Okay, so talking about myself isn't exactly my favorite thing to do. But, considering I could be spending your entire wedding day alongside you and your most cherished people, I think it's important you get to know a little about the person behind the lens. With that in mind, here's a glimpse into who I am!
Chasing a career change, I initially dipped my toes into the creative world by shooting music videos alongside my day job. That spark ignited something in me, and before I knew it, I was capturing the magic of weddings through both photography and videography. Honestly, I haven't looked back since! This passion has blossomed into a small, collaborative team of talented creatives. While weddings hold a special place in my heart, I also find corporate projects incredibly rewarding, allowing me to explore different storytelling avenues and help businesses share their unique narratives.
Okay, so when I'm not shooting, you can usually find me glued to a screen! I'm a huge film and TV buff, especially when it comes to thrillers and sci-fi. But hey, I'm also a sucker for trashy reality TV like "Love is Blind" and "Married at First Sight" – don't judge! Outside of that, I'm all about exploring new places (travel!) and just chilling with a good walk.
MY APPROUCH
Alright, let's get real about how I roll on a wedding day. Forget stuffy poses and stiff smiles – I'm all about capturing the real you, the genuine moments that make your day uniquely yours. I like to be where the action is, soaking up all the good vibes and energy.
Think of me as a fly on the wall (a friendly, photogenic fly!), not intrusive, but definitely not hiding in the shadows. I'm there to document everything: from the tearful vows to the crazy dance moves, the quiet glances to the booming laughter.
So, what's my style? Honestly, I hate labels! I'm not trying to fit into a specific box. I'm drawn to the joy and excitement of a wedding, but I also appreciate the power of a raw, emotional image. I'm ready to adapt and capture whatever magic unfolds. Maybe a photojournalistic approach best describes it.
My biggest goal? To create images that transport you back to that day, images so authentic and alive that you can practically smell the flowers and feel the excitement in the air. I want to tell your story, honestly and beautifully, from the first getting-ready jitters to the final celebratory sparkler send-off. So, yeah, that's me – ready to capture the magic!
Alright, picture this: it's wedding morning!
Champagne corks are popping, and the air is thick with joy and anticipation. That's where I come in, usually about three hours before the ceremony.
But I'm not one to jump right into photographer mode. My first priority is to get to know everyone, learn names, and create a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere. I'll mingle, chat, and soak it all in for the first ten minutes before even thinking about grabbing my cameras.
Then, once everyone feels at ease, I'll start documenting all the special moments: the opening of cards and gifts, the heartfelt emotions, the building excitement, and all those classic wedding morning happenings.
MORNING
BEHIND
THE LENS
MEET RICHARD
"Family photos! I know, they're not always the most thrilling part of a wedding, but they can be a fun and efficient part of the day! The key is keeping them streamlined so you can get back to celebrating.
To make sure you're enjoying your reception, I recommend sticking to 5-8 family photo groupings. Trust me, it's easy to get carried away adding more and more people and you'll want to avoid that!
To make things flow smoothly, I always ask for a "family wrangler" or two – someone who knows both sides of the family and can quickly gather the necessary folks. That way, we spend less time searching for runaway uncles and more time taking great pictures!
If you're dreaming of hundreds of formal group shots, I might not be the right fit. But if you want a selection of beautiful, heartfelt images with your closest loved ones, I'm definitely your guy! Let's capture those special connections without missing a beat of the celebration!"
FAMILY PHOTO
"Your ceremony – whether symbolic, religious, or legal – is the center of the day. My goal is to document it beautifully while remaining as unobtrusive as possible.
Knowing that all eyes will be on you during this time, I take a respectful, observational approach. You won't see me using flash or moving around excessively. Instead, I discreetly capture the key moments and the genuine reactions of your loved ones that you might otherwise miss.
Right after you're officially wed and celebrated with confetti, I believe you deserve a moment to breathe! I like to give you at least the first half-hour to connect with your guests, enjoy a bite, and finally have a celebratory drink. I'll capture these candid moments of joy, allowing you to soak it all in without feeling pulled away."
CEREMONY
"Let's talk about your couples' portraits! Forget stiff poses and forced smiles; my goal is to capture you two being yourselves, genuinely enjoying each other's company amidst the beauty of your wedding day.
I believe the best photos come from authentic moments, guided by the natural light and mood of the day. No trends, no cringey poses – just real connection. I want your portraits to be timeless and reflect your unique relationship.
During these sessions, my direction is minimal. I might suggest a location or a spot to pause, but mostly, I'll let you be yourselves – chatting, laughing, and soaking in the joy of the day. It's uninterrupted time for you to decompress and connect.
I typically split the portrait session into two shorter sessions: a 10-minute stroll before dinner and another during the magical golden hour at sunset. This gives you a beautiful variety of locations and lighting, ensuring your portraits are dynamic and memorable.
PORTRAITS
"Okay, remember how I said the ceremony was the most important part? Well, scratch that – this is where the magic really happens!
Well, scratch that – this is where the magic really happens! For me, the reception is the culmination of the whole day – the moment everyone lets loose, the music kicks in, and the unforgettable memories are made. That's why I stay until the very end!
I never wanted to be the kind of photographer who leaves after the first dance. Life happens, things run behind, and I don't want you worrying about the clock ticking during those key moments. I'm there to capture the entire story, no matter what.
While I'm with you all night (some might joke that's a little too much!), I promise it's never intrusive! You won't see me firing off a million flashes or hovering in anyone's personal space. My goal is to capture the genuine fun and energy of the dance floor – not to catch anyone at their worst! I'm there for the joy, the laughter, and the truly memorable moments."
