Hidden Gems: Meet Astrid Cordier of Astrid Cordier Photography

Today we’d like to introduce you to Astrid Cordier

Hi Astrid, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I was born and raised in South Africa, surrounded by some of the most breathtaking landscapes—from the tranquil beauty of the Soutpansberg mountains in the north, where I grew up on a small farmstead, to the pristine beaches of Jeffreys Bay in the south, where we moved when I was a little older. It was in these places that my love for art began. I found inspiration everywhere, and I spent my childhood drawing and painting the natural beauty around me.

My true passion for photography, however, ignited when my sisters started their modeling classes. I picked up an old film camera and did my very first shoot on the beach in Jeffreys Bay. That moment changed everything for me.

After finishing high school, I was fortunate enough to go on a life-changing adventure through Europe with my aunt and uncle. It was my first time traveling abroad, and I was deeply moved by the opportunity to see iconic artworks I had only studied in textbooks. I left Europe feeling energized and inspired, with a deep love for the continent that still burns in me today.

When I returned to South Africa, I enrolled in the 1st Year Arts program at Nelson Mandela University. By the end of my first year, I knew photography was my path, and I decided to major in it. I was drawn to the creative freedom it offered, as well as the opportunity to build a profitable business around my art. During my four years of study, I won several prestigious awards, including the Grand Prize for the International PIEA Award in 2008 for my digital manipulation photographic artwork. The prize—a Canon 1D Mark 3 DSLR camera—was a game changer. It was a camera I could never have afforded on my own, and it propelled my work to new heights. I saved up for over a year to purchase specialized lenses, which opened up new possibilities for my photography.

After completing my degree, I received a merit bursary to pursue a Master’s degree, and I couldn’t have been more thrilled to dive deeper into my craft. During my studies, I specialized in black-and-white fashion photography, a period that continues to influence my unique style in wedding photography today.

Today, my journey has taken me across three continents, and I feel incredibly fortunate for the opportunities that have shaped my career. I ran a successful wedding photography business in South Africa for eight years, during which I honed my craft and built lasting relationships with clients. But in 2019, my husband’s job offer led us to a new chapter in Paderborn, Germany. There, I dove into learning German, while also continuing to grow my wedding photography business and exploring multimedia art.

We spent two and a half years in Germany, during which we not only explored 26 countries across Europe but I also had the privilege of photographing some of the most stunning weddings across Germany. The cultural richness and diversity of the region inspired my work in ways I hadn’t imagined.

In 2021, another exciting opportunity brought us to the United States, this time to Michigan. Embracing the spirit of adventure, we relocated once again, eager to explore a new chapter in both our personal and professional lives. Since arriving, I’ve been fortunate to connect with some amazing people in the wedding industry here, and I’m so grateful for the incredible friendships and collaborations that have come from it.

Through it all, I’ve photographed over 250 weddings across three continents, and every wedding is still as exciting and meaningful as the first. I feel deeply honored to be part of people’s most treasured moments, and I continue to be inspired by the love, cultures, and unique stories I get to capture along the way.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It hasn’t always been a smooth road, but I truly believe that the challenges along the way have been part of what makes this journey so rewarding. Relocating multiple times, especially with our two dogs, has definitely had its hurdles. Every move comes with its own set of challenges—setting up a new home, adapting to a new culture, and of course, starting up a new business each time. All of our family lives in South Africa, so being so far away and only seeing them once a year when we visit can be emotionally tough at times.

In the end, the struggles make the rewards sweeter, and every new experience shapes who we are and what we do.

As you know, we’re big fans of Astrid Cordier Photography. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
My business revolves around capturing the greatest adventure of my clients’ lives—their love story. Specializing in wedding photography, I offer custom wedding packages tailored to each couple’s unique vision. I also love traveling and have a deep passion for destination weddings, whether it’s a beachside ceremony in Florida or a cozy celebration on Mackinac Island.

What truly sets me apart is the combination of my extensive experience—15 years in the industry and over 250 weddings across three continents—and my ability to work seamlessly with couples from a variety of cultural backgrounds. From Polish and Albanian weddings to Indian, German, and beyond, I thrive on the diversity of traditions and celebrations, and I love capturing the unique moments that make each wedding so special.

My signature style blends fine art lighting and composition with the storytelling approach of photojournalism, which results in a beautiful balance of natural, elegant, and timeless images. I’m also known for my technical skill with flash photography, ensuring that I can adapt to any lighting situation to create stunning, high-quality images regardless of the environment.

What makes my work truly special, however, is the relationships I build with my clients. From the first consultation to delivering the final wedding album, I invest deeply in each couple’s journey, creating a bond of trust that allows me to capture even the smallest, most intimate moments—those that are often the most cherished.

I’m committed to providing the highest level of artistry and service, ensuring that every couple has a collection of images that will preserve their love story for generations to come. My clients become more than just clients—they become friends, and that’s the experience I strive to create with each wedding I photograph.

Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
I believe the most important qualities contributing to my success are my warm and friendly personality, coupled with my hardworking and dedicated approach. Weddings can be stressful, and I strive to create a calming presence that helps my clients feel at ease, even in the most hectic moments of the day. By building trust and fostering a relaxed atmosphere, I can capture authentic emotions and bring out the best in every couple.

My goal is for my clients to look and feel amazing—not just in their photos, but throughout the entire experience. Whether it’s offering encouraging words, lending a helping hand, or simply knowing how to diffuse tension with a smile, I’m committed to making the day as smooth and enjoyable as possible. When my clients feel comfortable and confident, it shines through in every image, creating memories that are not only beautiful but deeply personal and genuine.

Pricing:

• Wedding Photography Packages start at $3000 for Intimate Weddings, with an average investment of $4,500-$11,500 for full-size weddings.
• Portrait & Couples Sessions Starting at $450.
• Branding & Event Photography Starting at $450.
• Family Sessions Starting at $450.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.astridcordier.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/astridcordierphotography/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/astridcordierphotography/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/astridcordier/
• Other: https://www.pinterest.com/astridcordier/