Archives for June 2010

Unobtrusive. This is the word that I like to use whenever anyone asks me to describe my approach to photographing a wedding. The dictionary definition is simple and concise; not conspicuous or attracting attention. It sums up my philosophy perfectly.

For me, a wedding is a once-in-a-lifetime event that should be photographed quietly, sympathetically, and without the photographer dictating what happens in front of him. As soon as a photographer engages the subject or directs or controls the event, the wedding becomes the photographer's idea of what the wedding should look like, rather than what it actually is. Out of respect for the day, I prefer to record it in such a way as to produce images which are honest and truthful, and can be enjoyed for generations to come.

On the wedding day I set myself the challenge of finding pictures without directing, and by only using the available light. Within these pictures I set myself the further challenge. of finding geometry and rhythm; bringing together light, composition, and storytelling into each image. For me, a picture must not only be pleasing to the eye, but it should also have content which is strong enough to evoke an emotional response from the viewer.

For twenty years, photographing weddings has been my sole source of income, and my passion. I've covered over 1,000 wedding assignments in my career for people from all walks of life; from the girl-next-door to celebrities like Kevin Pietersen and Jessica Taylor, Jill Halfpenny and Craig Conway, and Radiohead guitarist Ed O'Brien.

My work has been exhibited all over Europe, and published worldwide; it has been featured in publications such as The Washington Post, Professional Photographer, British Journal of Photography, and The Master Photographer. I am the only British wedding photographer to be included in American Photo's list of the ten best wedding photographers in the world, and I was voted one of the top five wedding photographers in the world by the BBC and featured in the TV documentary 'Masters of Wedding Photography.' Italian luxury bridal magazine 'Just Married' named me as one of the world's best wedding photographers, and I've been voted 'You and Your Wedding' magazine's wedding photographer of the year three times.

Away from taking pictures, I am an international Ambassador for Canon cameras, and spend time each year education wedding photographers from all over the world.

My studio is based in the beautiful coastal town of Lytham in Lancashire, and although my preference is to work within the North West, I will often consider the occasional assignment further afield.