Photographers in Norwich: wedding photography portfolios

—First and foremost – whom can you name as the best wedding photographer in Norwich? :)

—Well, me.. obviously ;-)
There are many fabulous photographers in Norwich who I deeply respect and would be in the running for "best".. Not going to name names. I firmly believe everyone has their own niche and as we're all different, with different styles & approaches, we all get along brilliantly and life is good!

—What should be the criteria for a bride and a groom to choose their wedding photographer?

—You've got to get on with your photographer (we spend a LOT of time together on the day) and trust them to do what they do.

—Are there any trends in wedding photography?

—Digital only – USBs are disappearing in favour of online galleries and am finding traditional group shots are less in demand this year than in previous. Much more of a trend towards fun, genuine documentary coverage.

—Is there anything among your gadgets that you wish you haven't bought? Why?

—A massive, expensive, illuminated backdrop – had a vision of shooting studio images with clean white backgrounds... it's been in the garage for 3 years now.

—How do you educate yourself to take better pictures?

—Continually learning. Have to keep learning – blogs, social media, workshops; soaking up everything I can to further my craft.

—What are the most important components of a good photo in your opinion?

—It has to tell a story – if the image doesn't speak to you or trigger an emotional reaction, it's not "good" :)

—How do you handle criticism?

—Willingly – firmly believe you should never stop learning and handling criticism / feedback is a vital part of that.

—What things are to be avoided when shooting?

—Disrupting the natural ebb & flow of events. Staging shots destroys realism.

—How did you get into wedding photography?

—Have always loved photography from an early age and adore the fact I get to be a part of so many awesomely unique special days AND do what I love doing :)

—What is the biggest mistake you have ever made at work?

—Dropped a camera once... during morning preparations. Fortunately, it bounced.

—What is special in wedding photography?

—Unique unrepeatable moments – no opportunity to simply do stuff again. Has to be right, first time, every time.

—Do you have any professional taboos?

—Don't think so.... Probably have something somewhere but we'll see!

—When are you completely satisfied with your work?

—Never.. when that day arrives it's time to hang up the cameras.

—What do you like most about your profession?

—Being able to capture unique moments and making people happy!

—What do you worry about, and why?

—Missing something; gear failures, not getting to a wedding!

—What influences the value of a photo? What are its elements?

—Strong composition, interesting subject, emotive content.

—Would you rather be liked or respected?

—Both? Probably respected but would happily accept liked.

—What things that common people don't usually see can a wedding photographer notice?

—Artificial lighting colour & quality!!

—When you're going to travel, what do you take with you and why?

—Enough gear to cover most eventualities!

—If you could go back in time, what would you do differently?

—Start shooting professionally earlier

—Are you photogenic?

—Nope! Much safer behind the camera!

—What will be the future of wedding photography?

—Sadly I've worn out my crystal ball

—What about life on other planets?

—It must be out there.... somewhere!

—What do you do in your spare time?

—Edit & catch up on life/family!

—What is the one thing you wish you knew when you started taking photos?

—You won't be perfect from day 1.

—Are you fond of travelling?

—Yes! I love seeing new places.

—What do you like least about your profession?

—Editing and admin

—Who do you want to take photos of?

—Happy people!

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

—1. They like the photographers work
2. They like the photographer – as they will be with them all day
3. That the package is right for them

—Are there tendencies in wedding photography?

—God yes – People used to love black and white photos with colour pulled out of some details like the flowers.
There are endless examples – again it helps keep the profession fresh.
I would love to say I have started one – maybe I have without even knowing.

—Do you like travelling?

—Of course – but with most of my weddings in close proximity to my Norwich studio I do not get to travel as much as I would like.
Norwich has so many good wedding venues that I am spoilt for choice and so only seem to shoot the same venue twice a year – so that is nice

—Do you look good in pictures?

—It depends on the day!
I think everybody is photogenic – its just about capturing them in the right light.
Everybody has a favourite photo of themselves and its great when I am the photographer thats taken it.

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

—Wedding days go in a flash (excuse the pun)
By the time I have time to look at my watch (iphone – nobody has watches these days) that its 8pm and I only have an hour left to shoot of the wedding day.

—How do you deal with criticism?

—Positive criticism is great as it helps move you forward –
although obviously bad criticism is hard to take (or so I hear!)

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

—Lighting – but a good friend of mine said shadow is maybe the most important thing to look at and I tend to agree with him.

—What is absolutely unacceptable when taking photos?

—I think ever thing should be allowed – no barriers.
This way more interesting shots can be created.

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

—Everything is great. I even love my competitors – as it keeps you fresh and looking for new ideas.

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

—I studied at Norwich School of Art and Design.
When I left there I worked in Design but my passion for photography took over and soon became my full time career.

—What makes wedding photography different from other photography genres?

—That every couple is unique and every wedding day is different.
Working around happy people is a joy.

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

—I see it changing with the technology – Will it be 3D? – maybe if the force is strong enough!