What we do

I have been taking wedding and portrait photographs from London to Scotland for the last 20 years.

I work in a naturalistic reactive way. I find the art and feeling in the day you have created and I don't try to impose my vision on you.

I use minimal equipment, my working method can be unobtrusive and subtle. I am aware that this is a momentous day for many couples, I believe it's crucial to make you feel comfortable and reassured.

I prefer to use natural light, no flash. My speciality is black and white classic portraiture, sometimes with a medium format camera for those special pictures.  I can use film or digital.

I avoid the generic wedding photography style shooting from the hip in a contemporary reportage style.

I can bring that extra intuitive vision from many years of art photography. When the confetti has been swept up, the flowers a scent memory, the songs and laughter will echo each time your eyes alight on the images we created on that one very special day.

Ethical action

Photography can by its nature be green when using digital photography, no chemicals being involved in the process. Camera batteries are rechargeable.

However I still like to use film, which does not degrade, and will last for generations. All materials in the processing are recycled or reclaimed where possible. I believe that by using the same classic equipment one is not constantly buying into the idea of the latest being necessarily the best.

If possible I like to travel on public transport, although it depends on the location of the wedding. You will have to forgive me turning up in my old banger, but I think maintaining an old car is more environmentally aware as much as a car can be. I try to reduce all unnecessary travel. If I could arrive on a bicycle I would!

Environmental awareness is part of my remit. I buy second hand clothes, obtain most of my household goods through charity shops, boot fairs and skips.

I have attended many weddings where I see the corporate wedding machine has turned many a normal person into a consumer of monstrous proportions. My aim through ethical weddings is to take part in weddings that reflect my own beliefs and desire to be non-consumerist.

Through freecycling I have discovered a world where what you need can be found, and what you don't need can be passed on to those who do. I would recommend any couple to find their local network -often people are disposing of things like candles and table decorations. If you ask for particular things people are generous and kind in their giving. It allows one to be creative in ethical vision, making positive steps to reduce waste and our impact on the environment.

 

A few ways we're trying to make a difference

Renewable energy use

I use rechargeable batteries.

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Reducing carbon footprint

I take public transport wherever possible. I have also been freecycling for years, passing stuff on, making sure nothing is thrown away that can be reused.

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Supporting fair trade

I buy fair trade tea and coffee.

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