What is your most memorable wedding?
Really tricky question! I love them all - honestly! I'll never forget though photographing a wedding with just the bride & groom with myself and the taxi driver as witnesses!! The registrar had to take the official signing the register shot!
Describe your style in 5 adjectives.
natural, timeless, sensitive, storytelling, beautiful
What about your business are you most proud of?
Probably personal service. I only take a limited number of wedding commissions each year and this allows me to really get to know my clients and their plans. Good planning is the key to amazing documentary photography!
What is your No. 1 wedding planning tip for couples?
Choosing your wedding photographer needs to be a team decision. It must be someone you both feel comfortable with and who gets your vision for your wedding day and the experience you want yourselves and your family and friends to have on the day.
What is your favourite personal touch you have seen at a wedding?
Little jars of homemade chutney following an old family recipe that the bride made with her Grandpa! The looked so lovely and acted as favours for guests to take home or to dip into during the cheese course!
Describe your typical process with a couple.
There is no typical process ! Documentary or reportage photography means I approach every wedding like a blank canvas. Even if it's a venue that I've photographed at 10 times before each wedding will have a different feel. It's about responding to the weather, light and dynamic of each group of wedding guests.
What is the No. 1 photo that you think every couple should take?
That's unique to each couple and their plans for the day - every bride & groom will bring their own ideas to their wedding and it's about responding to those. For some it may be a timeless portrait of the two of them or it may be a shot of a beloved grandparent.
What is the most original photo you’ve been asked to take at a wedding?
Mmmmm tricky! There are original images from every wedding and I always love capturing authentic portraits that really capture personality.
What do you recommend for a rainy day wedding?
A smile !! It's understandable to feel a little disappointed but shrug it off and carry on having the most amazing day of your life. I've photographed in all conditions going and the weather simply becomes part of the story of your day. The light on rainy days is amazing and I'd actually choose one over a scorching sunny day with really harsh light!
Describe how you got into photography.
By following in the footsteps of my Dad Derry Brabbs so I'm a 2nd generation photographer. He's a huge inspiration to me! I didn't come straight into photography from school although it's always been there in the background as a passion. I followed a career as an Occupational Therapist in the NHS for several years before embracing my love of photography! There are so many experiences that I bring from my NHS days into my photography and it's at the core of my sensitive approach with people.