Extracts from an interview with ‘The Wedding Community’
How long have you been a photographer?
I’ve been photographing weddings now for 8 years. I’ve always had cameras in my life – from my first Polaroid and 35mm cameras to the digital cameras I use today. My father was a photographer and I was always strangely proud that he is described as a ‘Photographer’ on my birth certificate so I guess it’s in the genes. It’s something I’d always loved and I’m so happy that I’m able to make it my living.
Which areas of the UK do you cover? Do you travel abroad to photography weddings?
I’m based in the Midlands which puts me in a great position to photograph all over the country (The M6 and M1 are so close). I’ve consciously chosen not to work within a strict radius of my house – I love travelling to different venues and parts of the country and find that it helps to create a more bespoke look to my images, it’s about the couple and their choices and not recreating the same images at venues I have gotten to know too well.
I will certainly travel abroad. I was offered a two weddings in Europe last year (Finland and Provence) but had clashes on both the dates! I ended up in Teddington and Birmingham instead, which is not the same.
What do you feel makes your service different from other wedding photographers in the UK?
I have a very bespoke approach to working with couples on their wedding photography. I want to know what is special to the couple and what particular choices they have made – and this is reflected in my final images. I have a documentary approach which is about reflecting the day rather than creating a ‘generic’ set of wedding images. I like to think of my approach more as you commissioning a ‘photographer’ to photograph your wedding rather than hiring a ‘wedding photographer’.
Do you have a specialist area or style of photography?
Over the years I have been developing my ‘style’ and I hope that I have a distinctive look to my images. I shoot most of the day in a reportage/documentary style which is about not directing the day but capturing it as it unfolds in the best way possible – I love to get truthful emotions, reactions and ‘story’ into my images. About 10% of the day is spent on ‘formal’ photography and contemporary portraiture of the Bride and Groom, although it’s up to the couple on the level of ‘formal’ photography they are looking for – this part I like to do quite swiftly to keep the day flowing (I’ve never had a chef complain that the Wedding Breakfast was getting cold!).
Do you /have you attended any wedding photography courses?
I’m a great believer in continued learning and questioning your practise. I do attend seminars, workshops and training days – whether it’s to understand a technique, or because I like a photographer’s work or to network with other professionals. I also occasionally give workshops about documentary photography.
What is top tip for choosing a wedding photographer?
When you meet them or talk on the phone just ask yourself one question “Do I want to share my day with this person?’ A photographer will typically be around for 6-8 hours (I’m averaging around 9 hours) and that’s a longtime to spend with a stranger. Trust your instincts.
Please click on the ‘Contact’ button to send me an enquiry email and I’ll get straight back to you.
Andrew Billington – January 2012
no comments