My Approach…
“Storytelling through pictures. No Forcing you to look at the camera with fake smiles!”
Hi…
..Firstly, I am honoured you like my style and are considering me to be your wedding photographer. Nearly a decade on and the privilege of being asked to capture someones wedding never gets old.
I always aim to capture how you naturally interact with each other. I don’t care how you look, how old you are, or what kind of wedding you are having, my style Suits couples who just want to have fun and be themselves on their wedding day & want those memories preserved in the photos I take. If you haven’t already check out my Portfolio here.
MY STYLE
I observe and naturally capture moments as they unfold and edit to compliment the wedding in question. Don’t let the laid back attitude fool you, I will have done a lot of planning before your day & I am experienced enough to think on my feet if things don’t go to plan. I prefer to work with natural light and I have camera’s & lenses that let in lots of it. I only use flash usually at night. I shoot by controlling shutter speed and ISO I have always shot like this (at weddings) and it ensures I get a crisp image. I DO NOT FOLLOW TRENDS with my editing style, by that I mean you want see “light and airy” or very strong warm filters applied to every single wedding I shoot! My editing style airs on the side of neutral in colour (not too warm or too cool) & slightly desaturated colour if you're going to try and pin it down but it wholly depends on the wedding. Different weddings require different editing approach depending on the colours/weather/ couples vibe on the day.
Tone & colour are something I am really particular about and colour analysis is something I have experience in from previous job roles. It is important to me skin tones are a true representation of what they were on the day. Some edits popular at the moment that are making skin tones look Orange in colour, I am not here for it ! You may have had you makeup beautifully done I don’t want to alter your look.
I do happily listen to my couples if they have something specific in mind. For examples a couple might say to me “ I love Earthy brownish tones” and if that suites their style of wedding I will absolutely take that on board when editing. All editing is done my myself. It really is an artwork, I have tried outsourcing and it does not work for me as I am very particular.
Look at my portfolio to see a range of images from different weddings. The way in which they are captured are the same, natural in-between moments (obviously there are a lot of images of other guests and going on at your wedding that I don’t share on my portfolio as there would be hundreds of thousands of images to look through but you get the idea. The editing differs depending on wedding, time of year etc. Be responsible for choosing the right wedding photographer for yourself. We are all so different. One style does not suit all! If you love my style please get in touch I can not wait to hear about your wedding.
My Approach
If you are eager for every part of your day to be controlled and pose for hours with formal poses, where you spend a big portion of your day with your photographer away from your guests, who takes a lot time to set up each shot (can you tell I am not a fan of this). It is not wrong however it means I am not be the right wedding photographer for you. Even when doing couples shots, I prefer for you to look at each other than at me. Capturing moments as they happen is more my bag so if that sounds like something you are after don’t hesitate to contact me. I will direct you were necessary when doing couples shots and stand back when not. Relax, have fun & it will look amazing on camera. I do always make it clear to couples that although you may not notice I am there, I am very much there for you so if you do decide on the day you want something or a picture with someone then please grab me, I am there for you! please read the Wedding Contract available to read here for the nitty gritty. By Paying the deposit you are agreeing to this contract.
I work alone as a photographer! Over the years I’ve found it works best for me. I will happily work along side a videographer if you choose to hire one and I know a few lovely ones.
I love getting feedback from couples after their wedding as they will always comment on how much I managed to capture and that I captured things happening at their wedding they did not see….like your uncle Mick trying to do a backflip after one too many shots or your grandmother laughing out load.
There is some sound advice here on wedding photography.
My personality
I am a straightforward & Polite person with a sense of humour. I am empathetic and accepting of all people. I am very creative and arty but logical too with a strong common sense! I really don’t have a big ego (I know shocking for a wedding Photographer) I am happy to try something might have in mind, it might work it might not but It is your wedding day so please let me know. I am also happy for you to leave the photography up to me so you can just entirely relax.
When I get a spare minute I love a chat with your fiends & Family at your wedding and genuinely enjoy meeting new people. I won’t be in your face all day because I know that won’t get me the most authentic representation of you as a couple. In fact a lot of the time I speak more to your friends and family on your wedding day than you. I know more about your Auntie Jane than you do!! The times I do take you off for some quick snaps I will keep it relaxed and natural, really trying to capture your natural reactions you have with each other as if I wasn’t there at all. I feel I have accomplished my job when I can get you relaxed enough to be yourself around me.
Since I have moved to Devon I feel like my Derbyshire dialect is more noticeable and often asked where I am from. Apparently I am called a “blow in” around these parts, which is “ALL RATE!” with me !
I love an accent myself!
I am happiest when I am outside on a country or coastal walk somewhere or a big family BBQ. Discovering new places really gets my creativity going and I love a good recce somewhere I haven’t been before. In the next couple of years I am looking to extend my work into Europe so if you are looking for a photographer to come on your destination wedding please don’t hesitate to contact me I would love to hear about it and possibly work together. Travelling is ultimate freedom & creativity to me!
I enjoy growing things!! This was taught to me by my Ukrainian grandfather. I appreciate homemade anything! Swimming in the Sea relaxes me and I hope to one day swim alongside a basking shark. Catching a glimpse of a Dolphin when by the coast really makes my day.
My Experience
This may be irrelevant but here is some info of how arrived at being a wedding Photographer. I studied fine Arts at both college and university where my main practise was always photography with a bit of painting and print making on the side. I have a degree in Fine Art.
Skipping through most of the jobs I had to get by when younger (you don’t have all day) working in a chocolate factory and local barmaid to name a few before working as a trend Co- ordinator for a large uk High street store. I moved on to a visual merchanidiser role and then Product photographer for an international housewares supplier. I also managed an online store & account selling shabby chic furniture.
I realise quite quickly in my first corporate job role though office life was not really for me long term (although I miss the banter) I started my own business on the side nearly 10 years ago. Which has been my full time job for 8 years.
…before the rise of instagram I have ran my business nearly entirely from word of mouth from Derbyshire for 8 years. Since relocating to North Devon I have got onto amazing venues Recommended suppliers list and I will never devalue the importance of word of mouth and connecting with people in person. I have been inspired by my new surroundings!
I honestly think all work experience shapes the person you are and it’s given me the skills required to be a wedding photographer and run my own business. Taking photos is one part of my business but there is so much more involved.
Equipment
Photography is my full time job. You better believe I invest in professional equipment, which is not cheap! I shoot with 2 mirrorless Nikon camera’s. Copious amounts of batteries and memory cards, Polarising filters for those super bright days & I mostly shoot with fast fixed lenses although I do have a wide angle. I do use external flash occasionally usually just at night however I will always prefer to work with natural light as I find it the most flattering unless you are purposely going for the direct flash 90’s look which seems to be making a comeback (and must admit it goes well with some types of wedding) if you are lucky enough to get a Golden hour at your wedding (usually an hour or 2 before the sun sets…make the most of it) The light at this time of day is truly magical and not to be missed.
Wedding Guide
If you are thinking of booking me and want more detail on my prices and packages then please do not hesitate to contact me. I send all my couples my detailed wedding guide which is designed to answer any questions you may have. It covers what happens before your wedding, during and after. I email this to all couples who enquire with me. Get In Touch here. Every wedding is different depending on where it is what time of year and day of the week it is along with how much coverage you want and priced accordingly. My pricing is very fair.
Ideal Couples
It is not about the way you look for me but rather your attitude/vibe / whatever you want to call it! I really want couples to be themselves at their wedding as this is the key to capturing authenticity and you as a couple & this is the type of images I am passionate about capturing.
Real moments! Real smiles, tears and laughter.
People who want to relax and have fun while getting heartfelt and beautifully edited images will suite my style. I am here for whatever is “your thing” quiet back yard wedding with chilled music and amazing food, elopements with just the two of you to a massive party with shots & “Dancing to electro-pop like a robot from 1984” I am here to capture it! It’s your day. Do whatever makes you happy, these are the best most authentic weddings to capture and will show in your wedding images.
You can read more on my Contract here.
Locations
I Live In North Devon on the edge of Exmoor just under 30 minutes to the nearest coast but will happily travel if required. I originate from Derbyshire. I’ve spent many years as a wedding photographer with The Peak District, Nottinghamshire, South Yorkshire and surrounding counties being my patch, I am Still happy to travel up there to shoot a wedding as all my family still live up there. I am a confident traveller and always do a recce to a venue I haven’t been to before. If it is far away I will get there at least a day or 2 before to do the recce.
I am looking to expand into weddings abroad so if you like my style and want me to shoot your wedding please get in touch I would love to hear from you!
I charge a travelling fee outside of the South West for weddings in England (I drive so it is not a problem for me to get anywhere in the Uk)
I am with easy reach of Bristol and Exeter airport should your wedding be abroad.
Weddings abroad are quoted at uk prices with added on flights and accommodation (I will always seek the fairest deals with this)
The best way to get in Touch Is via my Contact page