HOW I WORK
I try not to define my style too specifically, but let’s try putting some words to it.
I work naturally and unobtrusively. Basically, I hang out at your wedding, pay attention to what’s happening and photograph it as I see it. I’ve been told I’m a ‘calming presence’, which, amongst the chaos of a wedding day, can only be a good thing, right?
Your wedding day shouldn’t be about your photographer. I’m not there to perform, be the centre of attention or make myself part of the story.
My aim is to capture how it felt to be at your wedding, rather than dictate how things happen. Real moments, real reactions and all the little things that actually make your wedding yours.
And that’s probably the main skill I’ve developed over the years: being there, paying attention and noticing things as they happen.
Basically, I’m a professional people-watcher.
Natural Approach
It’s rare that there’ll be a moment during your wedding when something isn’t happening (I hope!), so I’m constantly on the move, looking for what’s going on and documenting it as naturally as possible.
Often, it’s the moments between guests - the things you probably didn’t see yourselves - that will end up being some of your favourite photographs. I love being told, “I didn’t even know you were there taking that.”
For most of the day, that’s exactly how I want it to be. You enjoy your wedding and I’ll take care of the photos.
Portraits
You’ve probably found me because of some of my portraits - those ‘main shots’ that look great on social media. In reality, they’re actually only a small part of your day.
I’m sure you’d rather spend your wedding enjoying yourselves than spending hours posing for photos. You’ll need no more than 10–15 minutes for us to disappear for a little walk (and get a well-deserved break from the barrage of guests!).
I usually split this into two short windows, with one later in the day when the light is softer and, hopefully, a little more golden.
I don’t really pose you. It tends to feel awkward, and awkwardness doesn’t photograph particularly well. I might suggest where to walk or stand, but mostly I’m just responding to you as a couple and letting things happen naturally.
I’m not trying to create anything gimmicky, groundbreaking or ‘edgy’. I just want to make some genuinely lovely, relaxed photographs of the two of you enjoying your wedding day.
Then you can get back to the party.
Group Photos
Even if you don’t like posing and love natural wedding photography, family group shots can still be an important part of your photographs.
I got married myself a few years ago, so I appreciate that most couples would rather spend their wedding having a bloody good time than standing around for an hour while we wait for Uncle Brian, who’s disappeared to the bar.
If you want a conveyor belt of different formations and endless combinations, I may not be the photographer for you. But if you’d like a few quick photographs with your parents, grandparents, bridal party and the people who matter most, I’m very happy to do them.
I’ll usually set aside around 15 minutes, round up the people we need and get the photos done. No complicated posing, no worrying about whether everyone is standing perfectly straight, and no faffing about with hands behind backs or in pockets.
As long as everyone’s in the shot and looking at the camera, we’re good.
The less formal, the better. Then everyone can get back to enjoying themselves.
Dancefloor
I love a good party, and let’s face it; this is why half your guests are at your wedding!
Some of the best wedding action happens on the dancefloor, so you won’t see me packing my bags as soon as the first dance is over. I’ll stick around for a while into the evening reception to photograph your guests, their questionable dance moves and everything else going on. But I’m not there all night. I’ll capture plenty of the fun, then leave you and your guests to properly let your hair down without a bloke with a camera following you around until midnight.
It’s also the only time you’ll see a flash on my camera. I’ll sometimes use it to add a little extra ambient light, or just for a bit of creative effect when the dancefloor gets going.
I’ll capture the party, but I won’t outstay my welcome.
Everything else
So much can happen at a wedding, and plenty of trends come and go. I don’t like to dictate your day, but I’m always happy to help make any photo ideas you have happen.
Champagne spray? Confetti? Your dog making an appearance? Sparklers? Whatever you’ve got planned, just let me know and we’ll find a suitable moment in the day to make sure I’m there to capture it.
If it’s important to you, it’s worth photographing.
Style
As I said, I don’t really try to define my ‘style’ in a particular way. But I did ask my lovely Instagram followers to describe my work in up to three words.
Quite a few of the people who commented are past clients, so they’ve actually received a full set of images from me, which makes their opinions considerably more useful than mine!
