• The secret we all want to reveal – who is the best wedding photographer in Manchester?

—Wow – Straight to the point, I like it. I'm not usually a fence sitter but photography is such that it's an art form so picking between a variety of talents and styles is tricky. I'll have to admit, my hero who I believe creates the most insane, stella work is based out in Canada. So I'll have to reserve judgement on Manchester for now.

​

 

• Do you look good in pictures?

​

—Awful – Period. Maybe I've spent too much time with wedding couples as thats the line they like to use before we put them at ease. 

​

 

• How did you start working in the wedding photography field?

​

—I used to be a portrait / commercial photographer but after shooting a friends wedding I fell in love with the industry. It's ability to allow you complete creative freedom which constantly changes from wedding to wedding is the challenge I love and wake up every morning thriving for.

​

 

• What are the key elements that make a photo attractive?

​

—Composition, composition, composition. It's easy to pick up a camera and take a snap ( Kinda true ) But it's the ability to know where to be, and when, along with how to frame that image that determines whether the image will be a success or not. That my friend, only comes with experience. Apart from that, of course lighting is hugely important.

​

 

• Do you like travelling?

​

—Love it, I was lucky enough this year to shoot a wedding in Borgo Di Tragliata, which is a stunning wedding venue set on an old farm about an hours drive outside of Rome. My partner and I also love to travel in our spare time. Oddly, she loves nothing more than packing a suitcase! (Something I find a huge bonus to her personality) We've been across Europe together but will be venturing further a field this year to Africa.

​

 

• What is there in your work that brings you joy?

​

—Itt has to be the creative element. Styles constantly change in life and it's our challenge as professional photographers to adapt to that, creating imagery which will stand the test of time, yet is still modern and fresh.

​

 

• Is there anything in your work that you don't like or even hate?

​

—Not particularly. Not a massive fan of accounts (Being a creative) But I've recently hired an accountant so that should solve that problem!

​

 

• Can you imagine what wedding photography will be like in future?

​

—My personal feeling is that photographers (me alike) are catching up with the insane pace of technology growth and development. Personally, I think wedding photography will be more composite based and stand out fine art imagery will be demanded from wedding couples. Something which I'm currently striving for in my own body of work. From what I'm gathering clients are enjoying slapping portrait art work on their walls! 

​

 

• What makes wedding photography different from other photography genres?

​

—It's outside of a studio for one. This opens up a whole new world (literally) of creativity. You're now not limited to one setting, or one idea. But a constant evolving set of stories which you have a split second to capture in a way which meets your style and clients expectations. It's daunting, but that's why we love it!

​

 

• How do you deal with criticism?

​

—Smile.

​

 

• What should future newlyweds pay attention to when looking for a wedding photographer?

​

—Experience for me. It's very easy to find a photographer who is looking to build their portfolio, or sell images in exchange for a low rate. But what your forgetting as a couple is that they don't have the necessary experience to know where to stand, or how to light you properly in changing conditions. For those who know a little about wedding photography, these two elements are HUGE and essentially what determines if an image is EPIC or bog standard.
In addition, the editing process is also a key part of delivery to clients, and when starting out photographers are still trying to find their way and create a style which their known for. This can lead to some wayward imagery.
Apart from making sure they have the experience (Min 30 weddings). Make sure you click with them. It's so important to create a repor with your client / photographer as this, from my experience, leads to more expressive / emotive and engaging photography.

​

 

• What is absolutely unacceptable when taking photos?

​

—Picking your nose whilst doing a group shot? Ha, that made me chuckle. As long as it's not offensive and you're doing something to create standout imagery, GO FOR IT! Apologise later.

​

 

• What details that usually pass unnoticed can a wedding photographer capture?

​

—Gestures. Hands are great things, they give away alot to a photographer. Your grandma placing her hand on your shoulder shortly after you are married for example is a touching moment. These little details are easily missed, but if captured correctly, are powerful moments.

​

 

• Who is the 21st century symbol to your mind?

​

—My E-Cigerette. Not sure, maybe because it's with me and I'm desperate in my attempts to quit smoking. We live an hope!

​

 

• Can you specify whom would you love to shoot?

​

—Aiden Brady. Awesome older gentleman who's face is full of expression. Check out his Instagram, cool guy.

​

 

• Is there anything in your work that you treat as prohibited "tricks"?

​

—This always throws up debate amongst photographers. In my opinion, use everything in your power to create the image you have in your mind. As long as you are not taking other people's work and adapting it for yourself, it's open for me.

​

 

• Do you believe in the superstition that a photo replicates the soul of the pictured person?

​

—Getting a bit deep here, ha! In some instances yes. If that is the emotion you are trying to pull out of the image then sure, why not. I do believe, and this comes from my portrait background, that your ability as a photographer should allow you to jump on somebody's personality and pull that through the lens to the final image. Something Peter Hurley (Portrait Photographer) is a master at.

 

• Who would you choose to try taking photos with?

—Another question to find who my role model is? Ha. You'll have to wait and see for that day! I'll let you all know when it happens, but for now I'd like to keep that card close to my chest.

 

• Is there anything that worries you? What & why?

​

--- Not really, I grew up in a big family and being the youngest I've had to fight for everything, lol food off older brothers etc from a young age. My parents also sent me to a boarding school at 16 so I learnt to be self sufficient quite early. Something that I'm hugely grateful for as it's given me the confidence and know how to GO GET!

 

• What cartoon, film or book character would you become if you had a chance?

 

—Batman. Cliche, but I love cars. I bought myself a black convertible last year and drive around pretending I'm batman regularly. 

 

• What person in your life is your muse & source of inspiration?

—Dad – Although he is no longer around. He was the most intelligent person I new and his attitude towards life was inspirational.

 

• What is success to you? How can one measure it?

—Life fulfilment. In whatever form that resides in.

​

 

• What mistake in your professional experience you treat as the biggest one?

​

—Not putting in my contract to be on the set food menu during the wedding! Wow – I was super hungry on my first ever solo shoot. To the point where I ended up eating a half eaten snickers from the backseat of my car to keep me going. Yeah, not ideal.

​

 

• When travelling, what do you usually take with you & why?

​

—I travel light and have modifiers which allow me to do so. 2 x bodies, 4 x flashes, 3 x light stands and a bag of triggers, modifiers and lenses.

​

 

• What devices that you own you regret you bought and why?

​

—My first ever E-cig. It cost too much and I broke it on day 2. Ouch.

​

 

• How do you improve your photography skills?

​

—Taking inspiration from others, keeping my eye on changing fashions and adapting myself to surroundings. I'm a member of various wedding organisations which promote exceptional wedding imagery and I aspire (like others) to constantly be my best. Whether that's good or bad, is subject to opinion.

​

 

• Whose works made an impact on you as a wedding photographer?

​

—Haha – attempt number 3! Those cards are still tightly concealed.

​

 

• What key message are you trying to convey with your pictures?

​

—Again, cliche but massively true. Your story as a couple and your connection between you, your family and friends. Told in a creative way through powerful, eye catching imagery.

​

 

• What makes you continue shooting?

​

—The buzz of clients reactions when they receive the final album. Plus, the constant growth as a photographer is addictive.

​

​

• In your opinion, should your parents have been more or less strict to you as a child?

​

—They were awesome. Honestly, they could not have done more.

​

 

• Imagine that you can travel back in time. What would you do differently?

​

—Spent more time with my dad. There was a lot left in his mind which I could have benefited from for sure.

​

 

• Is there life in the Universe?

​

—Powerful, haha! Sure, whatever this means...​

​

 

• How do you spend your leisure time?

​

—Keeping fit at the gym, socialising with friends and family and travelling where possible.

​

 

• Do you make friends with ease?

​

—Sure, I'm an easy going guy.

​

 

• What thing is the silliest one you've ever agreed to do?

​

—With photography, nothing is too silly. Sillier the better in my opinion.

​

​

• Have a best-loved joke? Share it with us!

​

—Okay it's bad, which makes it good, I think!. Here goes
"How do you make Holy Water?......... you boil the HELL out of it!

​

 

• Cats or dogs?

​

—Dogs for sure! Although we have a cat. Honestly, I wear the trousers, she just tells me which pair.

​

 

• What would you prefer to change in the world?

​

—Big believer in philanthropy. If I were president/prime minister, I would make it compulsory that all FTSE250 companies have to donate 2% of profits to charitable organisations.

​

 

• Give some advice to a wedding photographer who is a beginner.

​

—Second shoot, gain experience until you are confident, experienced enough to go alone.

​

 

• Imagine aliens come to our planet. You are the first human they meet. What would you tell them?

​

—Nikon or Canon?

​

 

• If you have a chance to shoot a movie, what genre will you choose?

​

—Cinematic thriller.

​

 

• What are your plans for tomorrow?

​

—Editing! Then a cold beer sat in front of the fire.