My Approach
Let me tell you about the unique way I photograph weddings!
My photography style is documentary
Documentary photography is capturing candid moments that tell the narrative within photographs. All without the photographer’s direction. My feelings toward this are quite strong, I believe that capturing the real, honest, raw character and emotions of people is the best way to reminisce once the wedding is over.
So much happens on a wedding day, and as a documentary wedding photographer I see my role that of an observer. To notice moments that others do not. To photograph all the excitement, nerves, tears and tequila shots! So you can have a great set of images that tell the real story of your wedding.
Natural portraiture
First and foremost, your wedding is a day of celebration. I do not believe it should be turned into a photoshoot with hours spent away from the party posing next to a tree, or in front of an old classic car.
But when the light is gorgeous, I do like to spend 15 minutes max with my couples to capture some natural candid portraiture. No awkward posing, no saying cheese. Just keeping it real and showing your genuine character and natural beauty.
Just go with the flow
Sometimes, weddings do not always go according to plan, and if I am being quite honest these unexpected events can be the most exciting to photograph. And even more so, be the most memorable aspects from the wedding. So my approach is to always embrace these moments! Let the unplanned happen. Because you know you will laugh about it later, especially when you see the photos.
Ninja with a camera
I’m often called a ninja with a camera. However, I don’t think that is quite correct. I am more of what my fiancé calls a “social chameleon” and who am I to argue with her? I am a person who gets involved, I get to know people and in turn, they open up in front of my lens. I think that’s why the documentary style I use to photograph weddings appeals to me.
Right place right time
I have photographed a lot of weddings, well over 200, and I have developed a keen technique to anticipate moments before they happen. It’s not uncommon for me to jump out of a conversation because I have seen the makings of a moment from across the room.
One of my strategies as a wedding storyteller is to be in and amongst the action. I will photograph all the excitement, nerves, tears and tequila shots! So when you view your photographs, you will feel as though you were at that moment, not just a bystander looking from a distance.
Not another boring wedding photo
Yes, I am clinging onto this death trap for dear life to get the shot. But it’s always worth it. The risk is high, but the reward is greater. I refuse to deliver mundane wedding photos to my couples because weddings are anything but dull. All weddings are different, and there are always unique little moments that will only occur at your wedding.
Family group photos
Yes, I still do family formal photos. But only if you want! Most of the couples that book me would much rather my time be spent capturing everything else that is happening. But that doesn’t mean to say we can get an epic photo with the bridal party, and some family photos to appease the parents. In my experience you don’t need any more than 15 group photographs to photograph all the important people at the wedding, I can usually get all this done within 15-20 minutes. So it doesn’t have to be a painful experience, and you will still have plenty of time to mingle or play lawn games during the cocktail hour.
The people are what matters most
When I photograph a wedding, I concentrate on the people. They are the most important part of the day. You can have all the special details in the world, but without your friends and family, you wouldn’t have a wedding. I am sometimes asked if photographing weddings get “samey”. And it is true, the structure of a British wedding often follows the same format, but the people will always surprise me. Their characteristics will always be what makes each wedding I have photographed unique and exciting.
