What is your most memorable wedding?
Without a doubt my first big wedding outside Berkshire which was down in Taunton, Somerset. I was fairly fresh as a full-time professional and I learned so much working with them! The couple saw my portfolio and gave me a shot which was amazing. They were great fun to be around and I really began to hone my craft at that wedding, I captured so many photos my editing took days! But it was so worthwhile to share the results and see the smile (and tears) on their faces, I received a massive glowing review and we've remained friend's to this day.
Describe your style in 5 adjectives.
Artistic, Attentive, Natural, Modern, Fun
What about your business are you most proud of?
Exceeding expectations, I put everything into my weddings and often get fantastic feedback from my couples about my attitude and work on the day even before I've delivered the photos.
What is your No. 1 wedding planning tip for couples?
Don't feel pressured into doing anything for tradition's sake! Think about what's most important to you and your story, add personal touches and share your love and passions with your guests. Don't feel like you have to go out of your comfort zone!
What is your favourite personal touch you have seen at a wedding?
Surprises during the groom's speech at the reception. It speaks volumes that even amongst the madness that can sometimes be planning a wedding the groom took time to plan a barrage of surprise gifts and elaborate jokes and props to make his speech a hilarious and heartfelt homage to his bride. I've never seen a bride laugh with more tears in her eyes and it was a beautiful gesture.
Describe your typical process with a couple.
After the initial enquiry I book a consultation to discuss their requirements, answer any questions they have and give everyone a chance to chat face-to-face or over Zoom. It's a great way to get to know the couple and establish a rapport early on. I stay in contact with them until the day of the wedding where the work really starts! I tend to shoot more candidly as a fly on the wall to document the day accurately and not be distracting but will take them aside when there's free time to capture some beautiful portraits 1 on 1.
What is the No. 1 photo that you think every couple should take?
Something experimental! Find inspiration on Instagram, Pinterest etc. and ask your photographer for ideas!
What is the most original photo you’ve been asked to take at a wedding?
A thank you message/night portrait written with a sparkler. It took a lot of planning and gear but I managed to create a stunning image in one shot with the words "thank you" written with the sparkler and then handed to the couple to hold while they posed for the shot. You can see it on my testimonials page on my website!
What do you recommend for a rainy day wedding?
Embrace it! There's a lot of awesome photography that can be done when you use the rain to your advantage!
Describe how you got into photography.
Ever since I was young (talking 10 years old) I've loved taking photos. I got a 3.2MP Sony Cyber Shot camera for my birthday one year (Thanks Mum!) and ever since I have been experimenting with photography, I'd spend hours on family holidays trying to take photos of water droplets in the pool rather than actually swimming and would bring my camera with me on trips with my sports club. It's always been a part of who I am. I studied photography at college and was always that friend who could take the best photos at every party. When I got married, I was so impressed by our Photographer that it hit me. That's what I want to do! So I took the plunge and it's the best decision I've ever made since I asked my wife to marry me.