BEHIND THE LENS

from Your Sussex Wedding - August/September 2022 (Issue 98)

TRAVEL GOALS

PHOTOGRAPHY Behind the lens

Allow us to introduce you to some of Sussex’s finest wedding photographers

BEN PORTER PHOTOGRAPHY

Ben has always loved cameras and capturing images, so studying film and media at A Level seemed a natural choice for him. He later found himself involved in his university’s Photographic Society, and because most of his peers were physicists, he decided to study photography as a science as well as an art. After years of capturing weddings for friends, he struck out on his own to turn it into a full-time business.

How would you describe your photographic style? “Very relaxed and candid. The only time I arrange a photo is during the formal group shots and couple portraits, and even then I’m very chilled! I like people’s authentic self to show through in my images, something that’s hard to achieve if every shot has been tampered with by moving subjects into weird and wonderful poses.”

https://benporterphoto.com FIND OUT MORE  https://benporterphoto.com @bporterphotography We’re a bit clueless about our wedding photography. Is there a list of shots we should ask our photographer to capture? “Every photographer takes a different approach to weddings as each day should be considered special and unique. While a list of shots can help you to get an idea of the common things that a photographer might capture, this won’t include all the little details that are specific to your wedding. My suggestion is to provide a list of all your little touches, and let the professional take care of the rest.”

DORRINGTON PHOTOGRAPHY

“Having dyslexia, pictures have always made more sense to me than words,” photographer Andy Dorrington tells us. He always enjoyed photographing bike racing as a young adult and then in 2010, with their first child on the way, Andy and wife Jenny bought their first DSLR camera, which was the game changer. In 2011, with the support of their nearest and dearest, the couple started their business, Dorrington Photography to fit around family life. From that moment on, they’ve gone from strength to strength, now building their professional network with fantastic second photographers, Lizzie and Colin.

How would you describe your photographic style? “We believe our style would officially be considered reportage, but to our couples we feel ‘relaxed’ is a much better word. We’re led by them, which is why our pre-wedding meeting is so important, allowing us to get to know them better and what it is they’re looking for when it comes to their wedding photographs. We’ll always aim to get some beautiful portraiture and, of course, the traditional group shots. However, we really enjoy bringing a more candid feel to the rest of the day. For us, it’s about creating a diary to look back on and enjoy in years to come.” Are black and white images still popular and should we opt to have them? “It’s a personal choice and very much depends on the image. I believe that certain shots lend themselves to black and white based on their composition or atmosphere, meaning they can be enhanced by using this technique. Our couples can always tell us if they’d like a particular colour image turned black and white after they’ve received their final set.”

FIND OUT MORE  www.dorringtonphotography.co.uk @DorringtonPhotography

https://fionamillsart.com FIND OUT MORE  https://fionamillsart.com @fionamillsart_photographer

FIONA MILLS ART PHOTOGRAPHY

Although Fiona studied art and languages at college, she’s had a camera in her hand from early childhood. “I’ve always been the one to capture all the incriminating evidence at parties, events and social gatherings,” she says. When discussing study opportunities at the time, photography wasn’t an option given to her, but over the years she continued to develop her craft and present her art through photography. So much so that keeping up with commissions started to interfere with her day job! In 2008, she decided to bite the bullet and become a self-employed photographer, continuing to grow and develop her skills through prestigious photography associations.

How would you describe your photographic style? “Creative, contemporary and classic. I like to use the environment to create portraiture and images that stand out, while building a relationship with my clients allowing me to draw out the essence of who they are in the photographs. On the flip side, I can also be found hiding in the bushes to ensure I don’t miss out on the candid action and unposed moments too!”

There are so many photographers out there. How do we choose the right one for us? “The most important thing I always say to potential clients is that you have to feel comfortable with the person you’re choosing to capture you on the most intimate, vulnerable and emotional day of your life. As photographers, we’re often helping with those pesky dresses that won’t do up, fixing buttonholes, and shielding you from stressors and difficulties on the day. We should be like the friend you didn’t know you had – someone you feel safe with, who’s got your back, and who you know will return with incredible photographic memories. If your gut tells you that you don’t gel with that supplier, then they’re not the one for you.” Lauren has always been passionate about capturing photos, especially as a child when she would go on day trips with her “Gramps.” He’d show her the camera basics and they’d set off to photograph flowers, nature, landscapes and more on their walks together. As a teenager she studied photography at A Level, where she discovered a passion for developing her own photos in the darkroom and watching the images suddenly appear. After college she went into a couple of photography jobs, one for a newspaper and one for a high street store, but she was never able to be as creative as she wanted to be.

It wasn’t until she was asked to shoot her auntie’s wedding that she found that outlet. From there her love for wedding photography grew as she captured more big days. So, she invested in workshops and gained experience as a second shooter and built up her business.

How would you describe your photography style? “Natural, attentive and relaxed – photographing the big day as it unfolds, capturing all the little details and moments that make the day so personal. My editing style is also natural with warm, soft tones throughout.”

We’re both a bit camera shy and are feeling anxious about photos on our wedding day. Can you offer some advice? “Most of my couples feel like this before their wedding day, it’s completely normal. Try to focus on just the two of you, be in the moment together and most importantly, just be yourselves. Personally, I like to start with a little walk and chat together for your couple portraits to ease any nerves and relax you into the photos together with gentle guidance and prompts throughout.”

An interest in photography was piqued for Nick Davies when he studied the subject at school using 35mm film. Despite opting for a different career path, this interest was reignited in 2013 when he began using digital cameras and exploring the potential of a more modern format. By 2016, the interest had become a passion, which took a turn when his best friend asked him to be best man and photographer at his wedding. “It was quite a challenge to start a new career combining both on-thejob experience and photography courses, but it’s escalated into something I could only ever have imagined,” he says.

How would you describe your photographic style? “I’m a natural, relaxed, informal photographer producing a light and bright style. I work with the couple and around their day, not intruding but capturing the events as they unfold. I prefer the candid moments rather than the formal staged images. Every couple, including their guests, compliment my friendly approach and ability to blend into the party.” A friend of ours had two photographers on their wedding day. What are the benefits of this? “Although this isn’t something I offer as part of my standard package, I do work with second photographers on request. This is beneficial to you as they can capture different angles of certain parts or moments throughout the day such as guest reactions during the ceremony or speeches, while I focus solely on you. A second shooter can also be useful during bridal or groom prep and guest arrivals.”

FIND OUT MORE  www.ndaviesphotography.co.uk @ n_daviesphotography

PHILIP BEDFORD WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY

Philip began shooting photographs at the age of seven when his parents bought him his first camera, but it wasn’t until around a decade later that he started to take it seriously studying the subject at college before continuing at the University of Brighton. After graduating in 2009, he knew he wanted to start his own wedding photography business, and hasn’t looked back since.

How would you describe your photographic style? “I use a fun and creative approach to help you feel comfortable while being photographed. I work in a subtle and discreet way, shooting candid wedding photography and capturing events as they happen throughout the day. Your wedding is unique to you and although reportage photography should be part of the day it shouldn’t interfere with the rest of your plans. So, we’ll work together to get beautiful pictures of you both, capturing all the details as well as getting the family together for a few formal, or informal, group shots.

“When you look back at your wedding photographs with your children and grandchildren, I want the pictures to remind you not just of what the day looked like, but also how it felt to share such a special time with everyone you love.”

There are so many photographers out there, how do we choose the right one for us? “I’d recommend having a look at reviews and testimonials on a photographer’s website, to see some kind words that other brides and grooms have said about their work. You could also check out Google and Facebook reviews.

“It’s also important to get some perspective on different pricing scales, depending on your budget. Look at the work of a photographer who charges a few hundred pounds next to the work of one who charges a few thousand pounds. You’ll see a vast difference in the quality of the work and those with more experience will charge more.

“Finally, always ask to view a full wedding gallery so you can see the complete range of photographs they shoot, not just the ones on the front page of their website or Instagram.”

www.pbweddingphotography.com FIND OUT MORE  www.pbweddingphotography.com @prbedford