Freya and Oliver were married in the summer at the Church of St John the Baptist in Eastnor, Herefordshire. It was a personal ceremony in a setting that already meant a great deal to them, with the church sitting right next to Freya’s family home. That closeness set the tone for the day from the start. Everything felt familiar, relaxed and centred around family rather than formality. A Reception at Home Following the ceremony, guests made their way into the gardens where a marquee had been set up for the reception. It had been positioned thoughtfully so it sat comfortably within the space rather than dominating it, allowing the gardens to remain very much part of the day. With the house close by and plenty of space to move between areas, the reception had a natural flow. People drifted in and out, conversations carried on easily and the day never felt confined to one place. Working With the Weather Although the day stayed mostly dry, it was one of those summer weddings where the sky was constantly being watched. There were moments when the light opened up beautifully, followed by darker clouds rolling through, and it became a case of working with the conditions rather than trying to force anything. Finding those small windows in the weather shaped how portraits and group photographs were approached. Having that flexibility built into the day made all the difference. Finding the Right Balance Freya and Oliver’s wedding was informal and relaxed, which meant the photography needed to reflect that. Much of the day was captured in a documentary way, allowing moments to unfold naturally without interruption. At the same time, it was important to create space for the more structured elements such as family groups and a small number of relaxed portraits. Finding that balance is always key, particularly on days where atmosphere and connection matter more than formality. A Day That Reflected Them From start to finish, the wedding felt personal and unforced. It was shaped by familiar surroundings, thoughtful planning and a clear focus on the people who mattered most to them. It was a genuinely enjoyable day to photograph and one that flowed naturally from one part to the next. I hope you enjoy looking through this real wedding at Eastnor gallery as much as I enjoyed putting it together. Russell

Once the wedding day has passed and everything settles, some couples find they would like a little more time for photographs. Not because anything was missing on the day itself, but because weddings move quickly. Time is shared between guests, moments happen back to back, and portraits are often fitted into small windows. A post wedding portrait session offers something different. It gives you the chance to step back into your wedding clothes and create a set of photographs without the pressure of a timeline or a room full of waiting guests. What a Post Wedding Session Offers A post wedding portrait session takes place on a separate day, usually a few weeks or months after the wedding. There is no schedule to work around and no need to be anywhere by a certain time. We can choose a location that feels meaningful to you, travel a little further if you wish, and take things at a relaxed pace. For many couples, that freedom makes a real difference. It allows portraits to feel more natural, unhurried and reflective, rather than something squeezed into an already full day. Choosing a Location That Suits You One of the biggest advantages of a post wedding shoot is flexibility. Some couples choose somewhere personal, while others simply want a landscape that feels very different to their wedding venue. Coastal locations such as Aberdyfi Beach work particularly well, especially later in the day when the light softens and the surroundings feel calm. Walking, talking and taking in the space often becomes part of the experience. The photographs tend to reflect that, feeling less posed and more connected. A More Relaxed Experience Without the pressure of the wedding day, most couples feel noticeably more at ease. There is time to pause, to breathe, and to enjoy being together without interruption. That slower pace allows expressions and interactions to unfold naturally, which is often when the most meaningful photographs appear. Nothing is forced and nothing needs to be rushed. The session simply follows the rhythm that feels right for you. Adding Another Layer to Your Wedding Photographs Post wedding portraits do not replace your wedding day photography. They sit alongside it. They offer a different perspective, showing you together in a quieter setting, away from the structure of the day itself. Some couples choose to include these images within their main album, while others prefer them as a separate set of photographs to enjoy in their own right. Either way, they add depth to the overall story of your wedding. A Final Thought A post wedding portrait session is not about recreating your wedding day. It is about taking a little time afterwards to create photographs in a way that feels unhurried and personal. For couples who would like that extra space, it can be a really rewarding experience. If it’s something you’re considering, I’m always happy to talk it through and see whether it feels right for you. Russell

Black and white wedding photography has always had a place in how I tell a wedding story. Not because it’s traditional or dramatic, but because some moments simply feel stronger without colour competing for attention. On a wedding day there’s a lot happening visually. Flowers, outfits, light changing throughout the day and people moving in and out of spaces. Colour captures all of that, but sometimes it can also pull focus away from what really matters. Black and white has a way of simplifying things and letting the moment speak for itself. Seeing the Moment More Clearly When colour is removed, your eye naturally goes somewhere else. Expressions become more noticeable. Body language stands out. Small gestures suddenly feel more important. It might be a quiet smile during the ceremony, a look between two people who know each other well, or a moment during the speeches that lasts only a second. These are the kinds of moments that black and white imagery tends to hold onto beautifully. It’s not about making things look artistic. It’s about giving space to what’s already there. A Different Way of Remembering the Day Colour photographs often bring back the energy of a wedding day. You remember how it looked, how the room was decorated and what everyone was wearing. Black and white images tend to bring back the feeling. They’re often the photographs couples return to years later, not because they stand out visually, but because they feel familiar. They remind you how that moment felt to be part of, rather than how it was styled. There’s a timeless quality to that, which doesn’t rely on trends or colour palettes. When Simplicity Helps Weddings aren’t controlled environments. Light drops, weather changes and moments happen quickly. Black and white photography works comfortably within that reality. Busy backgrounds soften. Harsh light becomes gentler. Attention shifts away from distractions and back to people. It’s often in those in between moments, when nothing is being posed or directed, that black and white imagery comes into its own. Colour and Black and White Together Every wedding gallery I deliver includes a full set of images in both colour and black and white. They work alongside each other rather than competing. Colour shows the day as it looked. Black and white often shows the day as it felt. Together they help tell a fuller story, which sits naturally alongside my approach to documentary wedding photography , where the focus is always on real moments rather than recreating them. A Final Thought Black and white wedding photography isn’t about looking back. It’s about stripping things back. It allows moments to breathe, removes unnecessary distraction and lets emotion sit at the centre of the image. Long after the details fade, those moments are often the ones that stay with you. Russell

Winter weddings bring a different set of conditions, and that difference is exactly why some couples are drawn to them. The season asks for a little more planning, particularly around daylight, but with the right approach it can result in a wedding day that feels intentional, focused and personal. For weddings taking place between November and the end of March, I offer a £200 saving on my wedding photography. This is applied automatically when you book. A Different Rhythm to the Day Winter weddings do not follow the same rhythm as summer ones. There are no long evenings of daylight or extended outdoor receptions. Instead, the day tends to centre more around key moments and shared time indoors. That change of pace often creates a stronger sense of togetherness. Guests gather, conversations linger and the focus naturally stays on people rather than movement between spaces. From a photography point of view, it simply means working with the day rather than against it. Making the Most of Limited Daylight Daylight is shorter in winter, which means timing matters more. This is something I help couples plan early, so portraits and key moments sit comfortably within the available light. With a considered timeline, there is no rushing and no pressure on the day itself. Winter light can be beautifully soft and even. Used well, it suits natural photography particularly nicely. Once daylight fades, the focus shifts naturally towards atmosphere, interactions and the moments unfolding indoors. Why Couples Choose Winter Dates Couples choose winter weddings for different reasons. For some, it is a practical decision. Winter dates often come with greater availability across venues and suppliers, along with more flexibility in budgets. For others, the time of year itself holds meaning. The Christmas period in particular can feel special, especially for couples who value family traditions or seasonal atmosphere. There is no single right reason. What matters is choosing a date that feels right for you. Photography After Dark As the day moves into evening, photography becomes more people focused. Reactions during speeches, laughter at tables and moments shared between guests take centre stage. These are often the images couples connect with most afterwards. Experience plays an important role here. Knowing how to work confidently indoors and adapt to changing conditions ensures the coverage continues naturally as the day progresses. Winter Wedding Photography Savings For weddings held between November and the end of March, I offer a £200 saving on my wedding photography. The saving reflects the quieter months of the year and is applied automatically when you book. For some couples it is a welcome bonus. For others, it simply makes a winter date feel that bit more achievable. A Final Thought Winter weddings are not about trying to recreate summer. They are about working with the season, planning thoughtfully and embracing a different pace to the day. With realistic expectations and calm preparation, winter weddings can be every bit as meaningful and memorable, just in their own way. If you are considering a winter date and would like to talk through how photography would fit into your plans, I am always happy to have a relaxed conversation and help you shape the day around what matters most. Russell

Picking the perfect date for your wedding day is no easy task. To start, you’ve got to find a date that works for you and your partner, and then match this up with your chosen venue. You’ll also want to make sure that important guests such as your parents or closest friends are free – and that’s before you’ve found suppliers such as a photographer who can make that date too.   With all that in mind, sustainability isn’t often at the forefront of such a pivotal decision. But with awareness of climate change rising, many couples are doing what they can to minimise the carbon footprint of their big day. If it’s something that you’re thinking about, here’s three reasons why choosing the summer season to host your nuptials can have a positive impact on the planet. Take advantage of the weather It’s no mystery why the summer months are a popular time with couples. By opting for a summer date, you stand the best chance of being able to take your photos outside, and avoiding having to have the whole day completely indoors. Especially in the UK, where we’re not blessed with a sunny climate year-round, August is one of the most chosen months  for this celebration.   From a sustainability perspective, a sunny month also comes with added benefits. You won’t need to worry about heating the venue and you’ll be blessed with plenty of light long into the evening. Not only does this reduce your energy usage, it can also save money, especially if you’ve opted for a totally outdoor event. A wider range of flowers Exotic flowers can look incredibly striking in your photographs, but they come at an environmental cost, as they have to be force-grown for your day, or transported from overseas. However, being sustainable doesn’t mean your floral arrangements have to be boring. There’s a huge range of summer flowers that grow in the UK  that are perfect for weddings, so make sure you find a florist who is able to source local blooms.   If it’s likely to be hot on the day, make sure you follow your florist’s advice to keep your bouquets looking fresh. Tips include keeping stems in water for as long as possible and in a cool place will help you get the most out of this important piece of decor. A greater choice of seasonal food Your wedding breakfast is a chance to sit down and relax after all the formalities are done and you’re officially married – so it’s important that the dishes on offer suit this momentous occasion. In the summer, you’ll have access to a greater variety of seasonal ingredients, meaning that you can be sustainable without compromising on taste. In fact, especially for fruits and vegetables, they’ll probably taste far superior to the ones you would have had in the autumn or winter months.   To really lean into this, consider your menu carefully, and make the most of the bounty of treats that taste best when the sun is shining. Not only will everything be more delicious, but you’ll be able to reduce food waste  too as your guests won’t leave empty plates. Celebrate as the sun shines With a bit of luck, you’ll have clear sunny skies to celebrate the start of married life together. By being as sustainable as you can, you’ll be able to sit back and enjoy it, knowing you’ve done your bit for the planet.

On November 16th, I spent the day at The Barn at Drovers Rest wedding open day as one of the featured photographers. It was good to be back at the venue and to see it set up for couples beginning to plan their wedding day. Set in the Herefordshire countryside, The Barn at Drovers Rest offers a relaxed mix of character and thoughtful modern touches. It’s the kind of venue that gives couples freedom to shape the day around them, rather than fitting into a fixed template. A Venue That Offers Space and Flexibility The Barn at Drovers Rest is more than just a good looking setting. With around 40 acres of open fields and woodland, couples have exclusive use of the entire estate. That space allows weddings here to feel unhurried and personal. Outdoor ceremonies with wide open views sit comfortably alongside the barns themselves, which work well in all seasons. Whether couples are planning something informal and relaxed or a more structured celebration, the venue adapts easily to different styles. From a photography point of view, that flexibility makes a real difference. Natural light, open landscapes and considered details throughout the site create opportunities for genuine moments to unfold naturally, rather than feeling staged. Highlights From the Open Day The open day itself had a calm, welcoming feel. Couples were able to explore at their own pace, ask questions and begin picturing how their own day might come together. A few things stood out during the afternoon Food and drink Seasonal samples gave a good insight into the venue’s approach, with a clear focus on quality and presentation. Supplier showcases It was great to meet couples at my stand and chat through their plans. A range of local suppliers were also there, offering everything from floristry to entertainment. Venue tours Couples were able to explore the barns, outdoor ceremony areas and accommodation, which really helps bring the layout to life. Live music Soft background performances added to the atmosphere and helped people imagine how the spaces feel during an actual wedding. Why The Barn at Drovers Rest Works So Well Having photographed weddings at many venues over the years, some places naturally lend themselves to relaxed celebrations more than others. The Barn at Drovers Rest is one of those venues. It allows couples to create something personal, whether that leans towards a festival feel or a more traditional barn wedding. The team are approachable and organised, and that attention to detail is reflected throughout the estate. For me, the appeal lies in how naturally everything fits together. My approach is always focused on documenting the day as it unfolds, and this is a venue where that style works particularly well. Thank You To everyone who stopped by for a chat on the day, thank you. It was genuinely lovely to hear about your plans and what you’re hoping your wedding will feel like. If you weren’t able to attend the open day but would like to talk about wedding photography at The Barn at Drovers Rest, or simply want to chat through your ideas, you’re very welcome to get in touch. For more information about the venue itself, you can also visit The Barn at Drovers Rest website .

Your wedding day will always be one of the most special days you and your partner will experience together. However, if you’re hoping to host a celebration that’ll leave a lasting impression on all your guests, you’ll want to make sure you incorporate some unique features. From the decor you use to the entertainment you plan, each detail of your day counts – however, the costs can quickly add up. To help you host a beautiful, affordable celebration, here are three ways to make your wedding unique that won’t break the bank. Personalized decor Your decor doesn’t need to be extravagant to create a meaningful atmosphere. Adding personal touches can make your celebration feel intimate and romantic without stretching your budget. You may want to DIY your decor, incorporating elements that reflect you and your partner’s personalities. For example, you could display photos, meaningful quotes, or items that hold sentimental value. Each of these ideas can make for an affordable way to personalise your celebration . Meaningful music Music is an important part of your wedding, and choosing to play songs that are special to you both costs next to nothing. Whether you hire a DJ or have a band perform live  at your celebration, be sure to create a unique playlist that captures the essence of your love story. Remember, when it comes to music, your choices can be as unique as you like them to be. Consider incorporating a variety of genres for a playlist that has something for everyone. Fun photo ops Photo booths have become a popular feature at weddings in recent years, and it’s easy to see why. Not only do fun photo opportunities provide great entertainment for your guests, but they’re also fairly inexpensive. It’s possible to DIY your booths , creating a variety of beautiful backgrounds that’ll make for stunning pictures. To add to the fun, make sure to include lots of props. You don’t necessarily have to buy brand new items – take a look at the accessories you already have, or ask your friends or family members if they have any objects that’ll look unique in guest photos. Create a budget for seamless planning All engaged couples want to have a wedding that’s totally unique and tailored to their specific tastes. However, when it comes to this important day, it can be hard to both create a novel celebration and stick to a budget. It’s best to find a balance, so that you can have lots of lovely personal touches, while still only spending as much as you can afford. To ensure the planning process is as stress-free and seamless as possible, make sure to set your budget before you start planning your wedding. It can be easy to get carried away in the first few months of being engaged, but it’s important not to spend too much before you know exactly what you need and what you can afford. Equipped with these tips, you can have a magical celebration with unique decor, music, and entertainment.

When you first start planning your wedding, photography isn’t always the very first decision you make. Venues, dates and guest lists often take priority, which makes complete sense. But once your date is set, booking your photographer earlier rather than later can make the entire planning process feel calmer and far less rushed. This isn’t about urgency or pressure. It’s about benefitting from more time, choice and confidence. Securing the Photographer You Actually Want Most photographers only take on a limited number of weddings each year. Once a date is booked, it’s gone. Booking early means you’re choosing your photographer because they feel right for you, not because they happen to be available at the time you enquire. It removes that feeling of compromise and allows you to book based on connection and style rather than necessity. That peace of mind alone can lift a surprising amount of pressure. One Less Thing Sitting on Your To-Do List Wedding planning naturally comes in waves. There are moments when everything feels under control, followed by periods where lots of decisions land at once. Having your photographer booked early removes one of the bigger items from your list. You know who’s documenting your day, how they work, and what to expect. That clarity makes the rest of the planning feel more manageable. It also means you’re not trying to make an important decision quickly later on when timelines are tighter. Time to Build Trust and Familiarity Photography works best when there’s trust. Booking early gives us time to get to know each other properly. You’re not meeting your photographer for the first time on your wedding morning which is a real benefit. Instead, there’s already a sense of familiarity and ease. For many couples, this includes an engagement shoot. It’s a relaxed way to experience being photographed, ask questions and build confidence long before the wedding day arrives. That comfort always shows in the final photographs. Better Planning Around Light and Timing The flow of your wedding day has a real impact on your photographs, particularly when it comes to light. When your photographer is involved early, they can help you think through timings gently and realistically. That might mean advice around ceremony times, seasonal light, or how best to plan portraits without taking you away from your guests for long. It’s not about control. It’s about making small decisions early that help the day run smoothly later. A Calmer Wedding Day Experience When everything is booked late, the wedding day can feel like a series of unknowns. When your photographer is booked early, communication happens gradually. You know how they work, what they need from you, and what you don’t need to worry about. On the day itself, that familiarity allows things to flow naturally. You’re not wondering what happens next or who’s in charge of what. You can simply be present and enjoy the moments as they unfold. Space to Make Thoughtful Choices Booking early gives you options. You have time to consider albums, coverage levels and extras without pressure. Nothing needs to be decided in a rush. Plans can evolve naturally as your wedding takes shape. That breathing space often leads to better decisions, simply because they’re made calmly rather than reactively. A Final Thought Booking your photographer early isn’t about racing the calendar or ticking a box quickly. It’s about creating space. Space to plan thoughtfully, to build trust, and to approach your wedding day feeling relaxed rather than rushed. When photography is settled early, everything else tends to feel that little bit easier.

Beth and Max were married at Glewstone Court on a very warm summer day, the sort of heat that inevitably influences how a day needs to be structured and encourages everyone to slow the pace slightly and think a bit more carefully about where people spend their time. From the outset it was clear that the temperature would play a part in how the day unfolded, and we approached things with that in mind rather than trying to follow a fixed plan. Glewstone Court, Herefordshire Glewstone Court sits just outside Ross on Wye and works particularly well for relaxed weddings, with a Georgian country house layout that allows guests to move easily between indoor spaces and the gardens. On a hot day that flexibility becomes especially useful, as people naturally drift between shaded areas and cooler rooms rather than remaining in one place for long periods. The Morning Beth got ready in the bridal suite with her bridesmaids, and the morning felt calm and unhurried, with enough space for everything to come together without pressure. October Hair looked after hair throughout the morning and did a great job keeping everything in place despite the temperature steadily rising as the day went on. Earlier in the Year Earlier in the year I’d met Beth and Max for their engagement shoot at Gwen and Vera’s Nature Reserve near Newent, which gave us time to get to know each other ahead of the wedding and meant that when the day arrived everything felt familiar rather than new. That earlier shoot helped things flow naturally, without needing much explanation or direction. The Ceremony The ceremony took place inside Glewstone Court and felt personal and relaxed, with sunlight filling the room and guests following along quietly as it unfolded. Adjusting the Flow After the Ceremony Normally, I’d suggest allowing couples time immediately after the ceremony to spend with their guests, as that natural moment of congratulations often sets the tone for the rest of the day. Given the heat, though, we made a joint decision to approach things slightly differently. Rather than holding guests outside for too long, we moved straight into group photographs in shaded areas while everyone was still gathered together. That meant guests were then free to find cooler spaces, grab drinks and stay comfortable, without feeling held in one place. It worked well and allowed the rest of the afternoon to settle naturally once the formal photographs were finished. The Afternoon As the day continued, the atmosphere remained easy and good humoured, with speeches bringing plenty of laughter and a few more emotional moments as friends and family relaxed into the celebrations. A Day That Felt Thoughtful and Well Judged Beth and Max’s wedding felt considered throughout, with decisions made based on what worked best for the day rather than sticking rigidly to expectation. Thank you both for having me there and for trusting my input as we shaped the day around the conditions and made sure you had the most amazing day. Russell

There’s a bit of a shift happening lately — I’ve noticed more wedding photographers ditching the editing process altogether and delivering JPEGs straight out of camera. No tweaks, no retouching, just pure, untouched shots. Now, coming from someone who lives for that extra bit of magic in post, I’ve got mixed feelings about it. So I thought I’d put pen to paper (well, fingers to keys) and share some thoughts. Especially since I’ve been playing around with the Nikon Z6ii and this completely bonkers little Oreo Pan lens — a 32mm fixed focus, f/10 recycled from a disposable camera. It’s a wild pairing of pro gear and lo-fi nostalgia, and a perfect setup for this discussion: RAW vs JPEG — and is there a place for both? Let’s Talk About the Lens First — Charmingly Imperfect Before we even get to file types, let’s chat about this lens. The Oreo Pan 32mm is… well, it’s a character. Optically speaking, nothing is ever really sharp. Not in the traditional sense, anyway. The whole frame has this dreamy softness, where detail melts away just enough to feel painterly rather than precise. Add in some pretty heavy vignetting, a fixed aperture of f/10, and a focus-free design, and you’ve got a recipe for images that are more about atmosphere than accuracy. The Oreo 32mm Pan lens There’s a real warmth to the files it produces — almost like they’ve been dipped in nostalgia. The focal depth drops off unpredictably, and while that might make pixel peepers twitch, it’s part of the charm. It strips everything back to feeling, light, and moment. In short, it’s the kind of lens that forces you to let go of technical perfection and lean into the mood. And that’s where RAW becomes your best friend. jpeg vs RAW The Power of RAW — Why I Still Love It Shooting in RAW is like having a time machine built into your camera. You’ve got all the detail, all the dynamic range, and the freedom to adjust exposure, white balance, and tone until the image feels right . With a lens like the Oreo Pan — fixed aperture, no focusing, just vibes — RAW gives you that safety net. Shadows a bit murky? Sky a little blown? No problem, you can pull it all back in post. Editing RAW files lets you: Gently lift or deepen shadows without wrecking image quality Get accurate white balance when your lens decides to throw in some funky colour shifts Dial in sharpness and contrast while still keeping things looking natural Embrace and even enhance the vignetting and softness to tell a more emotive story I shot a series recently using the Oreo Pan and compared the RAW files to the JPEGs. The JPEGs were charming in their own way — soft, nostalgic, a bit chaotic — but they lacked depth. The RAWs, after a bit of love in Photoshop, had punch, nuance, and the kind of emotional weight that I want my images to carry. jpeg vs RAW So What’s with the Unedited JPEG Trend? Now, let’s talk about this growing trend — wedding photographers who shoot JPEG-only and skip the edit altogether. It’s minimalist, it’s quick, and it leans heavily into that documentary vibe that’s all about truth and raw emotion. And to be fair, there’s definitely something appealing about that. Unedited JPEGs: Capture exactly what was seen in the moment, no interference (although the camera has made decisions on colour and level processing) Speed up turnaround time like nobody’s business Feel authentic, in a “this-is-how-it-happened” kind of way There’s a rawness (pun intended) that some couples are after — imperfect lighting, wonky tones, and all. It’s a rebellion against over-editing and overly curated feeds. It says, "This is us, this is real." And honestly? I get it. There’s virtue in truth. And in the right hands, JPEGs can absolutely tell a story without needing a single adjustment. jpeg vs RAW Where I Think the Balance Lies For me, it’s not about RAW versus  JPEG — it’s about what you want to say  with your work. If your vibe is authentic, unfiltered storytelling and you’re confident in your exposure, lighting, and in-camera settings, JPEG can work beautifully. Especially with a quirky lens like the Oreo Pan that brings its own unique flavour to every shot. But if you want to shape the emotion of a scene, guide the eye, and elevate those in-between moments into something timeless, RAW gives you the tools to do it. It’s about intention. Creativity. Control. jpeg vs RAW Final Thoughts from a Wedding Photographer Who Loves a Bit of Both Look, I’m not here to preach. I’m just a bloke who still loves the process — the capture and  the craft that comes after. Editing RAW files isn’t about fixing mistakes, it’s about sculpting stories. But I’ve got time for the JPEG-only crowd too. If the moment feels right straight out of camera, then maybe it doesn’t need anything else. Just know what you’re giving up — and what you’re gaining — with each choice. So whether you’re shooting with a prime lens or a recycled disposable lens shaped like a biscuit (don’t knock it till you try it), the most important thing is that the image means  something. To you, and to the people you’re making it for. Am I going to use the Pan Lens at weddings? Without a doubt! Eilean Donan Castle shot using a recycled disposable camera lens on a Nikon Z6ii R

Some of the most meaningful wedding photos aren’t the ones you remember being taken. They’re the moments that happen quietly in between. A glance across the room. Laughter during the speeches. A parent watching from the back of the ceremony. The small interactions that often go unnoticed at the time, but become incredibly powerful when you look back. Unposed wedding photos focus on those moments. The beauty of them is that they tell the story of your day as it naturally unfolds, without interrupting it or shaping it around the camera. Why Candid Moments Matter Weddings move quickly. Even when you’re present and taking everything in, it’s impossible to see everything that’s happening around you. Candid wedding photos fill in those gaps. They show how people reacted to the ceremony, how friends interacted during the drinks reception, and how the atmosphere felt throughout the day. These images often carry just as much emotional weight as the bigger moments, sometimes more. They reflect not just what your wedding looked like, but what it felt like. What Makes a Photo Truly Candid A candid photograph isn’t about chaos or a lack of intention. It’s about observation. It comes from understanding moments before they happen and being ready when they do. It’s knowing when to step back rather than step in, and allowing space for genuine interactions to unfold. The best unposed wedding photos are thoughtful, quiet and considered. They’re not rushed or accidental. They’re created through patience and experience. How Unposed Photos Fit Into Your Wedding Day Candid moments happen throughout the entire day. They appear during: morning preparations the ceremony itself reactions during speeches conversations during the drinks reception moments of relief and laughter later in the evening Because these moments can’t be planned, they can’t be recreated either. Once they pass, they’re gone. That’s why having a photographer who’s comfortable working unobtrusively matters so much. A Natural Flow Without Interruption Many couples worry that photography might pull them away from their guests or interrupt the rhythm of the day. Unposed wedding photos work in the opposite way. By keeping direction minimal and stepping in only when necessary, the day is allowed to unfold naturally. You spend more time with the people you’ve invited and less time being directed for the sake of the camera. The result is a wedding that feels relaxed, and wedding photos that reflect that atmosphere honestly. What About Group Photos and Portraits? Choosing a candid approach doesn’t mean skipping structure altogether. Group photos and portraits still have their place. The difference is that they’re handled efficiently and calmly, without dominating the timeline or breaking the flow of the day. Once those moments are complete, the focus returns to documenting what happens naturally around you. It’s a balance that allows both organisation and spontaneity to exist comfortably together. Why These Photos Mean More Over Time As years pass, the importance of candid wedding photos often grows. They show relationships, expressions and connections that may change with time. They capture people as they were in that moment of your lives together. These images become more than memories of a wedding day. They become part of your family history. A Final Thought Unposed wedding photos aren’t about perfection. They’re about honesty. They allow you to look back and remember not just the big moments, but the quiet ones too. The feelings, the atmosphere and the connections that made your wedding day what it was. When wedding photos are created naturally, without interruption or performance, they tend to stand the test of time. Russell

30% discount for last minute bookings It was such a rewarding experience being able to help Alison & Geraint out at the eleventh hour that I've decided to add a last-minute discount option to my rates meaning that there is now a new 30% last minute booking discount! If your wedding happens to fall within 6 weeks of your initial enquiry and I happen to have the date clear then you'll receive 30% off my standard rates. Let down by your existing photographer? Last minute plans? Completely disorganised? Shot gun wedding!? You can get 30% off! All my wedding rates are available to view here - get in touch to discuss your plans