André Hengst

André Hengst is a wedding photographer who lives in Zurich and works under the name ON EYES PHOTOGRAPHY. His site presents him as a people photographer for whom weddings play a large part, with more than 10 years behind him, and describes his style as timeless wedding photography and reportage in and around Zurich. For couples from abroad, one practical detail stands out: the site has an English version, with a frank note that the translation is machine-made.

Who he is

The home page opens in the first person, congratulating the couple on their engagement before introducing him: "Mein Name ist André Hengst, ich lebe in Zürich und habe mich voll und ganz der Fotografie von Menschen verschrieben" (my name is André Hengst, I live in Zurich and have dedicated myself entirely to photographing people). He writes that the mix of classic and playful wedding pictures, the big emotions and the small details are what make weddings special for him, and that even after more than 10 years each wedding is unique. He admits to experience and a certain routine, "aber auch ein wenig Lampenfieber jedes Mal, wenn ich mich auf den Weg mache" (but also a little stage fright every time I set off).

The style: timeless, like film stills

The main section is headed "Zeitlose Hochzeitfotografie und Hochzeitsreportagen in und um Zürich" (timeless wedding photography and reportage in and around Zurich). He argues that wedding photos should let a couple return to the day after one, ten or 50 years, and that the way to do that is not to follow current trends but to make pictures that always look good, "Wie Standaufnahmen aus einem Film" (like stills from a film). He sums up his reportages as "Mal dezent im Hintergrund, mal mittendrin, mal klassisch, mal verspielt" (sometimes discreetly in the background, sometimes in the middle of things, sometimes classic, sometimes playful), and adds that he observes and does not interfere much.

The page then walks through three themes. The first, "Der Tag gehört euch" (the day belongs to you), is about classic-modern portraits of the couple, with a nod to the old family albums of parents and grandparents that later generations will still find charming. The second, "Der Tag gehört euren Freunden & Familien" (the day belongs to your friends and families), is about spontaneous, authentic pictures of guests, since a wedding is a rare occasion when the whole family and so many friends gather in one place. The third, "Der Tag gehört den Gefühlen" (the day belongs to the feelings), is about emotion: he says he always looks out for tears of joy, small or large, and for the emotions between people. A "Momente" gallery then leads through a whole wedding day, which he describes as full of emotion and joy, calm and excitement, traditions and party. Introducing himself as the couple's photographer, he notes that he is at their side most of the day, and invites them to get to know him first to see whether it fits.

What couples say

The home page quotes three couples. Sabrina and Manuel say they could not have wished for a better photographer. Corina and Remo write that they look at the photos again and again, and that the emotions of the guests and the atmosphere come through exactly as they had imagined. Delia and Tobi thank him for the photos and the memories.

An example: the after-wedding shoot in Rapperswil

A blog post from February 2018 shows how he works with couples over time. He photographed Andrea and Marco first at their engagement shoot, then at their wedding in Rapperswil in December, and then at an after-wedding shoot in January. They chose the later shoot because they wanted to be fully present for their guests on the day. He describes picking a day for the weather, a forecast that turned out slightly wrong but still lovely light, missing the snow but not the cold, and warming up in a café in between while walking through Rapperswil's castle, lakeshore and old town. His practical tips for couples considering the same: have the dress cleaned first if it got dirty, and reserve a few hairdresser slots so the shoot can move with the weather.

Services

The site's menu lists wedding coverage, a gallery of wedding photos, current weddings, an offer and prices page, and a page on extras: "Photobus, Fotobox, Verlobung & Hochzeitsalbum" (photo bus, photo booth, engagement shoot and wedding album). There is also an FAQ page and an about page. Beyond weddings he offers business portraits in Zurich, lifestyle shoots, couple shoots, family photos and gift vouchers for a shoot.

Language and contact

A language switch offers German and English. The English notice on the site reads: "The translation is AI generated, so please apologize for a not 100 % accurate translation. Please do not hesitate to contact me for detailed information about my work." The underlying text is German and uses the informal "ihr" throughout. The invitation to write for details, in English, is a useful signal for a couple who do not speak German, though the site does not say in so many words that he photographs weddings in English.

Contact is by phone or WhatsApp on +41 78 616 28 91 or by email to info@on-eyes-photography.ch, and the home page offers to arrange a meeting ("Treffen vereinbaren").

What the home page leaves open

The home page itself gives no prices, though it links to a separate offer and prices page for weddings. It says nothing about delivery times, the number of photos, the length of coverage, whether a second photographer is available, or travel costs outside the Zurich area. His stated area is Zurich and its surroundings; the Rapperswil wedding shows he works along the lake, but a couple marrying farther away should ask whether he travels and at what cost.

Who it suits

André Hengst suits couples marrying in or around Zurich who want quiet reportage with some classic portraits, pictures meant to age well rather than follow trends, and a photographer who can follow up with an engagement or after-wedding shoot. The English version of the site and the open invitation to ask questions make first contact easier for couples from abroad. The caveats are that the English text is machine-translated, and that prices and details sit on pages beyond the home page.