Liam Hennessey of Applehead Studio has a bold and exciting vision for his wedding and portrait photography. Located in Halifax, Nova Scotia, the first line of this photographer’s business plan is “Have fun.” We see this mantra played out in the studio’s body of work, which is inspiring and refreshing.
All photos © Applehead Studio
How did you get started in Photography?
I was at a Pearl Jam concert about 10 years ago in Toronto and, being the huge fan that I am, I managed to sneak behind the seats, into the back hall and set off to find the dressing room to try and meet the band.
I didn’t get very far before Eddie Vedder came walking down the hall, all alone. A security guard noticed me at the same time and asked to see my pass. I scrambled, grabbed a camera that was sitting on a table next to me and told him I was the photographer and just headed back to grab my media pass. Eddie Vedder just looks at me and smiles and says, “I believe you. You’re a photographer.” And he winks at me. I quit my job the next day and started shooting weddings.
That story is 100% false. Can you imagine how cool that would be!? The real story is pretty typical: my Dad’s Canon AE1, shot a friend’s wedding, shot more for really, really cheap, became obsessed with the art, quit my job selling pharmaceuticals and the rest is history.
What has contributed to your success?
The first line of my business plan, scribbled into my little black books says, “Have fun.” I do whatever I want to do. I don’t do anything I don’t believe in 100% and I let myself be free to change my mind and be wrong all the time. I learn as I go and I never second guess my decisions. To balance this often reckless approach, I’m also very systematic/neurotic/obsessive when it comes to post production and the business side of Applehead Studio.
What is the most important thing for your continued success?
Our plan is to continue to evolve and stay true to what’s contributed to our success up to this point. I also really value the relationships I have made in the industry with both local shooters and a few I’ve never even met. You tend to gravitate to those with similar beliefs and approach to photography, and I’m lucky to have a handful of people who are always 100% honest with me. I really value that so much.
What’s the best business advice you’ve ever received?
“Do good work and put it out there.” I ended up on the other side of the world, on the top of a glacier, shooting a bride and groom…all because the groom, who had an interest in photography, saw my work somewhere and got in touch.
What is most important in your photography?
It has to have purpose. I’m really not that good at mass producing and repeating. I’m at my best when there’s a reason that I’m shooting. Weddings are a given and I love letting it all unfold, unscripted and uninterrupted. Studio shooting is the complete opposite. We have full control and can take ideas and turn them into photographs. It’s a huge rush.
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