Tales of Romance Atelier

About Tales of Romance Atelier

Tales Of Romance Atelier (TORA) is a fine art, editorial photographer based in Melbourne. Taking inspiration from the romance of the regency era, old world elegance and combining it with an editorial edge, TORA captures elegant imagery that evokes emotion.

Sonya, the Creative Director behind the brand, values the relationship between her and her couples above all else and strives to understand what is most important to each couple. Sonya adores capturing the natural beauty of her muses and documenting all the details they carefully select to tell their story.

If you’re looking for a photographer who truly cares about your story and creating a curated, elevated experience, then get in touch with TORA.

Behind The Brand

What draws you wedding photography?

I absolutely fell in love with wedding photography when I shot my first wedding in 2016. I discovered that documenting love and joy is my true purpose; What I love most is developing amazing relationships, photographing all of the pretty details, capturing a couple’s natural chemistry and creating images that my couples will absolutely adore.

How would you describe your photography style?

My style is a combination of fine art (which takes inspiration from the old world romance of the regency era), mixed with an editorial fashion edge. Every wedding I shoot includes film as nothing can beat the colours and softness. My love of film, all things fashion and interior design has definitely shaped my photographic journey where time stands still and each capture is considered, clean and intentional.

What is it that makes an image magical?

It’s that shift when a couple truly relaxes and forgets the camera is there. Where their focus is only on each other, or on their loved ones. It’s in these moments that an image truly comes alive. These images can evoke memories, a feeling or take the couple back to a moment in time and can truly be magical, inspiring and powerful at the same time.

What advice would you give couples when selecting their wedding photographer?

The advice I would give to couples is twofold: Firstly is the connection you have when you first meet your photographer whether that’s in person or via a video call. If you can build a strong, trusting relationship, it will naturally translate into your images as you’ll both be able to be yourselves and your photographer will be able to create magic with you.

Secondly, I encourage every couple to ensure that they love the portfolio/work of their photographer; from the way they capture details, to the mood of their photographs and to the editing style and colours. If you absolutely love their portfolio and have that connection, then you’ll absolutely love your gallery once it’s delivered.

What inspires your photography style or approach?

I’m a romantic at heart. I grew up loving fairytales, happily ever afters and reading romance novels based in the regency era. This combined with my love of editorial fashion and interior design has shaped my photographic style which combines an old world romance with an editorial edge.

Describe a magical moment from a wedding you’ve photographed.

My favorite moments are usually created just before sunset! The couple are married, they’ve had time to relax and get used to the camera and the light is magical. It’s in these intimate moments where beautiful imagery is created; we get to slip away, time seems to stand still and the couple gets to soak in each other, reflect on the day’s events and just be.

Editor’s Notes

Why We Love It…

We love the fine art detail in Sonya’s work. There’s a mood of elegance and timelessness that spills from every frame.

For The Couple…

Who want a wedding album of images they know they’ll love in decades to come, with captures that feel beautifully nostalgic and timeless. With a fine art background, and also shooting film, Tales of Romance is perfect for those who place importance on their reception styling, knowing each detail will be meticulously covered and artfully shot.

Our Advice…

Just as Sonya says, make sure you’re drawn to a photographer’s portfolio in the first place and have fallen in love with their work and signature style which is so different for each artist. Choose Sonya for wedding images you know will spill with her timeless aesthetic and fine art detailing.