Another year gone in a flash, and that marks my fourth completed season as a wedding photographer.
Last year my work took me all over the country. This year, it took me all over the world.
Becoming a destination wedding photographer was one of my long term goals when I started my business four years ago, but I didn't expect to achieve it so quickly. I've been fortunate enough to photograph weddings in Los Angeles and Barcelona, with some more spectacular locations to come in 2024. I'm so grateful to the couples who have put their trust in me to capture their weddings abroad, and I look forward to many more travels in the future.
I've also taken my biggest steps yet toward educating other photographers. Earlier this year I gave a talk to college students on my route to self-employment and how to create a meaningful brand as a wedding photographer. I've also been mentoring Kirsty who shot her first six weddings with me this year, and over that time has become an incredible wedding photographer. Check out her amazing work here: https://kirstygreat.co.uk/
"We loved how authentically he could capture the love and joy on a wedding day"
HANNAH AND GRACE
My work this year has undergone an enormous amount of development, specifically with the post-production side. I've moved away from using a purchased preset and have been working on developing my own. This way, my photos become more of a reflection of my personal style, which is important to me as I see wedding photography as a collaboration between myself and my couples. I'd love for people to be able to look at one of my photos and know that it's my work; creating a strong brand identity is something I've strived for since the start.
This year I also won 'Highly Commended' at The Wedding Industry Awards 2024. A huge thank you to all of the couples who kindly sent in their votes and feedback, you’re the reason I can do what I do and continue to enjoy every minute of it.
And last but by certainly no means least, Sophie and I got engaged! At the start of December I asked Sophie to marry me, and I finally get the chance to be on the other side of the wedding industry. Oh, and who better to take this photo than Kirsty!
Without further ado, here are my best images of 2023.
NUMBER ONE
This years best photo was of Jess and Mick's wedding breakfast at The Mount Without in Bristol.
I adore the textured walls, symmetry, light, grandeur of the bronze sculpture hanging from the ceiling and Hogwarts-esque table layout. The Mount offers an unbeatable space in which to dine as well as host your wedding ceremony.
As a wedding photographer there really isn't much else that I can ask for from an indoor wedding venue. The crypt directly underneath this room also offers a unique space for drinks and a party.
Since I'm now engaged and looking for venues, The Mount Without currently holds the top spot on my list.
"We immediately felt at ease to let him do his thing"
MICK AND JESS - THE MOUNT WITHOUT
NUMBER TWO
My second favourite image of the year comes from the same wedding.
The speeches were particularly emotional, even I struggled to keep a dry eye. I love the strong, authentic emotions shown in this image.
NUMBER THREE
In third spot is Noel and Bert's wedding in Santa Barbara, California.
Those who know me know that I love to chat to everyone on a wedding day and really make myself known, so that guests feel comfortable in front of the camera.
But just as importantly, I look for the subtle nuanced moments where people have no idea that I'm there. In this instance, Noel and Bert were unaware that I was just behind them as they shared this moment. I could see it coming, so I made sure to position myself and be ready to take the shot. I almost never ask people to do things again because it feels so performative and loses that authenticity that I value so much.
Finally, onto the remaining seven images from my top 10 this year.
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