Observer . Storyteller . Photographer
I consider it an honour to be invited into your inner circle of friends and family, to share in your wedding day and record such special moments. I’m a people watcher at heart, always have been. It’s fascinating how people interact on a daily basis as they go about their hectic lives. To see family and friends interact at a wedding however, brings a heightened sense of love and emotion into play.
As we grow older we often find ourselves “fleeing the nest” so to speak. We spread our wings and move to pastures new. Job opportunities, travel and relationships take us to new places, often far away from where we grew up. On your wedding day, the ones you hold closest to your heart will join you in a day of celebration. As a documentary photographer I want to record it just as it is, just as the day unfolds.
As much as we’ve (hopefully become friends!) there’s no possible intervention from me that could evoke reactions such as the ones created amongst you and your loved ones. So instead I’ll quietly and unobtrusively go about my business of capturing these precious moments in time, in my own storytelling and creative way. I hope you’ll agree with my methods.
A documentary wedding photographer is ideal for couples who..
..may be a little camera shy and don’t particularly like being the centre of attention. You prefer your photographs to tell your wedding story exactly how it happened rather than set up or posed.
..value spending as much time as possible with friends and family rather than spending all day with their wedding photographer shooting a long list of staged photographs.
..want photographs to be captured with the minimum of fuss and disruption to your day. You’re looking for images that portray beautiful storytelling, real emotions, humour and genuine personalities.
GETTING READY
Getting ready photos means different things to different people. From dancing to your favourite tunes with your girls sipping bubbly in your dressing robes to the quiet moments putting on your dress or straightening your tie. I’ll arrive at a pre arranged time, capture what I see and blend in seamlessly with the mood of the moment.
THE CEREMONY
During the ceremony I’ll work with your celebrant to ensure I’m respectful and sympathetic of the settings and surroundings. I don’t use flash or interrupt in any way. Ceremonies are often religious in nature and I’ll make sure to capture all the customs and traditions that form this wonderful occasion.
CONFETTI RUN
The confetti run is such a fun moment and often comes in the form of bio degradable confetti and sometimes bubbles! It’s a good idea not to hand out drinks first because yes, I have witnessed a grandmother of the bride throw a drink over her grand daughter’s wedding dress instead of the confetti that she held in her other hand. There’s a free tip for you when planning your confetti run!
THE FORMALS
Family photographs, group shots, formals, whatever you know them as are the ones your parents will frame and sit on the mantelpiece. Without a doubt, they are a valuable record in your family history and should be photographed accordingly. I do this efficiently and respectfully in coordination with the timings set by your wedding venue.
THE SPEECHES
That time in the proceedings where we pay our respects to absent friends, thank our parents for always being there and where the best man goes totally off piste with his tales of awkward stories involving the groom in his university years. I’ve laughed and cried in equal measures and have photographed quite the collection of those classic speech moments!
THE FIRST DANCE
Some couples go to extreme lengths for the first dance and have dance lessons. Most simply go with the flow and dance in the moment. I’ve captured first dances ranging from 30 seconds of frantic 2 step trying desperately not to step on the dress to the most amazing choreographed dance routines that could win Strictly Come Dancing. I’m there for you all.