Wedding photographers in Cheltenham

—The secret we all want to reveal – who is the best wedding photographer in Cheltenham?

—Can you narrow down the region a bit further?

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

—Waiting is a good one. I think that's underrated. So a couple might be waiting during the group photos for someone to walk over, but it can throw out a really unguarded natural moment.

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

—My degree was in photography but then I wanted to be a director, so I worked in the film industry for a few years as an AD which I enjoyed but at the same time it wasn't leading to where I wanted to be. I then went to South America for 6 months and spent most of the time taking photos on a 35mm film camera. After getting back I shot a friend of a friends wedding just based on that travel work and that got the ball rolling.

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

—Good question. It's impossible to say at least for me. When someone nails composition, lighting, the moment all at the same time even then I'm still left thinking it's too formulaic, just ticking those boxes. I won't say they're not important but even the context you look at image is important, on the wall, a post card, a blog post, what image next to i is like, what is the rest of your portfolio doing.

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

—Nope. I'd happily use any technique going. Photography itself is a trick, freezing a moment in a box then letting it out later. The only thing for me is whether something looks good or not and graduated colour, reflections from mobiles or whatever does't usually float my boat. I love the use of embroidery and all the stuff you see at art shows though.

—How do you deal with criticism?

—Hmmm... I'm not sure, in the wedding industry is really hard to get a genuine critique. You generally get huge amounts of praise, it's a really supportive industry. I don't think I've ever sat with someone that's gone through my work like that. Although I think it would be really helpful.

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

—In weddings I want the right people caught well and to make my clients feel the moments. In my own work I want to create a kind of a different reality, semi-real with a kind of strange spiritual element running through.Whether I achieve that is a different matter.

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

—For wedding photography it's just simply that someone you love is caught in the frame. Even better if they're expressing themselves in a natural way. But I guess you're asking on a photographic level, generally for me it's mood and colour.

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

—My wife. She taught herself silver smithery and how to set precious gems and now she specialises in ethical engagement rings and jewellery, it's a big issue. More people need to be aware of it. Her brand is called Audrey Claude.

—Are there tendencies in wedding photography?

—Yes. I'm guessing that's similar to all genres though. People follow colour trends for their editing, then they go out of fashion. I try not to follow but it would impossible to be immune to influence.

—What makes wedding photography different from other photography genres?

—The volume mainly. You're producing 500, 600, 700 or more images for a wedding. In fashion that might be 7. In terms of the process there are more similarities than differences though.

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

—I've heard in some cultures it steals your soul, I kind of agree with that. Photography has no place in the middle of a good time, it's only ever a vibe killer. It's disconnects the person taking the picture from everyone else.

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

—Film camera. Because the images back makes the process meaningful and makes me fee something. I rarely look back on holiday photos from my phone and when I do it's not the same as I've already seen them.

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

—I bought a thing in the early days you could put a memory card in and it would save the images and show them on a screen,it was portable. It was only 40 gigs though and I hardly ever used it.

—What is absolutely unacceptable when taking photos?

—For me it's not being empathetic to the moment. So if it's clear there's an emotional moment, maybe between the Dad and daughter or the couple, then don't say thing anything or change it.

—Who would you choose to try taking photos with?

—When you say "try taking photos with"? You mean I sneak up beside them? Sounds a strange idea... I think I like it. Let's say anyone with a commission to photograph the Royals.

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

—Don't listen to any advice. But other than that, be nice to people. Honestly and not only because it comes back in spades in business but also because it's the right thing to do.

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

—Well I could say being happy. But I've just read Derren Browns "Happiness"and it's really hard work being happy.

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

—I can always see where things might be able to be improved. Sometimes I'm pleased with results given certain circumstances.

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

—Make sure you click with the photographer as a person in the Skype and that you feel something when you look at the work.

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

—They were strict. I'm less strict but it's hard to say they should have been different, my Dad was a kid in the thirties.

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

—There's not really one mistake, but putting more into the business side is always something I need to remember to do.

—What are your plans for tomorrow?

—Editing, picking the kids up and a dog walk. The only thing I tend to show on Insta stories are dog walks.

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

—I was painting some dots onto small cubes with toxic paint yesterday but stopped as it was a bit dicey...

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

—I wouldn't say hate, but I look back on colour and am always wondering if it could have been better.

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

—Recently Jamie Hawsworth. His series in the Preston bus garage, the colour is absolutely beautiful.

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

—The occasional moment where the colours, shapes and mood marry up to some how bring meaning to it.

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

—The Teatime Islands Ben Fogle. I'd like to see what it was like being Ben Fogle for a day.

—Can you specify whom would you love to shoot?

—I like fashion so anyone wearing something that looks good that they feel comfortable in.

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

—Lot's. Just because there's lots to worry about. Life, having fun, not being a bad Dad.

—How do you spend your leisure time?

—A bit of 5-aside, friends, music and films. I listen to music pretty constantly.

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

—yes, it will be much better. It always gets better. Or maybe there's a ceiling.

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

—Nothing. You take the ups and downs no matter what path you take.

—Do you believe in the traditional gender roles?

—They needed to change. We're definitely in a better place now.

—What would you prefer to change in the world?

—Would a flippant answer here not be in the right tone?

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

—Not sure. Maybe just shown them my ears or something.

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

—Maybe David Lynch after the new Twin Peaks.

—What makes you continue shooting?

—I love the finished results when it works.

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

—Any number of people we're all aware of.

—Do you look good in pictures?

—If I'm dressed for tennis I look great.

—Do you like travelling?

—Absolutely. I don't get to do it often.

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

—Aside from the obvious ones. Not sure.

—What would you alter in yourself if possible?

—I'd like my hair to grown more slowly.

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

—I'm generally pretty open. I think.

—Where would you prefer to live?

—Wherever there's life and people.

—Do you make friends with ease?

—If it's a night club then sure!

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

—I don't have a single person.

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

—Depends who it's coming from.

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

—I wanted to be a film maker.

—How do you improve your photography skills?

—Just doing it a lot.

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

—Drama or Thriller.

—Is there life in the Universe?

—So they say.

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

—Not really.

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

—Not sure.

—What would you prefer to change around you?

—Not sure.

—Life is great thanks to:

—Life.

—The most troubling thing in life is:

—Life.

—Do you believe in life after wedding?

—Yes.

—Cats or dogs?

—Dogs

—Do you shoot wedding photos only?

—No.