UK Documentary Wedding Photogtaphy - The end of 2021…at last
I sit here in February safe in the knowledge that I can finally draw a close to 2021 and I have spent some time thinking about how to conclude the last 8 months of working in the wedding industry. The highs, the lows and all the bits in between 2021 really did push me to breaking to point a few times and I was just very fortunate to have amazing friends around me along with the support of my fabulous couples.. So the all important numbers… 51, not as many as some fellow wedding photographers however way way too many especially given it was in such a concentrated amount of time. Which means 2022 I am restricting the amount I will be photographing and keeping this solid at 35 weddings.
Some of my most memorable moments of 2021 in no particular order have to be… hmm firstly tears, so many really deep and heartfelt moments, I think having to have postponed your wedding, two and sometimes three times built up the emotion to such overwhelming levels that it was near impossible to not cry at some of the love on display! The return of the first dance and the frantic hand flap ushering guests on to the dance floor… god how I have missed capturing the dance floor fun at a wedding. Last year also gave me some fab opportunities to capture some wedding elements that I hadn’t really photographed before including fireworks, smoke grenades and multiple weddings with sparklers, simply put a lot of fun!
On a personal level I was honoured to have been nominated for The Rangefinder 30 Rising Stars 2021 and whilst I did not win I was still incredibly overwhelmed to have been shortlisted with some of the best of the best international wedding photographers. I worked closely with two amazing London wedding venues, Brunswick House and The Ned Hotel both offering some unique photographic opportunities. Whilst also ticking off a few new venues across the united kingdom including Hampstead Pergola, Caswell House, The Asylum Chapel, Devonshire Terrace, The Shard, Fortnum and Mason, The Zetter Townhouse, The Barbican Conservatory and Brinsop Court.
Now it wouldn’t be right to not acknowledge this featured toast from most wedding speeches…”To absent friends and family” . The COVID19 pandemic was felt all around the world and I think it was apparent at some of last years weddings, with emotions high already to then not have loved ones with you on your special day whether having to self isolate, unable to travel due to restrictions or sadly no longer with us…. was hard to ignore. To all my couples, friends and family who have loved and lost in the last 18 months I truly hope that you find the strength, love and support that you sometimes need and remember thats its alright to not be okay.
So the main event below… a beautifully created slideshow showcasing some of my favourite wedding photographs from 2021, I am really looking forward to what 2022 has in store.