As we all bid farewell to 2023, I'm using this time between Christmas and the new year, otherwise unofficially known as 'Twixmas' (I've just heard of this term today!), to take a stroll down SBrewinPhotography's memory lane and reflect on a year filled with varying celebrations, heartfelt looks of love and personal growth as a wedding and family photographer in Wiltshire and across the South West; where natural, fun and treasured moments have been captured through my lenses.
I feel incredibly honoured to have been trusted to photograph a range of celebrations this past year; from couple/engagement shoots, intimate town hall ceremonies, garden parties, full day weddings and family/dog photo sessions - no two the same. Through my own bookings as well as assisting other photographers as their associate and second shooter, I have documented the genuine emotions that have unfolded throughout these celebrations - candid shots of laughter, tears of love and joy and the unfiltered reactions to wholehearted speeches; not to mention a lot of hand holding, fireworks and some questionable dance moves :D. I have also certainly enjoyed capturing the tight hugs of wedding guests and loved ones at every wedding I have photographed this year! There have been several times I have welled up behind my camera watching these wonderful moments.
It's so, so hard trying to choose a handful of images to summarise the year, almost impossible in fact! Here are just a few of my favourite wedding moments (take particular note of the lovely Dan, saying "WOW" as he watches his bride come down the isle. This made me weak behind my camera when I second shot for the lovely Claire Wakefield):
I didn't realise at first, but looking back now, I see that blue suits have definitely been the trend this year; a lot of the photos in my selection have some variation of blue suits.
I have been lucky enough to photograph at some gorgeous venues this year, some for the first time, including The Pear Tree at Purton Swindon, Wellington Barn nr Calne Wiltshire, Chalk Barn in Rushall Wiltshire, Winkworth Farm in Malmsbury, Upcote Barn on the outskirts of Cheltenham, Canada Lodge and Lake just north of Cardiff and Amber Lakes in London. As well as those, I've photographed a couple of local church and marquee weddings on farms too which are always great fun.
The details and decor from couple to couple and wedding to wedding is always something I really enjoy capturing because it reflects the couples individuality and tastes. It's these photos add that extra fullness to each gallery in my opinion. A particular favourite centre piece idea was from Lloyd and Ellies June wedding at Canada Lodge, where Lloyd had hand-cut characters and scenes from their favourite movies and displayed them under glass domes... the dedication and precision was amazing!!
Cakes are also something I love photographing - I'm not a cake maker by any means (I have definitely experienced the definition of a soggy bottom on several occasions when attempting to bake a cake) so I am always in awe at the wedding cakes I see.
See below for some of my favourite detail shots from the year:
I hope I have portrayed in my images that each wedding I have attended this year has been nothing short of fantastic and a joy to be apart of. Add in the bonus of knowing you have contributed in creating someones special day the best it can be and receiving feedback like:
"Absolutely would 100% recommend to anyone getting married wanting a fun, professional and absolutely lovely photographer who puts everyone at ease, works around you, and most importantly gets the most beautiful shots"
and
"These photos show the talent you have for capturing the moment. I must also say from the moment you arrived we loved having you around sharing the tears and joy. After spending the day with you it felt you should have been on the family table. Cannot recommend enough...'
makes every effort put in worth it.
It's not just weddings that have been in front of my camera though. Throughout the year I've photographed couples in love and families that want to document the ever growing stages of their lives. I love to use nature's seasonal backdrops for my outdoor shoots to give as much colour and vibrancy as possible in my images. I'm a big fan of using the forest and woods at the right times of year for that extra colour pop. Photographing in the magical Bluebell woods is a personal joy for me as well as Autumn coming in at a very close second. Having said that, you also can't beat golden hour at the beach!!! Here's some of my favourites:
Not forgetting my first maternity shoot that got me A LOT of wonderful comments online and in person; this shoot was for my friend as a gift, just a few days before her due date when the sun actually shone this year; I think we can all agree she nailed it.
In addition to this wonderful shoot, her now 13 week little baby boy is equally skilled at posing to have his photo taken, for his first Christmas shoot under the Christmas tree... heart eyes x100!
I also photographed a 5-7year old's ballet class and children's dance show this year which was an interesting added extra to my usual subjects.
However before all of the above kicked off, my year started with an exciting two-day photography conference in Brighton for Photography Farm's 'Thrive'.
I met other like minded photographers, had my first experience of photographing styled shoots and progressed my skills under the guidance of industry leaders Igor Demba and Lilly Red. It was a transformative eye opener and challenged me to really think about how I wanted to go forward in my photography business. I'm realising the importance of investing in yourself to continue moving forward always.
I also met a group of really lovely people from different parts of the UK, who have been a fantastic support network throughout this year. I'm so thankful I met them and to them for having my back throughout the year when those moments of self doubt pop up.
Here's a couple of my favourite shots from Thrive's styled shoots:
WORKSHOP HOST: Photography Farn
MENTORS: Lilly Red & Igor Demba
MODELS: @wildflowercouple & @sharnakockova/@lukas_kocka
I didn't just use my camera for work related photography though - I of course took it out and photographed other things, such as the King's Coronation; my local village had a picnic celebration and watched the Army Red Devils fly in to the event which was brilliant! The whole day was utterly quintessentially English... there was face painting, birds of prey, welly throwing, tug of war, best cake competition, bouncy castles and lots of British cheer.
Sadly I'm not always able to share online some of the photos I take, even if they're my favourite, because I must respect the requests of the client not to share or use the images online. But, seeing all these images together and creating this round up has made me so happy and proud of what I have achieved in my second year of business, for the people that have booked me and for myself. I am proud to admit that I have progressed hugely from my first year in business in 2022; and whilst doing so have met and photographed so many truly lovely people.
I could go on and on, but I won't. So, I will leave it there - but if you're reading this and I have worked with or photographed you this year, I'd like to take this moment to THANK YOU so very much for putting your faith in me to capture your most special moments. I can't really put into words how much it means to me.
Looking into 2024, I have some exciting new venues to photograph with equally as lovely people as this year. I'm very much looking forward to my first wedding of the year at the end of February at Chalk Barn. As I photograph part time alongside another job, I have filled the majority of my wedding booking availability which is fab. There's room for a couple more bookings, so if you're reading this and looking for a photographer for 2024 please do get in touch to ask about your date! I will also be regularly posting more blog posts with helpful tips and tricks about the services I offer, so check back in throughout the year.
If you've got this far, well done! Thanks so much for your time and reading about my business. Wishing you a very happy new year and a healthy 2024.
Steph x
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