What is your most memorable wedding?
Last August I photographed a wedding at Hazel Gap Barn. There was an amber severe weather warning in place for high winds and heavy rain all day! It made for a really memorable day, I enjoyed the challenge of creating beautiful photographs even though we were only able to get outside of the venue for a few minutes, using lots of professional external lighting for group shots and the blue sky in the rain under an umbrella at night for dramatic shots of the couple. The sound of the rain on the tiled roof of the barn during the ceremony created a truly romantic feel and we were able to use the big puddles of water for beautiful reflections.
Describe your style in 5 adjectives.
Creative, relaxed, professional, self motivated and hilarious (or so I tell myself!)
What about your business are you most proud of?
The vast majority of my bookings come from recommendations by previous couples who's weddings I have photographed. It's genuinely humbling and truly rewarding to know you have created photographs that couples are so delighted with they recommend me to their closest friends and family.
What is your No. 1 wedding planning tip for couples?
When booking a photographer make sure you meet up in person before committing to contracts and deposits. I always tell my couples I am the supplier that will be with you for the whole day, far more than anyone else who's services you acquire. It's absolutely essential that we click and you really like your photographers personality and work processes otherwise you won't relax around them and they won't be able to get the best from you.
What is the most original photo you’ve been asked to take at a wedding?
I photographed a gorgeous farm wedding on the hottest day of the year. The couple had their very own wind turbine and wanted to have a sunset photograph with it. I wanted to do something creative and so set up a silhouette shot and just as we were ready to take the picture some incredible storm clouds uplit by the setting sun in a rich orange rolled in and made for a really unique and beautiful shot.
What do you recommend for a rainy day wedding?
I have written a whole blog post on the subject on my website so feel free to take a look. Most importantly, don't be disheartened, if you have booked a professional photographer (like me!) they will already know your venue inside out, have a 'Plan B' ready to go and utilise the rain and your venue to create some unique and stunning photographs.
Describe how you got into photography.
My introduction to photography came when I was just ten with a chance birthday present from my dad of a Canon 35mm film camera which I still have to this day. I think it was his effort to divert me away from my childhood dream of becoming a lorry driver and I was instantly hooked, barely a day’s gone by since when I haven’t picked up a camera.