Wedding Photography – what’s in a style?
Everything! So much in fact that I’ve come back to this page to update, after it sat here for the last eight years relatively untouched. It’s been an epic journey of self discovery as a person, along with my organically growing in creative direction.
Eight years maturing has led to new levels of understanding and attunement to others behaviours. Being more considered and mindful in my approach, seamlessly blending the right place and right time with finger on the shutter button!
All the personal experiences that have come my way, have all shaped the unique way I see the world. My unique perspective on how I chose to capture individuals, showing their humanity within fleeting moments – these very moments are things that others simply won’t get!
This is the value that I bring to others and it’s what I hold as being my creative direction.
Documentary Wedding Photography
Often referred to as Documentary wedding photography, reportage wedding photography or wedding photojournalism, the subtle differences do not need elaborating here. More important is to exploit their combined virtues of being natural, observational story telling.
Documenting a wedding through a strong observational approach is the only real way of telling the story of your wedding day, the way you planned it, the way you visualised it and the way it really was. Any other way would simply the photographers interpretation of what they thought your day should be.
Documentary wedding photographers approach a wedding with the intent of capturing the connection, the energy and the passion of the day. Through experience comes intuition, being able to see and anticipate moments as photographic opportunities to create images of timeless beauty.
Natural storytelling is something I have always done as a professional photographer. My years of working on Fleet Street titles honed my skills producing both features, – a process of telling a story through a series of photographs to single, stand alone images. Each image capable of telling the story, providing context and clearly projecting the story behind the moment.
Five Documentary Images that I love
This first shot I initially overlooked during the edit. Only later did I appreciate how much it conveyed about a wedding. Colin and Alex having just walked down the aisle after their wedding ceremony at Stockbridge Farm Barn. Their expressions saying so much about their range of emotions from relief to happiness & success. Alex clasping the box holding their wedding document and Colin almost gasping for air. It was one crazy hot day! The rustic pallet with the timings for the day giving it that final bit of context – sometime around 2.30pm to be precise!
One of the most tender hug pictures I’ve ever captured… Two bridesmaids upon seeing their friend, ready to go standing in her wedding dress. Such a strong image to capture so early on it the story of the wedding day. Perfectly illustrating why each aspect of a wedding day needs to be captured by a documentary wedding photographer.
Capturing heightened emotion is amazingly rewarding, some people just keep giving. Seldom do you get presented with two people simultaneously giving, both mirroring each other. Covering their faces, wiping away tears with their outermost hands. Mike and Kelly showing so much about themselves and their relationship. On hell of a couple and such a pleasure to work with. Their day was one that provided so many naturally simple, yet powerful documentary wedding photos.
Strong documentary wedding photography involves keeping the mind open to opportunities. Anticipating where one can, but also recognising something fresh when it is presented and capturing it in that all important stand alone image. Humour, if you haven’t already noticed being a big part in the images I try to capture. Reversing and maybe questioning social expectations in this image. When it’s more often the case that younger members are lost from ‘the moment’ looking down, when they should be looking up and engaging with others – this gift came together nicely. Split seconds, fleeting moments – but capturing them well is what I set my creative sights upon.
An unscripted moment, that came and went within seconds. These are the moments that keep us alert, the chance of capturing such things.
I had decided to move to the back of the ceremony room, hoping to get another angle, another opportunity to compose and to tell the wedding ceremony story for this couple.
Unknown to me from this perspective, a member of the family was shedding a few tears and looking for a tissue. Their need was met when a bridesmaid offered one forward across the aisle and across my line of vision – I took the frame and caught the moment.
The perspective and the instance caught, says so much to a viewer in its strength and poignancy. A unique perspective that encapsulates everything that wedding photography should have – context, emotion and timing.
Great documentary wedding photography speaks volumes. I love the sound of its voice…
Ready to book?
Book your wedding with us. Check our availability and get our full pricing for wedding photography & videography.
Wedding dates can be booked up to 2 years in advance so please contact us as soon as you have a confirmed date to avoid disappointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below, I’ve answered some of the most common questions I get asked about my services. From how I work on the day to the specifics of packages and delivery, I’m here to make the process as simple as possible. If you have any further questions, feel free to get in touch!
Based near Blandford and Bournemouth, I’m a Dorset wedding photographer and videographer, offering my services throughout the UK and occasionally abroad to ensure your wedding day is beautifully captured, wherever it may be.
To secure my services, simply complete my online contract and pay a £500 booking fee. Once that’s done, your date is confirmed, and I’m all set to capture your special day!
I’m a member of the Wedding Photojournalist Association (WPJA), an international organisation for professional photographers skilled in candid, unobtrusive wedding photography, joining some of the most respected, award-winning photojournalists worldwide.
I provide professional Dorset wedding photography, dedicating full attention to each wedding. I personally oversee every step, from shooting and editing to colour correction, retouching, and album design. Every album is meticulously quality checked before being presented to the client, ensuring a truly personalised and exceptional result.
Large enough for poster prints, if desired. All images are high-quality and delivered in full resolution.
Absolutely! You’re fully licensed to print as many copies as you like for your personal use. Friends and family can also order prints directly from your gallery.
Certainly, I’m covered with up to £10m for public liability and professional indemnity, including photography and drone operations.
I typically share a selection of 12-20 preview photos within a couple of days, with the full set ready within two weeks. During busy periods, this may take up to a month. Film previews are delivered within three weeks, and the full highlight video is available within six weeks.
Ready to say “I do”?
I’d love to hear about your wedding plans and how I can help capture your special day.
Get in touch with me today to check availability or discuss your vision and let’s create something unforgettable together.
Golden hour, wild heathland, and the cutest Cavapoo sidekick — Charlotte & Ethan’s New Forest engagement shoot had all the right ingredients.
Their connection? Effortless. The light? Glorious. The moments? Real.
Throw in a surprise foal encounter and it was pure photo magic.
If you`re dreaming of your own shoot in the New Forest (or just want to bring your dog along!), this is your sign. 🌟
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📍 Bolton’s Bench, New Forest📸 Smiling Tiger Studios
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Jul 7
Trends fade. Moments don’t.
It’s easy to get swept up in the look of wedding photography — but the feel is what lasts. The quiet glance. The squeeze of a hand. The emotion that lingers long after the cake’s been cut.
We just dropped a blog that dives deep into the difference between style and substance — and why both matter.
✨ If you want wedding photos that look beautiful and feel like you, this one’s for you.
📸 Smiling Tiger Studios
📍Dorset | Somerset | UK & beyond
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Jul 4
A simple ceremony and a beautiful image. Vaishi & Jason`s wedding at the Tudor House in Southampton a few weeks back.
The joy on Vaishi`s parents faces says it all!
#southamptonweddingphotographer #tudorhouseweddings #indianfusionweddings
Jul 3
They’re the storytellers, the baby-whisperers, the ones who’ve loved us the longest.
Including grandparents in your family shoot isn’t just beautiful—it’s meaningful.
We recently shared our thoughts on why these moments matter (and how to make them effortless) in a new post that’s all heart, no pressure.
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✨ Head to the blog for tips, ideas, and a whole lot of love.
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Jul 3
Perfectly timed, completely unposed — and an absolute favourite of ours.
The best man lands a killer punchline. The bride, groom, maid of honour and best man? All mid-laugh, eyes wide, caught in that rare shared moment of total joy.
You don’t always get the whole top table aligned like this. But when it happens — and everyone’s dialled in — it’s storytelling gold.
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#SmilingTigerStudios
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Jul 1
“All-day coverage” — sounds like a dream, right?
But too often, it means 8 hours and done. Or “until the first dance”... if you`re lucky.
We do things differently.
At Smiling Tiger Studios, we tell the whole story — from final prep to the dance floor chaos, and all the emotion in between.
No clocks. No cut-offs. Just honest, story-led coverage that flows with your day.
Thinking about booking a photographer? Ask the right questions.
Start here 👉 💥Linkin.bio💥
#AllDayWeddingCoverage
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Jun 27