Wedding photographers in United Kingdom

—What should future newlyweds pay attention to when looking for a wedding photographer?

—That they fit in with their day, if they want a relaxed, chilled wedding then find a photographer that will shoot to suit their day and spend hours setting up shots.
I think one of the most important things is that you get along, we are such a large part of the day, to us the relationship between us and the couple is the most important thing.

—How did you start working in the wedding photography field?

—Chris and I met in our 3rd year of University and fell in love over our love of photography. We used to go on days out with our film cameras and wanted to make it our life. Chris asked me to join him in wedding photography and after our first wedding together we never looked back.

—What is there in your work that brings you joy?

—Everything! After over 220 weddings Chris and I couldn't wish to be doing anything else. Having got married ourselves we know how important those photographs are, it's such an amazing pleasure to give couples memories that they can treasure for generations. There are so many aspects to wedding photography, you have to be good at low light situations, details, portraits, landscapes, couple shots, posing, and most of all, all on a tight time limit! Not any other job has all these aspects and I guess that's what I thrive on, trying to make sure I get the best possible outcome to all those situations at every single wedding and going to each one not knowing what to expect. It's also the amazing feedback we get from our couples, they are the reason we do what we do and when you get an amazing letter or e-mail it really does make your day. Being able to do all of that and work hard to achieve our dreams with my husband by my side 24/7 is just the icing on the cake!

—Have a best-loved joke? Share it with us!

—A woman owns a Parrot that keeps on swearing so she takes it to the Vet to ask what to do about it. The Vet says to put the Parrot in the freezer for 5 minutes and that should stop the swearing. So the woman goes home and puts the Parrot in the freezer and after 5 minutes goes and takes it out, the Parrot is relieved to be out of the freezer and says "I'm so sorry I will never swear again... but what did the chicken do ? " -- I know its bad isn't it!!!!!!!

—Do you like travelling?

—Yes! As a family when I was younger we were lucky enough to do a lot of travelling. I loved the long drives up to Scotland and had my eyes glued to the window to watch the scenery go by. I love exploring new countries too, America has so much to offer and are excited to be heading back there next year. Wether it's only a 2 hour drive or a night on a plane it's the excitement of somewhere new and new locations to take photographs of!

—Is there anything in your work that you don't like or even hate?

—I think it's cliche to say there is nothing that I dislike about our job but it's pretty hard to think of anything! I guess it would be the fact that there is still so much rivalry between photographs which gets in the way of what truly matters. We all are privileged to do such an important and amazing job and I guess it would be great if everyone put their ego's to one side!

—What person in your life is your muse & source of inspiration?

—My parents. My dad has always been a wildlife artist and my mum is an amazing writer. Since I was a child they've always worked so hard to make sure me and my sister had the best childhood. They believe so much in their work and don't compromise it for anything. They never give up and always follow their dreams. They are the most hard-working, loving people in the world.

—What key message are you trying to convey with your pictures?

—I want to capture the wedding day and the people we shoot in the best light and also with atmosphere. It's not so much about saying anything it's just about making sure their story is being told through my photographs. I want whoever looks at those photographs after to get a true reflection of them as a couple and also of what it was like to be there.

—What is absolutely unacceptable when taking photos?

—Overstepping the mark in the ceremony. Everyone's heard those stories of photographers knocking over the registrar or annoying the vicar and it's really not worth it. There are so many angles to look for that disrupting the ceremony for a shot is simply not acceptable!

—Whose works made an impact on you as a wedding photographer?

—I'd have to say Chris (my husband). We've shot together for over 220 weddings and he is just the best photographer I know. We have such different ways of shooting and ways of seeing everything and that's why its so great to see his take on something!

—What thing is the silliest one you've ever agreed to do?

—I agreed to be pulled along on a skateboard by a rope atached to a car... that was pretty stupid! No injuries though and the car was going quite slow.. but still. What is was like to be at Uni!

—Are there tendencies in wedding photography?

—There will always be trends in wedding photography, and I have always made sure to stay away from them all! I've always believed that spending too long looking into other photographers work or wedding trends will confuse and change your own vision.

—What details that usually pass unnoticed can a wedding photographer capture?

—The things going on in the background, at the same time when I have my eye on the couple I always have my eye on what's going on around me!

—What are the key elements that make a photo attractive?

—Good light, movement and emotion. Sometimes only one of these is necessary to make a good photograph but these are the 3 main things I look out for.

—What makes you continue shooting?

—The couples we photograph! The amazing feedback we get and just the ambition to leave as many couples with awesome wedding photography as possible!

—How do you improve your photography skills?

—Every shoot I do I make sure I either mentally note down or write down what I could have improved on or things to rememeber for next time.

—What makes a photo valuable? What are the key features of a great photo?

—If you've managed to capture the atmosphere of the moment, with emotion and from a perspective that makes you feel imersed in the moment.

—In your opinion, should your parents have been more or less strict to you as a child?

—Neither! They always encouraged us to do what makes us happy, whatever it was, and to me that was the best advice they could have given.

—Do you shoot wedding photos only?

—As a profession I just shoot weddings and engagements – yes. But I always have a camera on me and love taking photographers of anything!

—How do you deal with criticism?

—As best as I can, I always make sure that when ever it happens to do everything in my power to correct and understand the situation.

—Imagine that you can travel back in time. What would you do differently?

—I'm not sure, I always believe that everything that you've done – mistake or not – has got you where you are today... so nothing!

—Who would you choose to try taking photos with?

—Erika and Lanny Mann would be awesome! I've always loved Jonas Peterson so I would have to say him too.

—What would you have preferred to learn before becoming a photographer?

—That it would be what I would end up doing forever! And that exposure is just opinion.

—What cartoon, film or book character would you become if you had a chance?

—Pikachu, because it's cute and crazy! (this is what Chris said when I asked him!)

—Is there anything that worries you? What & why?

—I try hard not to worry as worrying doesn't change the outcome to anything!

—When are you totally satisfied with the results of your work?

—When I know I have put everything I have into a photography and it shows.

—Whom can you name as a person/people not deserving respect?

—People that complain about something but don't do anything to change it.

—Cats or dogs?

—Both! I love all animals, if we had a bigger house we would have a zoo!

—Can you imagine what wedding photography will be like in future?

—No idea really, probably having 10 photographers at once or something!

—Where would you prefer to live?

—Somehwere in the Dales in Yorkshire, not too far from where we do now!

—What would you prefer to change in the world?

—I think everyone would say the same, end all the suffering and war.

—What makes wedding photography different from other photography genres?

—The unique way every photographer sees a moment differently.

—Do you hate anyone or anything? Who or what?

—I don't really like the word hate but I don't like TV Soaps!

—What mistake in your professional experience you treat as the biggest one?

—Early on in the business I believed too many sales callers!

—What is success to you? How can one measure it?

—Having a happy family, friends, pets and a home.

—How do you spend your leisure time?

—Go on walks, go to the gym and cuddle my cats!

—The most troubling thing in life is:

—Seeing other people not enjoying what they do.

—When travelling, what do you usually take with you & why?

—Camera, not sure I need a reason for that!

—Give some advice to a wedding photographer who is a beginner.

—Never stop believing it's possible.

—What devices that you own you regret you bought and why?

—I'm not really a gadgety person!

—What side of you do you never show to the public?

—I'm usually quite shy I guess!

—Imagine aliens come to our planet. You are the first human they meet. What would you tell them?

—Hi! We are all weird...

—What are your plans for tomorrow?

—more photograph editing!

—Do you look good in pictures?

—In who's opinion? Haha

—Do you believe in the superstition that a photo replicates the soul of the pictured person?

—I'd like to think so!

—Do you make friends with ease?

—I'd like to think so.

—What would you alter in yourself if possible?

—To be more confident.

—What moment in your life you treat as the most significant one?

—Marrying Chris.

—Is there life in the Universe?

—Definitely!

—Whom can you name as people you respect and admire most?

—My parents!

—Do you believe in life after wedding?

—Of course!

—What's better – when you are liked or are respected?

—Respected

—Can you specify whom would you love to shoot?

—Anyone!

—If you have a chance to shoot a movie, what genre will you choose?

—Sci-fi.

—Who is the 21st century symbol to your mind?

—Obama.

—Is there anything in your work that you treat as prohibited "tricks"?

—Nope!

—Life is great thanks to:

—Love.

—What would you prefer to change around you?

—Nope!

—Do you believe in the traditional gender roles?

—No.

—What details that usually pass unnoticed can a wedding photographer capture?

—Every bride has a moment once she has her dress on when it all becomes real. Many shed some tears. It's moments like that that we are prepared for. We are constantly on the lookout for little moments, both expected and unexpected, and have to stay on high alert all day. It makes the day mentally tiring but it's worth it when you get the shots.

—How did you start working in the wedding photography field?

—My wife Carol – who works with me – bought me a compact camera for Christmas. I asked her if she still had the receipt and ended up with a DSLR. I thought I was the best photographer in the world and offered to shoot her Aunt's wedding. I found that I wasn't the best in the world and I needed to work on my techniques a bit. I'm still working on it seven years later.

—How do you improve your photography skills?

—Books, youtube, The web. Trying to figure out how images were made. Going out and trying techniques that I've heard or read about. Trying to see things better and trying to soak as much inspiration up as possible from as many places as possible.

—Do you like travelling?

—Yes. It's one of the great things about doing this job. Seeing new places and meeting new people. As I work with my wife we travel together so we're never apart. We do have to make sure that our cats are ok while we're away.

—What mistake in your professional experience you treat as the biggest one?

—In a previous job I was remotely working on a server 200 miles away on a Friday night and I marked the wrong partition as active and rebooted it. Monday morning was the most fun.

—Do you believe in the superstition that a photo replicates the soul of the pictured person?

—I don't think of it like that. I try to not project myself too much on them and show them as they are but on the best day of their lives.

—Do you believe in the traditional gender roles?

—I believe everyone is equal and everyone is different. We all have strengths and weaknesses and everyone has a role.

—Do you shoot wedding photos only?

—No I love landscapes too and I'm starting to try some street photography.

—Can you imagine what wedding photography will be like in future?

—VR may take off, probably for video too, although I think that people will always choose convenience over having to wear something or put themselves out to view their images. I think that the static image is perfect for the convenience of modern life. Being able to have your images with you on your phone at all times. I can't see that changing any time soon.

—What moment in your life you treat as the most significant one?

—The usual. Meeting my wife. Kids being born. Moving into a new house.

—What makes wedding photography different from other photography genres?

—Excitement, emotion, creativity. Working with real people who are not used to having a photographer around. Seeing their reactions when they see their images for the first time.

—Can you specify whom would you love to shoot?

—Creative, happy, adventurous, trusting, friendly, laid back people.

—Are there tendencies in wedding photography?

—Everything evolves and of course there are trends that come and go but we try and make sure that like Star Wars our photography will stand the test of time.

—When travelling, what do you usually take with you & why?

—A 4 way power strip as there's never enough sockets in the hotel.

—Have a best-loved joke? Share it with us!

—A horse walks into a bar... The barman says "Why the long face?"

—What makes a photo valuable? What are the key features of a great photo?

—Composition, balance, light, emotion, expression, connection.

—What's better – when you are liked or are respected?

—Both. Until I retire to a cabin in the woods far from here.

—What devices that you own you regret you bought and why?

—The portable battery pack that I used about three times.

—Whose works made an impact on you as a wedding photographer?

—Jeff Newsom. His work is incredible and constantly fresh.

—How do you deal with criticism?

—I try to learn from it. Every day is a school day.

—What person in your life is your muse & source of inspiration?

—People with the strength to do the right thing.

—Is there anything that worries you? What & why?

—That the images I just took are a bit flat.

—What makes you continue shooting?

—Seeing the results. Trying to be better.

—Do you make friends with ease?

—No but I can get along with most people.

—What would you have preferred to learn before becoming a photographer?

—Don't spend a ton of money on courses.

—Who would you choose to try taking photos with?

—Top of my list would be Jeff Newsom.

—What is there in your work that brings you joy?

—It's not work it's a way of life.

—What are the key elements that make a photo attractive?

—Composition and balance.

—Whom can you name as a person/people not deserving respect?

—Greed and selfishness.

—Do you look good in pictures?

—Who thinks they are?

—Who is the 21st century symbol to your mind?

—It's early days yet.

—What should future newlyweds pay attention to when looking for a wedding photographer?

—Consistent quality.

—Is there life in the Universe?

—It's there alright.

—Imagine aliens come to our planet. You are the first human they meet. What would you tell them?

—He went that way ->

—What is absolutely unacceptable when taking photos?

—Losing your cool.

—Where would you prefer to live?

—Somewhere remote

—Is there anything in your work that you treat as prohibited "tricks"?

—Tired tropes.

—What side of you do you never show to the public?

—The dark side

—What are your plans for tomorrow?

—..it better.

—What is success to you? How can one measure it?

—Am I happy?

—What key message are you trying to convey with your pictures?

—This is me.

—Life is great thanks to:

—Life itself

—How do you spend your leisure time?

—Watch TV

—The most troubling thing in life is:

—Itching

—If you have a chance to shoot a movie, what genre will you choose?

—Sci-fi

—Is there anything in your work that you don't like or even hate?

—Admin

—Cats or dogs?

—Cats