. It was a spontaneous moment that epitomized the camaraderie and sense of community that makes such events so special
Martina Lanotte
During the conference, there were several photographers who truly left a lasting impression on me.
One of them was Martina Lanotte, who was part of the WUNX presenters group. Despite having only 10 minutes, her speech about LGBTQ weddings and the lack of support within our industry struck a chord with me. As a member of the LGBTQ community myself, I was deeply moved by Martina's words. She eloquently highlighted the importance of inclusivity and representation in our work as photographers. Her passion for not only capturing love stories but also actively including and supporting the LGBTQ community was inspiring. Martina's message resonated with me on a personal level. It made me reflect on my own approach to my work and realize that there is always more that we can do to advocate for and uplift marginalized communities. Her courage to speak out and her dedication to making a difference left a profound impact on me, and I left the conference feeling motivated to do better and to be a stronger ally to my community through my photography.
Govinda rumi
Another photographer who left a deep impression on me during the conference was Govinda Rumi, who traveled all the way from Bali to share his unique approach to photography. Govinda's presentation was a masterclass in aesthetic photography, characterized by his skillful use of negative space to evoke emotion and depth in his images. What struck me most was not just the technical aspect of his work, but the way he spoke about his connection with his couples.
Listening to him describe the trust and comfort that his couples felt with him was truly eye-opening. It made me realize that beyond capturing beautiful moments, building genuine relationships with clients is key to creating meaningful and impactful photography.
As someone who values the connection with my own couples and strives to make them feel comfortable around the camera while capturing spontaneous moments, I could deeply relate to Govinda's approach. His ability to effortlessly blend artistry with genuine human connection inspired me to elevate my own work and strive for that perfect balance in my photography.
Jeff chang
One of the last presenters, Jeff Chang, shared a deeply personal story during the conference, revealing the biggest life turbulence he had experienced just seven weeks prior. His speech delved into the delicate balance between work and personal life, resonating deeply with me and my partner, Valdi.
Valdi works as a wedding planner, and for us, life and work are intricately connected. Jeff's words struck a chord as he navigated the complexities of maintaining boundaries between the two spheres. His honesty and vulnerability in sharing his own journey touched me deeply, as it echoed many of the challenges Valdi and I face in our own lives.
Listening to Jeff's story reminded me of the importance of communication, understanding, and support in maintaining a healthy balance between work and personal life. It was a powerful reminder that while our professions may intertwine with our personal lives, it's crucial to prioritize self-care and nurture our relationships amidst the demands of our careers.
Jeff's speech served as a poignant reminder that we're not alone in facing these challenges and that by sharing our experiences, we can find strength and solidarity in each other's stories.
And soo many others
The entire Way Up North experience has been a revelation for me, emphasizing the importance of community, listening, and connection in our work as photographers. It's incredible how these elements can profoundly impact our craft and the way we approach our art.
Throughout the conference, both on and off stage, I was surrounded by an abundance of creative energy and inspiration. The diverse array of speakers and fellow attendees left me buzzing with happiness and excitement, igniting a newfound passion for my work.
One of the most meaningful connections I made was with a group from my home country, Lithuania. The bond we formed was truly special, and I'm immensely grateful for the camaraderie and support we shared.
And then, to top it all off, one of my photos received an award for Best Moment of 2023. It's funny how life works sometimes—capturing that moment the day after returning from WUN Berlin only reaffirmed the significance of this event in shaping and enriching our experiences as photographers.
Way Up North isn't just a conference; it's a transformative journey that reminds us of the power of community, the importance of connection, and the endless possibilities that lie ahead in our creative endeavors. I'm grateful for every moment and every connection made, and I can't wait to see where this journey takes me next.
Thank to best friends of Way Up North - Wooden Banana, Pic-time, Imagen and others.
