What is your most memorable wedding?
Every wedding is so different and unique it is hard to choose! My most recent memorable wedding would have to be at Creeksea Church nr Burnham-On-Crouch followed by a reception in a local field where there was a marquee and plenty of fun going on. The bride had her horse brought to the reception and we managed to get some lovely shots of all of them together. I would say that is my most recent favourite wedding as I got to be an Equestrian Photographer as well as a Wedding Photographer in one day.
Describe your style in 5 adjectives.
Modern, Colourful, Fun, Natural, Relaxed
What about your business are you most proud of?
I started my business off my own back at the age of 22. Although I had a lot of positive support from family and my partner, I have managed to set up, create and build my own business from scratch, and for that I am proud and count myself very lucky.
What is your No. 1 wedding planning tip for couples?
Hmmm.... I would say to keep calm and enjoy it. You only get to plan one wedding so make the most of it! View all the venues you want, walk around the wedding fayres and savour the free food, cake, and drink. Many people get stressed out and end up booking whatever, but I would say make sure you are happy with what you have booked! If there is something you're not sure about, there may be something better elsewhere...
What is your favourite personal touch you have seen at a wedding?
I love getting creative with my Brides and Grooms. When you get to enjoy a half hour with them alone, and pose them into various positions around their venue. I do view all my venues beforehand to give me an idea on what the locations look like before I arrive, so I have some ideas in my head, and then on the day some poses just come naturally and look great!
Describe your typical process with a couple.
Firstly I would make sure I am currently free for their wedding date - there's no point in meeting and greeting only to discover I'm already booked out elsewhere.
Next I would suggest a meeting somewhere appropriate. If they don't live too far out I will suggest coming to visit them, or if it is a little far I will pick a midpoint; a cafe or local quiet pub where we can have a chat about the day, go through timings and also look through some of my albums to give them an idea on photos as well as album/photo books I offer.
If booked I will ask for a booking fee, with the rest being due a week before the wedding date.
After this I will head out to explore the venue(s) and take some images to give myself an idea of what to expect, and also some ideas for poses.
A few months before the wedding I will call and confirm all details I have are still correct and no timings etc have changed.
A week before the wedding I will call again, and again make sure nothing has changed.
On the wedding morning I will turn up typically up to an hour beforehand to make sure I am on time and not stuck in traffic etc.
What is the No. 1 photo that you think every couple should take?
A signature photo. The typical posed shot of bride & groom which will live on with them forever, whether it be above the mantelpiece or on their facebook page, or on the front cover of their wedding album. I believe every bride & groom deserve to have that one photo of them which makes them feel truly special and treasured in their attire.
What is the most original photo you’ve been asked to take at a wedding?
The groom's face as bride is walking down the aisle is probably the most common photo I have been requested not too miss. To see the tears, or the smiles is truly something special to capture.
What do you recommend for a rainy day wedding?
An umbrella, boots, and a smile! Rain on your wedding day is Good Luck!! It doesn't matter how rainy it is; with a window or doorway we can create some lovely, intimate images. With an umbrella and an extra helper we can create some outside images without getting wet!
Describe how you got into photography.
Oh goodness...would you believe me if I actually chose my career out of a hat??
That is literally what I did. I finished school, didn't know what to do with myself so I went on to do a mixture of A Levels. I then finished those and still didn't have a clue, so I headed to the library and wrote down all the things I enjoyed doing... Horse Riding, Music, Photography, Nail Art...etc etc and placed them in a hat to pick from...of which Photography came out first.
I applied to various local Universities as I was keen to live at home and save up, so when a call came in from the University of Essex I was thrilled. I had only applied to do a HND course in photography as I had only ever used a 'point and shoot' camera however during my interview, I was informed I would be placed on the Degree course. After a little persuading I finally agreed (I was worried I would be left behind not knowing much about photography) but in fact I was one of 5 in my class to graduate in 2011 with a BA(Hons) certificate. Even then I am only one of 2 of us who graduated to set up a photography business and here I am today!