Snap Happy: Three South-West Wedding Photographers We Love!
So, for our latest blog, we got in touch with three of our favourite wedding photographers with some questions about what they do and why they love it so much. We’re proud to feature them – and their work – in all their glory! So, if you’re looking for a wedding photographer in the South West, we might just be about to introduce you to your ideal match…
Freya Steele
Freya is a fun-loving, Bristol-based wedding photographer, who is passionate about capturing your special day without the awkwardness of forced posing, or long sessions spent away from your friends and family. Her down-to-Earth approach makes her perfect for self-conscious couples!
Freya, what do you love most about your job?
I love being able to witness someone’s best day of their lives. Everyone is happy at a wedding, no one is ever complaining. It’s so wonderful to meet such a variety of people. I think it’s hilarious that I am the most ignored person at the beginning of the day but when people have had a drink, they love me and my camera!
What’s the biggest piece of advice you’d give to couples searching for a wedding photographer?
Great question! The most important thing when searching for your wedding photographer is that you really get along with them, because then you’ll feel comfortable and confident when in front of the camera.
I also think it is such a good idea to do an engagement photoshoot before the big day, to practise. And remember, you don’t have to stick to traditions! Wear a black dress, put on your comfy Dr Martens, have a Colin the Caterpillar as your wedding cake. It’s your day, do it your way!
What do you think makes a really great wedding photo?
Being up for anything! Trust your photographer – if they want to walk 10 minutes to a certain spot and you can’t be arsed, do it any way because you won’t regret it! You only have a wedding once. And please don’t get Uncle Bob or a friend who has a camera to do your wedding photos! It’s a great investment to have a wedding photographer, so don’t skimp on it, even if it’s just a few hours’ coverage.
Can you share a wedding photography experience you’ve had that really sticks in your memory?
My fave experience was when bride Robyn and her groom Josh had their first look at one another on the beach, before their wedding ceremony. It was so romantic and such a gorgeous moment between just them! Robyn and Josh are now two of my best friends, because they had a baby at the same time as me!
More about Freya and of examples of her work can be found here: https://www.freyasteelephotography.com/
Pippa Volans
Bristol-based Pippa began her photography career at a culinary academy, taking beautiful pictures of food! She then branched out into the world of wedding photography and is exceptionally passionate about what she does, priding herself on creating a personalised experience for every couple she works with.
Pippa, what do you love most about your job?
The people and the fact it’s one of the best days of someone’s life, so therefore it’s a joyous occasion. It’s such a privilege to be invited into a day that’s so personal and full of emotion. I love capturing the real moments; the nerves, the joy, the weird bits, the quiet ones…
Every wedding is different and that’s what keeps it interesting!
What’s the biggest piece of advice you’d give to couples searching for a wedding photographer?
Remember, the 3 P’s: personality, portfolio and price!
Choose someone whose work you love and who you feel comfortable around. You spend a huge part of your day with your photographer, so that connection really matters. If you trust them and feel relaxed, your photos will reflect that.
What do you think makes a really great wedding photo?
It has to feel like something. It doesn’t need to be perfect, it just has to take you straight back to that moment and make you feel it all over again. That’s what proper storytelling is.
Can you share a wedding photography experience you’ve had that really sticks in your memory?
An American couple hired me for their elopement in the Isle of Skye. They said their vows at the top of Neist Point, with the sea and the lighthouse in the background. The bride told me she used to go looking for lighthouses with her dad when she was little, so the location really meant something to her.
My wife was their celebrant too, which made it even more special. It was simple, quiet and full of meaning. One of those days that just felt right and it was so much fun
Find out more about Pippa and see examples of her work here: https://www.pippavolansphotography.co.uk/
James Clarke
James is based in Somerset and is proud to help couples share their unique stories through his photography. He is committed to making couples feel relaxed and supported from the moment they first get in touch, to the moment they hold their wedding photos in their hands!
James, what do you love most about your job?
There are a few things for me as a wedding photographer that make me tick! I love interacting with guests on the wedding day and helping everyone to feel at ease and enjoy the day – it helps me to get the candid style of photographs I’m after. Getting to know everyone’s names also helps with that, too.
Then the obvious thing is the delivery of the photos and receiving the feedback. I’ve done a few different jobs where there is no feedback at all, so receiving such kind words is thoroughly enjoyable!
Overall, it’s just such a satisfying job and industry to be in. You’re effectively at so many people’s best days of their lives and helping capture it for them. Don’t worry if you see me tear up during speeches – it’s my downfall, but it shows that I care for each couple!
What’s the biggest piece of advice you’d give to couples searching for a wedding photographer?
I’m probably quite unique in saying this, but I want what’s best for each couple and if that means telling couples to look around and them choosing to book with someone else, then that is fine.
Like most suppliers for your wedding, you want to work with people that fit with you and your day. A wedding photographer is at your wedding all day – they’ll be with your guests and venue staff – so you don’t want a photographer that is not “YOU.”
The best way to get to know your photographer is by picking up the phone and chatting with them, or booking an engagement shoot and seeing how they work. Again, you want a photographer that you can trust and get on with, so look around and more importantly, talk!
What do you think makes a really great wedding photo?
For me it’s just seeing the couple being themselves in the moment. I do not overly force couples into poses – I’d rather encourage the couple to be as natural as possible.
I do this in two ways –
1) Asking each couple before their wedding to send me example photos of what they are comfortable doing on their day.
2) For couples’ photos in particular, I love picking bits out from earlier in the day that I see is really natural for the couple and I try to replicate that.
Can you share a wedding photography experience you’ve had that really sticks in your memory?
Such a hard question, there’s been so many!
There is one wedding that does come to mind though and that was a wedding I shot quite recently, where I think all the guests got so comfortable with me being around that I was even being asked to dance with them! I felt like that was a huge win that not only the couple were cool with me, but everyone else felt the same way.
That same wedding, the best man’s speech was hilarious and he broke out into singing a song from Hamilton and serenading the groom, it was so funny and one of those moments where you felt like not overshooting and just enjoying the moment too.
Discover more about James and see his portfolio here: https://www.justjamesweddings.com/
Have You Found Your Perfect Wedding Photographer?
We hope you’ve enjoyed this photographer spotlight! Wedding photos are such an important part of your big day, it’s really important to find the right person who can help you to create some treasured memories. We’re really proud to recommend Freya, Pippa and James and we hope you’ve enjoyed reading all about them!
Don’t forget, if you’re planning your wedding and you still haven’t found your dream dress, you can book your appointment at Bys Vyken Bridal here – we can’t wait to welcome you!