Wedding photographers in United Kingdom

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

—Concentrate on what you're best at, looking at other photographers is great but you'll never make any headway until you produce something that's truly your own instead of rehashing old work.

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

—To be completely honest I finished Film School and didn't want to make films, so I looked for a way to make a living from Photography and weddings just made sense. There wasn't a burning desire to be involved with weddings. I learned to build a website and offered cheap photography and within two weeks I'd shot my first wedding. During that time I saw Rangefinder magazine and read American Photo's 'Worlds top ten' list and I was completely inspired. When I shot the first wedding I was totally and utterly hooked, I just loved everything about it. Soon after Verity joined be and we never looked back.

—How do you deal with criticism?

—We don't really get much criticism! Certainly not from clients, but if we did we would just try to rectify the situation any way that we could to ensure they still had a great experience. If it's criticism from peers, mentors or each other then we know they have our best interests at heart and try to take it on board so we can improve next time.

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

—Waaaaay to much to write down. From personal connection to technical skill. It all depends on who's judging it, I know most the photos I consider to be valuable aren't technically great, they just have emotional significance. Of course if you can get an emotionally significant photo that is technically sound then you're onto a winner!

—Who would you choose to try taking photos with?

—I'd love to go on a shoot with Ben and Erin Chrisman, Davina + Daniel, Two Mann Studios, they are all couples who've really inspired us. Oh and I'd love a day out with Emin Kuliyev, every day he posts some new awesome lens creation on Facebook, I'd just love to try out some of his exotic kit!

—What is absolutely unacceptable when taking photos?

—Over here in the UK we're pretty reserved when it comes to the ceremony. Our officiants don't tend to like us getting too up close and personal so we have to be careful not to overstep any boundaries there. Oh and other suppliers trying to push you out of the way....but that's another story!

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

—Nothing, it's about how the couple want their day to unfold and I want the photos to reflect that. Ok, it's in my style but it's their story so it should be their message.

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

—Never! I love what we do but there's always things that you could improve on and that's what makes us strive to continue pushing ourselves professionally.

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

—Some of the attitudes we encountered when we first started out, with some people worrying more about what others are doing than themselves.

—What makes wedding photography different from other photography genres?

—It's a day that is absolutely jam packed with photo opportunities. As photographers all any of us can ask for is a great moment or two and weddings provide a bounty of great moments. Not to mention the fact that everyones cheerful and it's just a flippin' awesome job!

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

—The less you see other wedding photographers work, the more you develop a unique style. And not to worry about anyone copying your shots!

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

—Who knows! Everything seems to go full circle so I'm sure a lot of the techniques people are using now will still be popping up in the future.

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

—They have to connect with their photographer and be comfortable sharing their day with them. They obviously have to love the photos too!

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

—Are people booking you? That's really all there is to it, everything else in terms of awards etc is lovely but not a measure of success.

—How do you improve your photography skills?

—By watching films and looking at masters of photography outside of weddings. There's so much to learn from other fields of photography!

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

—Where I grew up there was a lot of closed-mindedness and intolerance so I don't have any respect for people like that!

—Where would you prefer to live?

—I absolutely love Yorkshire, but I would like to live in the Lake District one day, or possibly America!

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

—I really couldn't ask for a better life, so I'd say neither, I wouldn't want anything to change!

—What would you prefer to change in the world?

—That's a pretty big one! A bit more financial equality around the world would be a good start.

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

—I don't really have any heroes, lots of people I respect, but not particularly any heroes!

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

—Getting to do what I love with the person I love most in the world. What's not to like!?

—Are there tendencies in wedding photography?

—Loads! Too many to list and a few that really wind me up. I won't start on those.

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

—Verity's, I see everything she shoots so that always affects me moving forwards.

—What are your plans for tomorrow?

—A triathlon, without any training at all since it's been a busy wedding season.

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

—I'd worry less about having the best kit. It really doesn't make a difference!

—How do you spend your leisure time?

—Take photos, train for Ninja Warrior and train and compete in Triathlons.

—Is there life in the Universe?

—What about it? It has to exist somewhere and I'd love to see where!

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

—Not really, but hopefully we capture their spirit in the photos.

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

—The 'sitting at home and watching chick flicks with Verity' side

—Do you shoot wedding photos only?

—Professionally yes but we take plenty of others in our own time

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

—Photographically there are too many awesome people to list!

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

—I don't really worry about anything, I'm not a worrier!

—The most troubling thing in life is:

—There only being 24 hours in a day during wedding season

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

—I don't know really, hopefully there's lots to come!

—What would you alter in yourself if possible?

—Nothing really, I'm pretty comfortable with my flaws!

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

—Leave, before the government locks you in a bunker!

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

—Touch wood I haven't ever made any huge mistakes!

—Do you believe in life after wedding?

—What an odd question! I love life after marriage!

—Do you like travelling?

—Yes, although until recently I've not done much!

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

—Intimate moments between the bride and groom,

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

—Haha that's a pretty odd one, I have no idea!

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

—A camera because it's part of who we are!

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

—Not really, I love all of my gadgets!

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

—Composition, originality and light

—Can you specify whom would you love to shoot?

—I'd love to photograph Zach Braff!

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

—I'd like to shoot a comedy drama

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

—Totoro, because he's awesome.

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

—I don't really HATE anything!

—What makes you continue shooting?

—I just love taking photos!

—Cats or dogs?

—Both, but I prefer dogs!

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

—I have no idea!

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

—Not really!

—Do you look good in pictures?

—Hell no!

—Life is great thanks to:

—My wife!

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

—Liked

—Do you make friends with ease?

—Yes

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

—No

—Do you believe in the traditional gender roles?

—No

—What would you prefer to change around you?

—No

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

—Firstly of course, they should really love the kind of images I shoot. Secondly, we should all get on like a proverbial house-on-fire. I become friends with all of my couples before their wedding and more often than not remain so for a long time after.

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

—I worked caring for children & young people with emotional & behavioural needs for 15 years and needed a therapy after that. I found that with photography. I took the plunge & splashed out on a second hand DSLR – it was a bold move in hindsight (excuse the pun). I think I spent £350 on a second hand Nikon D80 body. I remember being asked by my girlfriend at the time, "You mean you don't have a lens; you can't even take a photo yet?!" That was the most money I had ever spent on anything but something drew me to take that step. I needed a creative outlet and weddings certainly offer that in spades!

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

—Vicars that just don't understand the important role that photography has to play in documenting such beautiful moments. A wedding should be celebrated and captured for what it is. Twice I have been forbidden to take photographs throughout a wedding ceremony. Twice an angel fell from heaven ;)Once I was told to wait outside! What in heaven's name is Christian about that?

—Do you like travelling?

—At any opportunity. If I won the lottery, I'd take my camera and honestly, I don't think that I'd ever stop (think "Wolf of Wall Street" with a camera – minus the Quaaludes). I spent 6 months travelling and working throughout Africa when I was younger – I still get excited telling those stories.I hope that Wedding photography will help me to satisfy this wonder lust.

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

—I used to work with kids for 15 years so I pretty much know them all...."What do you call a man with no shins?" "Tony" :)

—Do you look good in pictures?

—Yes, in the dark at ISO 100, & my Mum says she seems to recall somewhat, when I was a baby..

—How do you improve your photography skills?

—Don't ever be content – it's too close to conceit (and not just in the dictionary)..

—Cats or dogs?

—Both but I once had a magic lurcher named Timber – probably go dogs at a push.

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

—Meeting wonderful, crazy, loved-up people and quenching my creative thirst.

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

—Interesting Subject – Quality Light – Harmonious Composition

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

—Passport might be handy?...wet-wipes & US Dollars.

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

—Film-noir revenge comedy?

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

—Injustice & salad cream

—Life is great thanks to:

—Swimming in the sea.

—Do you shoot wedding photos only?

—Nope