Cinematic wedding portraits, without the stiff posing
Half an hour away from everyone, some good light and a little gentle direction. Then I let the two of you just be together.
- Style
- Cinematic, natural and gently directed
- Light
- Soft daylight, window light and golden hour
- Time
- About 30 to 40 minutes, plus a few at sunset
- Included
- In every wedding package
What I mean by cinematic
The portraits are my favourite part of a wedding. I like them to feel like a still from your own film: the place you chose, the light on the day, and the two of you in the middle of it, getting on with being married.
Sometimes that means stepping right back so a street, a long drive or a country house tells part of the story. Sometimes it means getting close, with the background melting away so all that’s left is a look or a laugh. Often it’s about the light: a window, a shady doorway or the low evening sun.
You don’t need to know how to pose. I’ll find the spot, get you roughly in place, then let you talk and cuddle in. The best ones usually happen in between my suggestions.
The two of you, and where you are
Wide frames that make the most of your venue and the places nearby, from Lichfield’s Cathedral Close and Minster Pool to the long drive at Swinfen Hall, the avenue at Hoar Cross Hall and the moat at The Moat House.
A look, a laugh, a moment
Get close, let the background fall away, and the small things become the whole picture.
Finding the light
A window, a dark doorway, the sun behind you. Light does a lot of the work in a portrait, so it’s the first thing I look for.
See portraits as part of the whole day
Every real wedding includes a set of portraits. A few favourites:
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Fairlawns Hotel & Spa · Aldridge
Hayley & Marco
Hayley and Marco, glowing in the evening sun at Fairlawns.
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The Boat House, Aston Marina · Stone
Erika & Ashley
Erika and Ashley under a willow and a dramatic sky at Aston Marina.
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The West Mill · Derby
Ellisha & Miriam
Ellisha and Miriam, nose to nose beneath a shared veil at The West Mill.
How portrait time works
It’s relaxed, it’s quick, and you won’t be missing your own wedding.
We plan it together
Before the day, we’ll look at your timings and your venue and find a good moment, ideally when the light is at its best.
One main session, then sunset
The main portrait session takes around 30 to 40 minutes. Then, if the timings work, we’ll pop out again briefly around sunset for the golden light.
Gentle direction, then I step back
I’ll get you roughly in place and give you something to do or talk about. Then I let you be yourselves.
Wherever suits you
Your venue’s grounds, a doorway, a quiet street nearby, or a window inside if the weather turns.
Questions couples ask
How long do the portraits take?
The main session is around 30 to 40 minutes, so you’re not away from your guests for long. If the timings work, we’ll also slip out for a few minutes around sunset.
We’re awkward in front of a camera. Will that show?
Most couples tell me that, and it rarely shows. I give gentle prompts rather than poses, keep you chatting and moving, and the natural moments in between are usually the best.
What if it rains?
We’ll use a doorway, a porch or a big window. Soft, rainy-day light can be lovely, and an umbrella makes for a cosy photo.
When is the best time for portraits?
Evening light is my favourite, so if your timings allow, I’ll suggest a few minutes as the sun gets low. We’ll work it out together when we plan your day.
Do you only take posed photos?
No. Most of your wedding is documentary: I photograph what happens without getting in the way. The portraits are the one part where I give a little direction.
“He was so professional, friendly, and made us feel comfortable even when taking the couple shots!”
Want portraits like these?
Tell me your date and where you’re getting married, and I’ll let you know if I’m free.
No pressure. No obligation. Just a friendly conversation.