What is your most memorable wedding?
I have been fortunate to have been involved with many memorable weddings, but it's always the unexpected which really resonates with me. Asian and African weddings are full of colour (and great food), while urban weddings often have a gritty, edgy vibe that can also make for wonderful photographs (think skyscrapers and graffiti). However, if I had to choose it would be any of those involving unexpected family members or guests arriving from some far-flung part of the world to the complete surprise of the wedding couple.
Describe your style in 5 adjectives.
Fun, spontaneous, professional, natural, unobtrusive.
What about your business are you most proud of?
The friends I make at each wedding.
What is your No. 1 wedding planning tip for couples?
It will be probably take twice as long as you think to take the group photos, so factor this into your timeline.
What is your favourite personal touch you have seen at a wedding?
I love it when the wedding cake has been handmade by a family member - that's always a great personal touch.
Describe your typical process with a couple.
We'll have an initial no-obligation consultation, which can either be in-person, video (e.g. Zoom) or even a normal phone call!! Then if they decide to book me, I'll send the couple an online questionnaire around 6 weeks before the wedding day to fine-tune the schedule, create a group photo list and identify and special requirements that I may need to be aware of.
What is the No. 1 photo that you think every couple should take?
Some couples like to be guided/posed while others find it awkward. However, I think that even if you're in the latter category, it's well worth taking 20-30 mins at some point during the day to leave your guests behind, get some air and have some couple photos taken away from all the hustle and bustle. Then, if it's a gorgeous evening I'd suggest nipping out again for 10 minutes or so to take some golden-hour sunset pictures.
What is the most original photo you’ve been asked to take at a wedding?
Possibly of the bride and groom at a tenpin bowling alley. I was in the middle of the lanes trying to avoid getting struck by the balls!
What do you recommend for a rainy day wedding?
Weather is no barrier to great photographs. Professional cameras and lenses works just fine in low light, while my flash kit will ensure we can continue to create gorgeous memories indoors if need be. Plus, if you don't mind getting a little wet, I can take some really nice pictures of people under umbrellas anyway.
Describe how you got into photography.
I've had an interest in photography since I was a young boy, but being made redundant from an office job in 2015 is what really spurred me into taking it up full-time. It was the best thing that happened to me.