A BIT ABOUT ME
Leaving the world of corporate account management (advertising) I turned my hand to wedding photography 8 years ago. Since then I've been fortunate enough to shoot everywhere from St Paul's Cathedral to the Cotswolds and overseas destinations from Italy to the Spanish Coast. As well as some great of features and editorial.
I limit the amount of weddings I photograph each year to 25. This helps me keep fresh and able to deliver 100% to each and every couple - treating one wedding as uniquely as the next.
People frequently note how much I'm always smiling on the day and that's simply because I love connecting with people, and I want my photos to reflect that.
MEET JOE
Leaving the world of corporate account management (advertising) I turned my hand to wedding photography around 7 years ago. Since then I've been fortunate enough to shoot everywhere from St Paul's Cathedral to the Cotswolds and overseas destinations from Italy to the Spanish Coast. As well as some great of features and editorials, even a magazine cover.
By limiting the amount of weddings I photograph each year to 25 this helps me keep fresh and able to deliver 100% to each and every couple - treating one wedding as uniquely as the next.
People frequently note how much I'm always smiling on the day and that's simply because I love connecting with people, and I want my photos to reflect that. Plus, smiles are contagious right?
Generally speaking, wedding photography should be about telling stories without over complicating things. My relaxed and approachable demeanour means I'm great at blending in and capture the candid side of the day, whereas the more 'posed' shots, such as groups and couple shots are always super relaxed without any OTT poses, I'm happy to add a little direction, but ultimately let you be you.
APPROACH
In a word, relaxed. I love telling a story of the day and approaching weddings with an easy-going attitude helps me capture the real essence while counterbalancing the typical chaos of a wedding day. I’m non-demanding and aside from the odd group shot or sunset couple shot, I think it’s important to capture the day as it unfolds before me. After-all there is a-lot going on!
A record of your nearest and dearest is always a good thing so I am happy to shoot a few group shots (I usually recommend around 12), with this in mind I shoot efficiently and completely acknowledge no couple wants to be taken away from the party for too long. A bit of order is good but let’s not all be too serious - it’s a day for celebration!
I enjoy taking a few minutes with my couples to create something beautiful - special moments on a special day. My approach is mostly non-intrusive, I'm not going to ask the groom to fasten his tie over and over for 45 minutes until I get the right shot - I’ll only get involved when it's absolutely necessary such as "let's head outside - the sky is glowing orange!". Otherwise it's people laughing, crying, bashing out dance moves and you doing you. The real gold is in natural shots of you both and the wedding party.
AWAY FROM THE CAMERA...
After realising it was actually possible to enjoy the prospect of going to work and make people happy at the same time, I’ve been pretty much glued to my camera for five years. Aside from snapping, here are some more bits about me:
- Born in Hampshire, by the sea (I love sea swimming)
- I own (and occasionally ride...) a Honda CX500 Cafe Racer
- Love travelling - highlights campervanning NZ and biking around Northern Vietnam
- I have a degree in Photography
- Really really fancy myself as a snowboarder - only problem is I'm not very good!
- I’d have a body like Brad Pitt in Fight Club if cheese didn’t exist. Or crisps for that matter.
