What is your most memorable wedding?
I couldn't possibly name just one. For me, the best weddings aren't necisarily the most elaborate, expensive or typically picturesque, they're the weddings where the couple are relaxed and simply want to enjoy the best day ever. Luckily my style tends to get me onto the short list of exactly those couples!
Describe your style in 5 adjectives.
Creative, Candid, Natural, Happy, Unique
What about your business are you most proud of?
Carving my own specific niche. I never dreamed I would be able to become a wedding photographer, but when I decided to have a go I was adament it would be my way, and hoped people would like it. To my delight plenty seem to, so this bold decision to not be a jack of all trades photographer, and to instead knowingly turn some couples off me in order to get booked by the ones who do get me, gives me a great amount of pride.
What is your No. 1 wedding planning tip for couples?
Do your research, speak to all of your potential suppliers and not just emails, but ultiamtley if it feels right, it probably is!
Oh and pick up https://cotswoldweddingguide.com/ which is a publication I single handed created over lockdown to help newly engaged couples choose everytghing from their venue to cake!
What is your favourite personal touch you have seen at a wedding?
Iv seen so many. Everything from Marvel themed cakes, decorated tractors, full halloween theme, to the many beuatiful little private touches like wedding morning gifts and notes.
Describe your typical process with a couple.
OK, so heres the basic timeline. From your initial enquiry which I reply to in person, I will then look to arrange a Zoom, phone call or in person catch up to hear more about your day, and to tell you a bit about what I do. If you decide to book it's a simple case of paying your deposit to confirm the date. I then set up your own private wedding countdown page thats password protected and initially includes some wedding tips, your payment dates and package details. If you have an engagement shoot then those pictures will go onto that page, then over the night of your wedding a edit and upload a dozen photos from your wedding day for you to see and share the next day! Then ultimately your full set will go onto the page once completed, and you will then get a presentation pack in the post.
What is the No. 1 photo that you think every couple should take?
Anyone else confused by this question? I take the photos not the couple. ;-)
I gues my advice with me, is to trust me. I have full photo sets on my website, so you can see the bredth and depth of what I do, plus social media channels updated daily. Im as transparent as they come. So I find that results in couples who buy into what I do, and simply trust me to do what I do, and blow their socks of when they get their photos back!
What is the most original photo you’ve been asked to take at a wedding?
In the early days I was asked to do a few cringey ones, but nowadays people book me because I bring the ideas! Thats not to say its a one way street. I want to get to know you guys, and what makes you tick as thats essential in me incorporating into your photos.
What do you recommend for a rainy day wedding?
A photographer with a few tricks up their sleave, and a ositive attitude helps! The only thing that can ruin your wedding is how you react to an issue, not the issue itself. Some of my most enjoyable weddings have rained all day.
Describe how you got into photography.
I wrote a blog about it! have a read https://www.leehawleyphotography.com/im-glad-i-crashed-the-weddings/