Pierrick Roland Named 2024 Artistic Guild of the WPJA, POY
The world of wedding photography is a delicate balance of capturing moments, details, scene setters, and crafting timeless portraits that resonate for generations. It demands a keen eye for detail, an understanding of light and composition, and an innate ability to connect with couples on one of the most important days of their lives. This year, the Artistic Guild of the Wedding Photojournalist Association (AG|WPJA) proudly bestows its highest honor, the 2024 AG Photographer of the Year, upon a photographer who embodies all these qualities and more: Pierrick Roland, hailing from the heart of Paris, France.
Pierrick’s work transcends the traditional boundaries of wedding photography. He is not simply documenting an event; he is weaving a narrative, capturing the essence of love and commitment through a lens that is both artistic and deeply personal. His images are a testament to his observation of light, his innovative use of motion, and his profound understanding of the human connection.
The AG|WPJA’s contests, held throughout the year, celebrate excellence in specific creative categories, including Portraits, Details, and Scene Setters. Pierrick’s triumph in this prestigious competition speaks volumes about his exceptional talent and dedication to his craft. He possesses a rare ability to create compelling portraits that go beyond the surface, capturing the spirit of the couples he photographs. His subjects are often caught in motion, engaged in an action, their energy palpable through the frame. This dynamic approach infuses his portraits with a sense of life and spontaneity, setting them apart from static, posed images.
Depth is another hallmark of Pierrick’s signature style. He masterfully uses perspective and composition to draw the viewer into the heart of each image, creating a sense of immersion and intimacy. His portraits are not just photographs; they are windows into the event, inviting the viewer to experience the joy, the laughter, and the love that permeates the wedding day.
Beyond his technical prowess, Pierrick possesses an artist's eye for light. He utilizes soft indoor light to create portraits that are both bold and imbued with an air of mystery and timeless glamour. His appreciation for patterns and symmetry adds a sense of balance and harmony to his compositions, further enhancing the visual impact of his work.
Pierrick’s journey to becoming an award-winning photographer is a testament to the power of passion. As he eloquently states, "A few years ago, I had just finished my business studies when I bought my first SLR - and it was love at first sight. I was immediately seized by the pleasure of putting my eye in the viewfinder, of composing images, of creating small moments of eternity." This initial spark ignited a flame that continues to burn brightly. "It has been 10 years now that I have had the chance to make a living from my passion, and I am still so enthusiastic about the idea of putting a new project into pictures!"
His dedication to his craft extends beyond still photography. "Today I write and direct short films and commissioned films, in parallel with my photographic work," he shares. This exploration of different visual mediums further enriches his understanding of storytelling and allows him to bring a unique cinematic perspective to his wedding photography.
From the four AG contests from the 2024 wedding season, the points allocated to each of his winning pictures were tallied together to give Pierrick Roland the title of 2024 Photographer of the Year. It is a well-deserved recognition of his extraordinary talent and his unwavering commitment to capturing the beauty and emotion of weddings. He is not just a portrait photographer; he is a storyteller, a visual poet, and gifted in seeing light, motion, and emotion.
