I featured James’s own wedding in Buckinghamshire a little while ago on LMW – we got chatting, he told me that he too was a wedding photographer and we thought it would be a cool to do a little interview and feature some of his photos …as you know I like to feature up and coming talent here in the UK so here goes.
* How long have you been photographing weddings for and how did you get into it?
I’ve been photographing weddings professionally for nearly four years now and originally started taking pictures as a hobby. I first got into photography in 1998 after a back packing trip around Australia and fell in love with the work of Australian landscape photographer Peter Lik. It was just one of those moments in your life when the light bulb comes on think to yourself wow that’s what I’d really love to do. In my case it was take beautiful pictures and sharing them with people.
* What were you doing before?
Needing to balance my aspiration to become the next David Bailey, with the reality of earning money, I spent several years working in public relations for some of the best PR consultancies in London. I managed everything from photoshoots to events for well-known brands like Starbucks and British Airways and it was fantastic fun! My PR background means I’m equally confident in front of camera as I am behind one. I love talking to people and help them to feel at ease, which is really important for a wedding photographer. I’ve also really understand how to deliver great customer service and offer all my clients a really bespoke and personal experience a bit like you’d find in a boutique shop.
* What do you particularly like photographing about weddings?
I love taking pictures of people and what better place to do that than at a wedding. There’s such a wide range of emotions that people go through and I love recording that on film. There’s no better feeling than capturing those unique and special moments that can often go unmissed. It’s a bit like Geoff Hurst scoring a hatrick in the 1966 World Cup Final.
* What is your style?
My style isn’t overly posed or staged, quite the opposite and much more natural, creative and fun. I’m a younger photographer (34) and like to think that I have a more modern approach that’s a bit more in touch with what couples of today really want. Most people that book me tend to be looking for natural images that will capture the real essence and magic of their special days…photos that tell a story.
* How did you go about choosing a photographer for your own wedding?
It wasn’t an easy decision, as you can imagine. We knew the style we liked and we shortlisted a few photographers after a lot of research. But the most important thing to us was finding a wedding photographer whose work we loved and who we would get along with. So in the end our decision was based on who we gelled with the most so we knew come our big day, we would be much more relaxed and comfortable infront of the camera.
* What advice would you give to couples looking for a wedding photographer?
Weddings can be a minefield and the last thing you want to do is choose the wrong photographer. Wedding photography is something you shouldn’t scrimp on, as there’s no way you can do it again. If your photographer can’t also make you laugh or smile, then you really need to question will I get those relaxed smiley images that I really want. A good rule of thumb is to look for a photographer that has many sample pictures, as well as one with a lost of satisfied references. It can also help to ask friends and family if they can recommend anyone.
* What particular themes or special touches have you seen at weddings you liked?
Some of the things that stick out in my mind include singing waiters, boats, autumn leaves for confetti, Asian brides switching outfits, photobooths, guests singing with live rock bands (www.rockaoke.co.uk),pub style quizzes, gospel choirs, Thailand wish latterns and candy buffets. One wedding I did recently that sticks out in my mind was a colourful Nigerian wedding. The lady guests were in fabulous outfits with amazing headgear called a ‘Gele’ and the whole wedding party never stopped singing and dancing all night long, which made for some wonderful pictures.
* How do you charge?
I’ve designed a series of different packages named after famous photographers to cater for people’s different tastes and budgets. All my packages include a high res disc, personal web viewing gallery, pre-wedding shoot and a photobook made by Graphi Studio in Italy, one of the best wedding album manufacturers in the industry. The price of my packages tends to go up or down depending on how many hours I photograph for, which is normally between 6-10 hours. I also offer a bespoke service if people are looking for something a little bit different as well as low season discounts from October to March and special offers from time-to-time, which I advertise on my website.
* What was the best bit about your own wedding?
I think that’s an easy question marrying the girl of my dreams.
Ahh isn’t he romantic!!
I think that this is a really lovely selection of James’ work. Be sure to check out James Ruane’s website for more details of his work. He is also running a competition with Wedding Ideas Magazine to win a £2000 Wedding Photography package for free so those of you getting married next year make sure that you enter.
There are lots of other real weddings on LMW if you’ve enjoyed this one and want to see some more…..
Tickets to the event are free but brides must register a time slot to get their ticket, which they can do on the website, Bridal Designer Sale
