About me
It’s probably only right that you should know a little about me…
I’m married to Helen and have 3 complete nut cases for children – Gilli, Annie and Robbie. I love to cook, but I’m not all that sure I do it very well. I also think I have a good singing voice, but my kids don’t. Which is why I turned to photography instead of joining a super-group and touring the world. I love taking photographs and therefore I seriously enjoy my job. And I love all those people who have allowed me the pleasure of photographing them.
When it comes to shooting weddings I’m a firm believer in letting the day unfold by itself without interfering too much. Obviously, here and there a bit of prodding is necessary, but generally, I let the day tell its own story. And I like to make the ‘formals’ an experience. By this, I mean that everyone who walks away after having been photographed by me has to have had a really good time (and remember it for a long time to come). If I can achieve that, then it shows in the photographs and it’s job done. And anyone who uses me as their wedding photographer gets me and only me. No one else ever shoots or works on my photographs. One last thing – I’m not big on aeroplanes (especially when the wind is blowing), but I do travel – so no matter where you’re getting married, I’m really only just down the road.
Right, for the really interested, here’s a short interview I did with myself for a bit of fun…
What is your photographic style?
I’m not huge on rationalising or placing my photography into a box, but it does slant towards ‘slice-of-life.’ I’m not too big on the ‘stand and pose’ thing. I like to let my bridal couples and bridal parties feel that they have a big say in how their photographs turn out. So I encourage them to have fun and ‘do their thing.’ Once they’re relaxed and being themselves, my job is easy. I like to think that I’ve never shot two weddings that look the same – each has its own very distinct personality.
What do you love shooting the most?
Definitely weddings. The energy at weddings is amazing. I also love to shoot my kids – they’re a standup comedy outfit, completely crazy and awesome when they get going! Shooting boats, especially along the West Coast is another passion of mine. I doubt there are to many photographers out there who have the amount of photographs I have of boats along the Cape West Coast. I’ve even published a book on my boat photography.
What is a must read or must see?
Bill Bryson’s ‘A Short History on Nearly Everything’ and Elizabeth Gilbert’s ‘Eat, Pray, Love’ win that one hands down! But I’m not the world’s most prolific reader if the truth be told. About two books a year is my bundle. Movies? I still love ‘Braveheart,’ ‘Dances with Wolves’ and ‘The Right Stuff.’
What lens could you not live without?
My Nikon 18 – 200mm.
How do you juggle your business and family/social life?
With great difficulty. Wedding photographers don’t get a whole lot of time off. So often I find myself promising to try and spend more time with Helen and the kids. It’s tricky though and I don’t think people quite understand just how much time this business takes up. But I do try to get in a holiday with them twice a year, even if it’s only for a short while. Luckily, I have a remarkable wife in Helen who really and truly does hold it all together!
What is one thing we don’t know about you?
I was born on a Leap Year.
Who or what inspires you?
Kindness inspires me. Great soppy moments in movies inspire me. Honesty inspires me. Pure, raw talent inspires me. Happiness inspires me. And people who instead of moaning and feeling sorry for themselves actually get off their bums and make life happen inspire me.
Okay that’s enough about me, if you want to find out more about how I work just speak to any of my couples, I’m sure they’ll all have a story to tell! Or call me, anytime.
Warren
