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Mapleton Street Studios & Pete Davidson Films

Vendor Profile

Owner	Pete Davidson
Services Available	Photography Videography
Experience	4 – 9 years
Location	Scenic Rim, Brisbane & Gold Coast, QLD Frequently travels to western QLD
Travel available	Yes
Website	mapletonstreetstudios.com petedavidsonfilms.com
Facebook	@MapletonStreetStudios
Instagram	@mapletonstreetstudios
YouTube	@PeteDavidsonFilms
Rating on Google	5 stars
Rating on Facebook	5 stars

Getting to know Mapleton Street Studios & Pete Davidson Films

Creative, Entertaining, Dedicated

What inspired you to become a photographer and videographer?

My photographic journey started as a young, 8-year old boy, when my mother bought me a second-hand Hanimex camera. I loved the idea of being able to freeze time, and to preserve memories.

My favourite subject to photograph was people. I loved street photography and became obsessed with it. I developed a raw and photojournalistic style to my photography.

In 2017, I was approached to photograph a small wedding at a chapel in Ipswich. I took all of the lessons I learnt photographing on the street, and shot my first-ever wedding. I loved it! I loved the emotion, the stories and the challenge of capturing those little unseen moments shared between everyone present. There’s no re-takes – wedding photography is a one-chance gig. You either get the shot or it’s gone forever.

In 2020, I expanded into wedding videography. I wanted to bring my passion for story-telling into film-making, so I created Pete Davidson Films, which allowed me to expand the creative services I could offer to our wonderful couples. My motto with wedding videography is “we don’t make wedding videos, we make wedding films!”. The difference is that a film tells a story, conveys emotion and depicts real life happening right in front of you.

Over the years, we have given our couples real and raw photographic and videography experiences. We have developed a reputation as a preferred videography service provider in the Scenic Rim and LOVE shooting in the area. I pride myself on being a professional third wheel, and we live our catch-phrase “the wedding photographer for those that don’t want a ‘wedding photographer’”.

What do you love most about being involved in the wedding industry?

What I love about it is to have my work appreciated by someone. I remember when I did my first wedding – the bride cried tears of happiness when she saw her photos. She was delighted. To be able to do what I love, and what I am passionate about, and then for it to be appreciated, is just incredible.

The perfect shot waits for no-one. The groom’s face when he sees his bride for the first time, the kiss, the wedding dance… photography is all about capturing emotions and moments, and those we experience on our wedding day are some of the most important ones in our lives.

Can you tell us about the most memorable wedding you have captured?

Every wedding is different. My belief is that if you walk in with a set shot list, you will stifle your own creativity and produce a “cookie cutter” wedding every time. Couples have different journeys, and it is my job to tell that story.

I have documented large extravagant weddings, small intimate elopements and everything in between. My favourite and most memorable weddings are where the couple are comfortable to interact with each other during our photographic sessions and let me catch the magic.

One of the most amazing things I have documented (lucky for me, a few times) is when the bride has arrived in a horse-drawn Cinderella carriage. Just an amazing entrance!

Conversely, I also love when couples do a ‘first look’ with each other before the ceremony. It is so raw and perfect. I love capturing the first look between a dad and a bride too. Actually, first looks in general are just fab!

Pete’s insights on hot trends right now, getting the best shots on your wedding day and the ultimate – choosing your photographer/ videographer…

• Don’t always look at the price as the first aspect of consideration.
• Instead, be guided by the style of your photographer and/or videographer. Make sure their style suits what you are hoping to achieve with your photography or wedding film. Photography and videography are art forms, and every artist sees that perfection differently. Make sure you are on the same page as each other.
• Have a catch up, either online or in-person, prior to booking. You are going to spend a lot of time with your photographer / videographer. It is so important that you ‘gel’ together well.

• Check out reviews on Google or other online review places such as social media and wedding planning platforms.
• If that perfect vendor is a little bit out of your budget initially, ask for the ability to pay your invoice in smaller portions, or if they offer other finance options.
• There are so many things to help the day run smoothly! But probably the most important is to have a list of family photos that you want to have taken after the ceremony AND have someone responsible for co-ordinating those people. There is no more of a vibe killer than standing around, waiting for Aunt Betty who has wandered off with some other distant cousin! Family photos are important, but if the process drags on it is a total vibe killer. Be organised and have a list.

• Late afternoon/ sunset is the best time of day for amazing photos.
• In terms of trends, I love that couples are being a little less traditional. Things like the couple having a first look is amazing.
• I have also seen a trend of the couple doing their first dance as they make their entrance to the reception. I love this! The vibe is high and they haven’t sat through 2 hours of speeches, so it just works!

What is your favourite photo of all time?

This is the hardest question to be asked. Personally, I don’t care about the typical photography rules, such as being obsessed with composition, rule of thirds etc. Wedding photographers don’t have the time to perfectly compose every shot. The best shots are those that are taken in the moment.

One photo that stands out for me is a wedding photo that I shot at Preston Peak Wines. The bride and groom wanted to share their first dance with just themselves (and me). Nobody else was present. I took a shot where they were dancing and it turned out slightly out of focus, grainy and totally not technically perfect. But it is one of my favourites because it is raw, undefined and spectacular! The couple have this image blown up on a huge canvas in their lounge room and I LOVE it!!

With a photojournalistic and raw signature style, you’re sure to feel the love with more than just your significant other, but your wedding photos and video too! Thanks for joining The Busy Bride’s vendor community, Pete, and sharing all of your fabulous advice with our couples.

If you have any questions about Mapleton Street Studios and/or Pete Davidson Films, please reach out at the details provided or drop us a line in the comments below.