Westonbirt Engagement shoot – Chloe & Ian

06/12/2021
Westonbirt Arboretum

If you are one to think “I hate having my photo taken” or “we’d like to get to know you better before our wedding day”. I totally get that. I actually hated having my photo taken years ago and only felt confident in front of the camera after a few pints of my favourite beverage (cider!). On your wedding day, having someone pointing a camera at all different angles, all day long can seem a little uncomfortable.

It is then I suggest a pre wedding photo shoot, or if you rather call it a engagement shoot.  A lot of the time during the actual pre wedding shoots is actually spent chatting, thus getting us a little more comfortable with one another. Psychologically if your happier with the people your around with, you tend to act more natural, thus making it much easier for me to photograph you looking more natural. Simple but very true.

My style of photograph also means we don’t just stand still, turn your head a bit, look that way, no that way, hang on a minute (wait 5 min). Rather, it’s fast paced therefore not allowing you to feel vain about oneself. I always try and make it fun and a little bit quirky.

I met up with Chloe & Ian at Westonbirt Arboretum. Chloe initially felt not only nervous about the shoot, she also said she lacked confidence in front of the camera. My strategy to this, is, that “your actually just meeting Ben”. I normally get a little puzzlement look to this answer. But it’s true, you are just meeting me, Ben! What I love about my job is turning around your mindset from having a little anxiety because of the photoshoot to ultimately having fun and becoming relaxed around me (and maybe my camera!).

Usually the pre wedding shoot actually creates a bond between us. You’ll have seen the pre wedding images beforehand, which will also give you further confidence in my ability as a photographer, so that on the big day, you just let me get on with it, therefore allowing you to enjoy the day.

I'm very excited about photographing Chloe & Ian's wedding, and I look forward to seeing them in October.

Homme House, Herefordshire Wedding

Homme House, Herefordshire Wedding

I'd been genuinely excited about photographing Liam & Deanna's wedding. It was at the exclusive wedding venue, Homme House. I'd never actually photographed a wedding at Homme House, but I had heard great things about it, both from vendors and online chat. Homme...

Old Down Barn – Abi & Ethans Summer Wedding

Old Down Barn – Abi & Ethans Summer Wedding

Just a stone’s throw from Bristol, Old Down Barn was the perfect backdrop for Abi & Ethan’s summer celebration. The Barn itself is in the heart of Old Down Estate and with it the Barn’s exposed brick, wooden beams shows off a charming style. In addition, the...

Manor By The Lake  – Indian Wedding  – Anchika & Gary

Manor By The Lake – Indian Wedding – Anchika & Gary

So as I've already mentioned, over the years I've photographed many weddings at Manor By The Lake. It is however such a special place that it almost feels like your first as there are literally so many places to have decent photographs that I'm still on a photo...