Congratulations on your engagement! Planning a wedding is an exciting journey, and choosing the right photographer should feel easy and enjoyable. Bob Dowell is an award-winning wedding photographer based in the Cotswolds who specialises in a natural, relaxed storytelling style. He focuses on capturing the genuine, unscripted moments of your day—no awkward poses—so you can fully enjoy every celebration.
Couples often say Bob feels like a friend at their wedding. His calm and approachable manner helps everyone—from the wedding party to your guests—feel comfortable and at ease. This lets him blend effortlessly into your day, capturing the big moments, the quiet ones, and all the heartfelt emotions in between. Bob combines professionalism with warmth, guiding you naturally to bring out authentic smiles and connections.
One that sticks in my mind is an outdoor wedding in Texas with Ashley & Chris. It was about 40°C, the bride and groom were in cowboy boots, and the guests had their hats off for the vows. It was totally different from a UK wedding — I was melting, but the couple were having the best time. It reminded me that, whatever the setting, it’s all about the people.
Basically, I’m there to capture your day as it happens — no awkward posing or cheesy shots. I’m all about real moments and making sure you feel comfortable (and yes, I’ll help get your family out of the bar for the group photos!).
The fact that couples feel at ease with me. I’m there to do more than just take photos — I’m there to help make your day run smoothly, whether that’s pinning on a buttonhole, calming nerves, or grabbing you a drink! It’s more than a job for me, and I like to think couples pick up on that.
Book your suppliers early (especially your photographer — hint hint).
Oh, and if you can, hire a pizza van! Nothing brings people together at 10 pm like a slice of pizza.
A live painter creating a canvas of the day as it unfolded. By the time the first dance happened, they’d finished the painting — and it looked incredible. Way better than my stick figures.
We’ll have a catch-up a few weeks before the wedding, so I can hear all about your plans and get a sense of the vibe you’re going for. On the day, I’ll be there to blend in, capture the moments that matter, and make sure everything feels relaxed. Basically, you’ll forget I’m there… until I try and make you giggle during your couple’s portraits.
The couple’s portraits. You get a chance to step away from the chaos, catch your breath, and just enjoy each other’s company. Plus, I guarantee those are the photos you’ll frame and look back on for years to come — after you’ve recovered from the dance floor moves.
I once did a shoot on a pier with swans swimming alongside the bride and groom. It was like something out of a movie — until one swan got a bit too close. Let’s just say the groom didn’t expect to share his first dance with a water dwelling bird.
Don’t panic! Some of the best photos happen when you just roll with it. We’ll find some great indoor spots, or we can grab umbrellas and make the rain part of your story. A bit of drizzle never ruined a good time — it’s basically a British wedding tradition.
I was working as a videographer on a cruise ship when I was asked to cover for a photographer who was unwell. I picked up the camera, and that was it — I was hooked. Turns out, people like being in photos more when they don’t know they’re in them. That’s the approach I’ve stuck with ever since.