Kim Shaw Photography

Every wedding has its own memorable moments, which is what makes them all so special.

One that has always stayed with me though was a wedding at the Churnet Valley Railway. The couple were married in the station office, and afterwards everyone boarded a steam train where their meal was served as it travelled through the Staffordshire countryside.

In the evening, the reception was held in a marquee at Consall Station, with guests arriving by steam train, which made it feel even more unique.

It was such a lovely, different kind of day and one I will always remember.

Timeless · Relaxed · Elegant · Natural · Guided

Gently guided when needed, with a relaxed and natural approach that creates timeless, elegant photographs.

The fact that my clients, along with their family and friends, genuinely love what I do and go on to recommend me to others.

So much of my work comes from word of mouth, which means a lot to me. It tells me that not only have I created photographs they love, but that I have also made people feel comfortable and looked after on the day.

That trust, and those recommendations, are what I am most proud of.

Plan your day around how you want it to feel, not just how it looks.

It is very easy to get caught up in details and timings, but weddings rarely run exactly to schedule. A few minutes here and there, a slightly late ceremony, or speeches running longer than expected all add up.

Building a little breathing space into your timeline makes a huge difference. It allows the day to flow more naturally and gives you time to enjoy the people around you rather than feeling rushed.

When the day feels calm and unhurried, everything else falls into place, including the photographs.

One that has always stayed with me was a couple who used green apples as both their place names and wedding favours.

Each apple had a small leaf-shaped card attached to the stalk with the guest’s name on it. It looked beautiful on the tables, but it also had a lovely meaning behind it. Their colour scheme was shades of green, and as they were both teachers, it was a subtle nod to the idea of “an apple for the teacher.”

It was simple, thoughtful, and completely personal to them, which is often what makes something stand out.

I like to keep everything simple and easy from the very beginning.

Once you get in touch we arrange a relaxed chat either in person or via video so you can tell me your plans and what matters most to you. It also gives you a chance to see if I feel like the right fit for your day.

If you decide to book I will send over a booking form and T&C's. Once these are signed and your booking fee is paid the date is secure. From that point on I am always here if you need me.

Around 4-6 weeks before your wedding I will send you a questionnaire so I have all the key details. We will have another chat to go through everything to ensure your wedding day feels calm and well planned.

On the day I will guide you where needed, especially during group photographs and portraits, while capturing the rest naturally.

Afterwards your images are carefully edited and shared in a private online gallery. You receive your full set of images and if you have an album you can select your favourites for the design.

If you are lucky enough to have your grandparents with you, make sure you have a photograph with them.

The same goes for your parents. I always recommend having a photo with each of them individually, as well as together.

These are the photographs that often become the most treasured over time. They may not feel like the most important in the moment, but they are the ones that tend to mean the most in the years that follow.

Weddings bring everyone together in a way that does not happen very often, when everyone is dressed up, looking their best, and gathered for a genuinely happy occasion.

Having those photographs to look back on really does matter more than you might realise at the time.

There have been a few over the years… some I probably shouldn’t repeat!

Let’s just say weddings with men in kilts can lead to some very memorable (and slightly cheeky) requests.

That said, I am always guided by what couples are comfortable with. Whether it is something fun and light hearted or something more meaningful, I am always happy to go along with it and capture it in a way that still feels like part of your day.

You never really know what the weather is going to do until the morning of your wedding, so the first thing I always say is… try not to worry.

If it does rain, it really is not a problem. With the right approach, you will still have beautiful photographs. In many cases, rain can actually add something special and a little different to your day.

I will always have a simple plan in place, whether that means using indoor spaces at your venue or stepping outside for a few moments if the rain eases.

A couple of umbrellas, a sense of humour, and just going with it can make for some of the most memorable images of the day.

Most importantly, focus on enjoying your wedding. I will take care of the rest.

My love of actual photographs goes back a very long way.

Some of my most treasured possessions are family photographs, including my parents’ wedding album from 1948. It is a simple collection of just a handful of images, but it has been looked at, shared, and cherished for generations. That has always stayed with me.

Becoming a wedding photographer happened by a very happy accident. After going to college to properly learn photography, I was asked to photograph a friend’s wedding. I said yes, and quickly realised I had found something I truly loved and was pretty good at.

Over 20 years later, I still feel exactly the same. It is a privilege to be trusted with something so important, and to create photographs that will be just as meaningful in years to come.

I genuinely believe it is one of the best jobs in the world, and I still love it just as much today.