Newlywed’s considering where to look for a female wedding photographer, especially those of you who are London based, might want to look up the highly talented Catherine Mead, who’s photography business, Photography by Catherine is a brand I’m really very proud to be associated with through Love My Dress…
I first got to know Catherine back in 2010, when she contacted me to ask if I would like to feature the beautifully brightly coloured wedding of Laura and Ben, which of course, I did!
Love My Dress Wedding Blog – Photography Copyright (c) 2012, Catherine Mead
Since then, I have met Catherine at several industry events and it is always so lovely to spend time catching up with her. Based in both Bristol & London, Catherine works across the UK and internationally and is a super-well connected lady; regularly globe-trotting to shoot some of the most beautiful weddings I’ve seen…
Catherine also took the photographs at this amazing evening out I had last year at One Mayfair, courtesy of ‘By Appointment Only Design’.
Today I’d like to get to know Catherine a little better and also showcase some of her wonderful wedding photography…
Inspiration…
“Photography is the only thing I ever wanted to do! In school I studied photography after hours as a GCSE, campaigned for them to offer A-level photography, which I did, and then went straight on to complete a BA Honours degree in Photographic Arts. I graduated from the University of Westminster on the Friday, and on the Monday I was a staff photographer at a national press agency working for all of the U.K. national newspapers and magazines.
During my time there I became runner-up in The Times Young Photographer of the Year two years running, and subsequently went freelance to work for my favourite titles including The Times and Grazia Magazine. I photographed my first wedding two years ago and fell in love with wedding photography too. Now I maintain a happy mix of combining wedding photography with editorial & commercial assignments…”
Signature style…
“I would describe my signature style as stylish documentary photography capturing all the fun, excitement and the moments that no one wants to forget, combined with beautiful, timeless portraits of a couple very much in love. These are all wrapped up in designer albums that promise to be a luxurious heirloom to pass on to future generations…”
Working with couples…
“What I love most about working with couples on their wedding day, is getting to know them better and meeting all of their friends. I’m usually at a wedding for at least 14 hours from start to finish, so I can really get a feel for the day and tell the entire story of the wedding through my photographs.
I work alone without an entourage of assistants, and by the end of the night it feels like I’m another guest, as people relax and warm to me throughout the wedding. I recently drove a couple back to their hotel at the very end of the night, so I got to be the last one to say goodbye before they left on their honeymoon. That was a lovely end to a great day…”
Price Guide…
“My pricing is from £2,495 for unlimited coverage (12 hours + ) of their wedding day, with an additional surcharge for destination weddings.
As the popularity for smaller weddings grows, I have also just begun to offer a 6 hour collection priced at £1,800…”
Top tips to help a couple get the best out of their wedding photography…
“In order to have great wedding photography, not only do you have to love their work, but I think it’s really important that you find a photographer that you also really like, who you would be very happy to spend your wedding day with. In order to get great photos it’s so important that you are totally relaxed around your photographer, and are able to trust them completely to do a great job. I’d say always meet your shortlisted photographers before placing a booking. This isn’t always possible, and I schedule Skype meetings with my International clients so it’s as close to a meeting environment as we can.
I would always recommend spending as much on photography as your budget can possibly allow to ensure you have the best possible photographs of your day to pass on to the future generations of your family. If on a tighter budget, try and book early before any annual price rise, and see if your photographer will allow you to pay by installment, so that you can chip away at it over the months and not be left with a big bill at the end. Don’t worry though as whatever your budget, there will always be a perfect photographer for you.”
For further information, please visit the Photography by Catherine website. You can also follow Catherine on Twitter and Facebook.
You can also see more of Catherine’s photography on Love My Dress here.
With much love,
Annabel
♥
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Annabel View all Annabel's articles
Founder of Love My Dress. Passionate Podcaster and Editor. Annabel lives in rural North Yorkshire with her husband and business partner Philip, their two daughters and menagerie of furry hounds. She loves photography, meditation, walking, being outdoors and star gazing. She is fierce when it comes to championing talent within the wedding industry and when she's not working on Love My Dress, she supports her husband Philip in the running of the family's sustainable flower farm and floral design business, Moonwind Flowers. In 2013, she became a published author.
