- £895Price from
- 50+Weddings shot
Photography Style
Products and Services
More Laughing, Less Posing – Relaxed Wedding Photography in Essex & Beyond
Hi, I’m Derek — an Essex wedding photographer for couples who want to enjoy their wedding day, not spend it stuck posing for photos.
I capture weddings as they really happen — the big laughs, happy tears, proud parent moments, dodgy dance moves and everything in between. The real stuff. The moments that matter most once the day is over.
My approach is relaxed, natural and hands-off. I won’t turn your wedding into a photoshoot or boss everyone about. Most couples say it feels like having a guest there with a camera… just one who knows exactly when to press the shutter.
What It Feels Like Working With Me
You get to be fully present and enjoy the day with your favourite people, while I quietly capture it all as it unfolds.
That means:
- No awkward posing
- No forced smiles
- No disappearing for hours for portraits
- No endless group photo lists
Instead, you’ll get natural images full of life, personality and genuine emotion.
I’ll give you a little guidance when needed, keep group photos quick and painless, and take you away for a few relaxed couple photos without eating into your day.
Why Couples Book Me
- 14+ years of wedding experience
- Relaxed, documentary approach
- Calm, friendly presence on the day
- Natural photos that actually feel like you
- Fast sneak peeks after the wedding
- Coverage across Essex and throughout the UK
For Couples Who Want a Proper Good Day
My vibe suits couples who care more about having fun than following traditions perfectly.
The ones planning a brilliant party, filling the room with people they love, and wanting photos that bring it all flooding back years later.
If that sounds like you, we’ll probably get on very well.
Pricing
Wedding collections start from £895
Full-day coverage from £1495
Every wedding is different, so just get in touch and I’ll happily send over the details.
Let’s Chat
If you like relaxed photography, real moments, and the idea of having someone there who feels more like a mate than a supplier, I’d love to hear about your plans.
Send me your date, venue and a little about the day — I’ll get back to you as soon as I can.
Message from the team
Experience
What is your most memorable wedding?
All weddings have something unique about them that makes them memorable. If I had to pick one, I'd choose a recent wedding that took place at Christ Church in Brentwood. The couple included a few hymns during the ceremony. Typically, there are a few singers while everyone else quietly follows along, but this wedding was different! All the guests enthusiastically joined in, belting out the hymns with gusto. It was a beautiful and fantastic experience, and it was a pleasure to be a part of it.
Describe your style in 5 adjectives.
Candid
Easy-going
Creative
Professional
Personable
What about your business are you most proud of?
I'm proud to have been trusted with so many weddings, intimate behind-the-scenes moments, and the fact that I'm genuinely creating a family heirloom for someone! It's a bit crazy when I dwell on it for too long, to be honest. I'm also proud of my longevity. Not many small businesses last a year or two, and here I am over 12 years later, still loving what I do.
What is your No.1 wedding planning tip for couples?
It's a bit of a cliché, but it's your day, so do it your way! Let go of the small things. Your day will be perfectly imperfect. Embrace whatever comes your way and enjoy it! x
What is your favourite personal touch you have seen at a wedding?
I love hearing about the personal touches on a wedding day, and this is one of the sweetest stories I’ve encountered. The bride, a school teacher, had her classroom assistant secretly have the children pen messages of love and congratulations, which were then attached to a bridal veil. It was a surprise gift in the lead-up to the wedding, one that was warmly received. On the day, the bride asked if we could use the veil with the attached messages in the photos. Yes! Of course! I couldn't pass up the opportunity to incorporate such a loving and thoughtful gift into the photos and jumped at the chance.
Describe your typical process with a couple.
I like to chat on the phone or via Zoom before booking. It's nice to have a chat about what you have planned. I get to find out a little bit more about you, and you get to determine if I'm the right photographer for you.
What is the No.1 photo that you think every couple should take?
I like photos of the grandparents, so if you're lucky enough to still have them with you, get them involved and have a lovely portrait photo with your grandparents.
What is the most original photo you’ve been asked to take at a wedding?
I don't get asked to stage photos, I'm very fortunate my couples trust me to do what I do, and they love my approach to the day.
What do you recommend for a rainy day wedding?
Smiles, a great attitude, and umbrellas.
Describe how you got into photography.
I've always been creative and love art and design. Photography is an outlet that I've pursued as an occupation. I got my start in wedding photography through my dad. Before retiring, my dad was a wedding photographer, and I had assisted and carried his bags at a few weddings before going it alone.