I’m based in Guildford and have been shooting weddings professionally since 2007. Prior to that I gained a degree in Photography, did some magazine and exhibition work and taught. I also enjoy getting out on my bike around the Surrey hills.
At the core of what I do, is the belief that documentary photography relies on skills above and beyond the technical knowhow of operating a camera. Skills such as empathy, listening, keeping an open mind, and seeing the humor in any situation allow me to capture the images I do.
What isn’t mentioned very often, is the work that goes in before the wedding, and how this has an effect the outcome of the pictures. By the time of the wedding I hope that the trust that I’ve built up with the couple means that I can work calmly and discretely whilst also being a positive influence on the day.
I shoot everything digitally nowadays, but I cut my teeth shooting on film and would spend days in the darkroom.
I now use Sony mirrorless cameras which are a joy to use and appreciated by couples and registrars alike, because I’m able to shoot silently during the ceremony and still capture the candid moments that I love.
Everything is shot in colour and then using my artistic judgement, and depending on the style of the wedding, lighting etc some will be processed in black and white.
I’m all about listening to my couples and providing something that works for them! As the day approaches, couples can choose the coverage they’d like by the hour and add in a second photographer or an engagement shoot, and after the wedding I enjoy working with couples on designing their album.
The engagement shoot is not something I include as standard, but I do offer the option of an engagement/pre-wedding shoot or a “mini e-shoot” which is proving to be really popular.
I like to give the couple a few previews on social media within 24-48 hours, and they can expect the full online gallery around four weeks after the wedding.
My couples tend to book a year to two years before the wedding, although I have to say that some of my favourite weddings have been booked at the last minute!
I love to have a video chat as soon as a couple gets in touch and then meet them at their venue before the big day. I like to have the running order of the day and a list of group photos so that there’s no confusion, but I also want to get to know my couples on a more personal level and try and bring that out in the photos.
Photographically speaking I want my images to be as relevant in twenty years time as they are today. More generally, in recent years I’ve noticed a trend towards the wedding day becoming much more of an expression of who the couple are, their interests, personalities and what bought them together. I’ve also noticed many more brides giving speeches, which I wholeheartedly endorse!
I’m really hoping that humanist ceremonies increase in popularity. Each one that I’ve been fortunate enough to photograph so far has been so unique and personalized to the couple.
Of course the final decision would be up to my beautiful bride! However, I’d hope to find a photographer who was able to capture not only what happened on the day, but how it felt to be there.