In a world where wedding photography can sometimes feel over-styled and over-staged, Nicole Schatzeder offers something far rarer — emotional truth wrapped in gentle light. The Austria-based founder of Wild Soul Photography doesn’t just capture images; she captures connection — the quiet glance, the breath between vows, the unspoken poetry of a couple lost in their own world.
We caught up with Nicole to talk about the moment she knew photography was her calling, how traveling through Europe shapes her visual storytelling, and why she believes the most powerful images are often born in silence, not in staged smiles. If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to see the world — and love — through the eyes of a true artist, this conversation is a beautiful place to begin.
Nicole Schatzeder and the Art of Capturing Love Through Natural Light
Nicole Schatzeder, founder of Wild Soul Photography, approaches wedding photography as an act of emotional witnessing rather than technical performance. Based in Austria and working across Europe, she has built a distinctive practice around capturing the quiet, unguarded moments most photographers overlook: a glance exchanged before vows, the stillness between dances, the breath of relief when two people finally stand together. Her work is guided by a belief that the most powerful wedding images are never posed but felt, and that the role of the photographer is to disappear into the day rather than direct it.
How Wild Soul Photography Redefines Destination Wedding Storytelling
From the golden light of Mallorca to the dramatic coastlines of southern Europe, Nicole’s destination wedding portfolio reflects both a love of travel and a refined understanding of how landscape shapes emotional atmosphere. Her After Wedding Sessions offer couples an unhurried alternative to the intensity of the wedding day itself, creating space for more intimate, relaxed storytelling that the occasion rarely permits. For couples seeking a photographer who brings both technical artistry and genuine human connection to their most significant day, Nicole Schatzeder represents a rare and compelling choice in the European destination wedding photography landscape.
Finding the Path: Nicole’s Journey into Photography
Photography has a way of finding its people. How did it first enter your life? Was it a childhood curiosity, a deliberate pursuit, or something that found you unexpectedly?
I’ve always loved taking pictures, and I can remember getting my first digital camera when I was 12 years old. As a child, I often imagined what it would be like to work as a photographer one day. It was a natural passion that grew with me over time.
Do you remember the first moment you realized photography wasn’t just a passion but your calling? What was that pivotal shoot or client that confirmed this was your path?
Absolutely. That moment came during my very first wedding shoot on Mallorca. The light was golden, the emotions raw and real, and I remember standing there, camera in hand, completely immersed in the atmosphere. It wasn’t just about taking photos — it was about feeling every heartbeat, witnessing love in its most honest form, and translating that into something timeless. In that moment, something shifted in me. I knew this wasn’t just something I loved — it was something I was meant to do.
Becoming a destination wedding photographer means choosing a life of travel and adaptability. What drew you to documenting love stories across different landscapes rather than establishing roots in one location?
I’ve always been drawn to different cultures, places, and the way people live their love stories in diverse environments. Every new destination brings a unique energy and inspiration, allowing me to grow both personally and creatively. It’s about capturing not just a moment, but the essence of a place, too.
The Spirit Behind Wild Soul Photography
“Wild Soul Photography” carries such evocative power. What does this name represent to you personally, and how does it reflect your approach to your art?
“Wild Soul” symbolizes my belief in authenticity and the beauty of raw, unfiltered emotions. I want my photography to speak to the soul — not just through posed smiles but through the deep, heartfelt moments that make up a true love story. It’s about embracing vulnerability and creating timeless, meaningful images.
Your work requires deep trust from your couples. How do you create that sacred space of comfort and authenticity with people who begin as strangers but must open their most intimate moments to your lens?
It’s all about building a connection from the moment we meet. I focus on creating an environment where couples feel safe and seen, where they can be themselves without fear of judgment. I believe in honest communication, empathy, and a genuine desire to understand their love story, which allows them to open up to me completely.
Capturing Emotion Through Light and Lens
When you arrive on a wedding day, what’s happening internally as you observe the unfolding narrative? How do you decide which moments to preserve?
When I arrive, I observe the energy of the day. I try to stay present, absorbing the details that tell the story of the couple’s journey. I look for the quiet moments, the raw emotions, the small gestures that speak volumes — and I capture them in a way that feels natural, not forced.
You’ve mentioned being drawn to capturing “souls, not smiles.” How does this philosophy influence the way you interact with couples and the moments you choose to document?
This philosophy is the core of my work. I don’t focus on perfect poses or staged smiles; I aim to capture the raw, authentic emotions that make each love story unique. It’s about the connection, the energy between the couple, the tender moments that often go unnoticed.
From Italian vineyards to coastal cliffs, you work in some of Europe’s most breathtaking settings. How do these diverse landscapes shape your visual storytelling and technical approach?
Each place offers something different. Whether it’s the warm light of a Tuscan sunset or the dramatic cliffs of the coast, the landscape becomes part of the story. I adapt my approach to work with the environment, using natural light and the surroundings to enhance the emotions I’m trying to capture. It’s all about blending the beauty of the couple with the beauty of the place.
Moments That Matter: The Art of Observation
What moments magnetically pull your lens during a wedding day? Is it the whispered intimacies, spontaneous joy, or perhaps the quiet in-between spaces that others might miss?
For me, it’s the subtle moments that often go unnoticed — the quiet exchange of looks, a moment of laughter, the small touches that speak volumes. These are the moments that tell the true story of the day, and I try to capture them with sensitivity and care.
Your visual signature feels distinctive yet natural. Has your aesthetic evolved dramatically over time, or has it always been an extension of how you naturally see the world?
My aesthetic has definitely evolved, but at its core, it’s always been an extension of how I see the world — through a lens of light, emotion, and authenticity. I’ve learned to refine my style, but it remains deeply rooted in my personal perspective and the way I connect with people and places.
A New Chapter: After Wedding Sessions
You’re currently offering complimentary After Wedding Sessions for 2026 bookings. What inspired this gift, and what magical possibilities do these sessions open up that a wedding day might not allow?
The idea behind the After Wedding Sessions is to give couples the opportunity to experience a more relaxed and intimate session after the wedding day. Sometimes, the wedding day can feel overwhelming with all the attention, so this allows couples to reconnect, enjoy each other’s company, and create beautiful memories in a more peaceful setting. It’s a way to capture moments that may have been missed or rushed on the actual wedding day.
How do After Wedding Sessions transform the experience for couples compared to traditional wedding photography? What freedom do they provide both you and your clients?
After Wedding Sessions allow both the couple and myself to work without the time pressure of a wedding day. There’s no rushing, no distractions, and the couple can just focus on each other. This freedom creates space for more creative exploration and intimate moments, which ultimately result in a more relaxed and beautiful experience for everyone involved.
Behind the Lens: Building a Thoughtful Creative Business
What unexpected challenges shaped your early journey building Wild Soul Photography, and what wisdom would you share with emerging photographers facing similar obstacles?
Building a business takes time, patience, and a lot of self-belief. One challenge I faced early on was learning to trust myself and my vision, especially when things didn’t go as planned. My advice to emerging photographers would be to stay true to your style, embrace the learning process, and trust that every challenge is an opportunity for growth.
Wedding days carry intense emotional currents. How do you maintain your centered presence amidst the beautiful chaos, especially when emotions run high?
I try to stay grounded and present. I remind myself that I’m not just capturing moments, but I’m part of a special day in someone’s life. I also focus on staying calm and centered so that I can offer my couples the best version of myself and create a sense of ease in the midst of the emotions.
As a creative entrepreneur constantly giving of yourself, what personal practices or philosophies help you remain inspired and replenished?
I make sure to take time for myself — whether that’s through travel, journaling, or spending time with loved ones. I also find inspiration in nature and in art, which helps me reconnect with my creative energy. It’s important to find balance and not forget to nurture your own soul.
What aspects of professional wedding photography might surprise people who only see the polished final images rather than the full creative process?
The amount of behind-the-scenes work that goes into each shot might surprise people. It’s not just about showing up and taking pictures — it’s about planning, adjusting to lighting, navigating the flow of the day, and making sure the couple feels comfortable and relaxed. There’s a lot of intuition and adaptation that goes into creating the final images.
How Travel Shapes the Soul — and the Storytelling
As you’ve traveled across Europe capturing love stories, how has your interaction with different cultures, traditions, and ceremonies expanded your artistic vision or challenged your assumptions about love and connection?
Traveling has shown me that love is universal, yet expressed so differently across cultures. Every tradition, every ceremony carries its own beauty, symbolism, and emotional depth. Experiencing these variations has opened my heart and expanded my creative lens — not just in how I photograph, but in how I perceive connection. It has deepened my understanding of what it means to truly witness and honor love, beyond language and customs. Each couple, each culture has left an imprint on me, enriching the way I tell their stories through my images.
Which European destinations have most profoundly influenced your photographic vision, and are there any hidden gems you find yourself drawn back to repeatedly?
I feel at home in Spain, especially on Mallorca. The colors, the light, and the energy of the place truly resonate with me and inspire my work. Mallorca’s landscapes echo the warmth and authenticity I strive to capture in my photography. The island nurtures my soul and continually inspires me.
When the camera is put away and you’re traveling solely for yourself, what places call to your spirit? How does personal travel influence your artistic perspective?
I’m drawn to quiet, remote places — most of all, the sea. There’s something about the rhythm of the waves and the vast openness of the ocean that calms my thoughts and lightens my heart. It’s in these serene coastal settings that I return to myself, find peace, and let my creativity flow freely. Traveling for my own soul nourishes me deeply and expands the way I see the world — which, in turn, makes my artistic vision feel more grounded, authentic, and alive.
Looking toward the horizon of your creative journey, what aspects of your art are you most excited to develop or explore more deeply in the coming years?
I’m excited to trust my intuition even more and express myself creatively with greater freedom. It’s not about “more” in the traditional sense, but about “deeper” — deeper connections, more honest stories, and more mindful experiences.
To see more of Nicole’s soulful storytelling or to inquire about working with her, follow her journey on Instagram @nicole.schatzeder, Pinterest @nicoleschatzederphotography, Facebook Nicole Schatzeder, and explore her work at wildsoulphotography.at.
