Tag Archive for: Award Winning wedding photographer

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Why I Love Wedding Photography

With wedding season almost in full swing and my calendar filling up fast, I couldn’t help but think about how much I love what I do. Thinking back to when I took the plunge and became a full-time wedding photographer actually gives me goosebumps. It was such a daunting time, but deep down I knew it was right and I’m so happy I did.

Over the past 16 months, my work as a photographer has developed from a passion in what I do, to an absolute love and I have to thank the amazing couples I’ve worked with for that. I find it such a privilege capturing those magical moments and giving them to a couple to treasure forever.

There are so many things about wedding photography that I love, but there are some things that truly stand out for me:

The Excitement

As a wedding photographer, I do get to miss all the chaos and stress that often comes during the build-up to the big day. What I love is being part of the excitement. I love to see the range of emotions that come when a couple’s planning finally comes to fruition, from love to pure joy it’s an amazing experience being in the midst of it all.

The Relationships

Since beginning my journey into wedding photography the relationships I’ve made with my couples is something I treasure. From the first point of contact to meeting the couple, engagement shoots and communication right up to the big day, I love how natural it feels capturing each and every moment when the wedding arrives., due to the relationships we’ve formed. From often being so closely involved a couple’s magical day, I must say I always take something special away on a personal level too.

The Challenge

Wedding photography is definitely a challenge I love. From the technical to the editing it’s these challenges that drive my passion. With every setting being different from weather to lighting I am always learning something new. I’ve also learnt how important it is to always be on the lookout for the emotions most will miss. Every wedding is unique and you never know when the most tender and emotional moments may come, finding those is a challenge I love and it certainly keeps me on my toes.

The Memories

One of the most wonderful parts of my job is that I am capturing memories to be adored for a lifetime, the I do’s, the first dance and the big family shots are always loved. However. it’s not just the notable moments I look for, I am always mindful that throughout a day the whole wedding party will go through a range of emotions, and being able to capture these often raw moments, give the best memories for my couples too, and their families. It’s touching to know what I do will be passed through generations for years to come, to be able to give that to a couple is something I will always love.

A Golden Moment

To say I love what I do would be an understatement. Meeting amazing couples, being lucky enough to share the biggest day of their life and getting to make memories that will last a lifetime is enough reward for my job, and I cherish that enormously.  

It’s so lovely though when your work is recognised away from the wedding day, and it’s not just the Bride and Groom that think your photographs are wonderful! 

I’ve been a member of the Guild of Photographers for two years now, and every month they have a competition that members can enter.  It’s only been in the last eighteen months that I’ve been brave to enough to enter some of my favourite shots. Having your work looked at by your peers and voted for by some of the top photographers in the country is nerve-racking, to say the least!    

I recently submitted a picture I took at the wedding of Puja and Sam at the Belsfield Hotel in Windermere.  It was one of those days where rain almost stopped play, and we were inside for most of the photos because of the wet weather. The hotel is part of the Laura Ashley chain, so we were spoilt for choice with the gorgeous interior and I took a shot of Puja on the stairwell holding her bouquet.  It was a beautiful shot and my favourite of the day – and also the one I entered into the competition.   

To my absolute delight, I got a call to say I had won a Gold Award in the wedding category, which is very rarely handed out, so for me to get it was a massive achievement and a real honour. When I found out I was literally screaming around the house! I told Puja and Sam that one of their wedding photographs had won and they were just as thrilled, it’s one of their favourite shots of the day too.  

Winning the Gold Award means I now have enough awards to become a lifelong member of The Guild, which supports top photographers around the world, from wedding photographers to arts and documentary specialists.  

I can’t tell you how much this means to me, and to be honest I’m still a little bit in shock! 

You can see the winning shot below.

Let me know what you think, and please do get in touch if you think I’m the kind of photographer you’d like for your special day.

A Little Announcement

It’s been so busy over the last few months with weddings all over the place, from family farms in Frodsham to stunning Scottish settings, and who can forget THAT owl, but I’m delighted to share that some of my photographs have been chosen for awards!

My most recent award is so very special to me. Being named as the Regional Welsh Photographer of the Year by The Wedding Awards. It’s incredibly humbling to have won this as it’s a very prestigious award and the other photographers involved are truly talented photographers too.

And who can forget the owl that stole the show and sent me viral across the internet! I’m so pleased this image has been chosen by Masters of Wedding Photography, as the entries are judged by some of the top international wedding photographers, which means a lot to me.

 

Three images have also been recognised by The Weddison Awards. This is an International Wedding Photography Contest that holds wedding photography competitions every month. Thousands of photographers enter, and the ones chosen to go in a Collection, which is published every month on their Website and Instagram page. Less than 10% of all photographs are chosen, so I’m thrilled that three of mine made it into the Collections. At the end of each competition year, Weddison publishes the List of the Best International Wedding Photographers – I’ve got my fingers crossed I’ll be on it!

 

Sadly, it rained for most of the day for this couple. But as I was getting ready to leave Thornton Hall Hotel and Spa, I could see the sky changing colour and it was just stunning, so I quickly ran back into the venue to get the couple back out again. I’m so glad I did……

You may recognise this one from the Frodsham Marquee Wedding I blogged about a few weeks ago.  This image was taken when I was packing away my gear in the marquee and I could see the bride and groom having a moment in the distance. The light was just stunning, and I love how they are framed with the river in the distance too.

This image was taken at Peckforton Castle set in beautiful grounds within Cheshire. It was snowing, and the bride wasn’t keen on many shots outside. This was taken in the great hall and the light was shining through the windows and I asked the couple to stand in the bright sunlight. I just think it’s perfect light and the bride looks stunning.

I absolutely love my job, and if you like my style of photography, then let’s talk soon about your wedding.