18th October 2013 | Posted in photography by emmajo

My friend married her love this summer and the photographs are beautiful. Roz asked Hannah Wilkinson to capture her and Paul’s day and I just had to share them and find out a little more about Hannah and her work.

Bride and Groom Wedding Photography

Tells us a little about yourself…

My name is Hannah Wilkinson, I live in Suffolk with my fiancee Ross. We live just down the road from the Copella Farm which makes the most amazing Cloudy Apple Juice. I have a First Class BA (Hons) degree in Fashion Promotion & Imaging. I love to photograph ‘real’ people to capture individual personalities and unique relationships.

How did your career in photography begin?

When I was 14, I went to see an exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery in London. I can still remember the photographs that were displayed so vividly, and I still pinpoint that exhibition as my earliest inspiration to get in to image-making. The exhibition was called ‘Portraits’, and it was the first ever museum exhibition of the work of Fashion Photographer, Mario Testino. I remember being so fascinated at his clear ability to capture the real personalities and relationships of his famous and frequently photographed subjects – particularly his beautiful photographs of Diana, Princess of Wales. From that day on, I can’t remember ever wanting to go in to any other vocation.

I studied Photography at A-Level, where I learnt a great deal about the history of the camera and was introduced to the work of many great image-makers such as Man Ray and Cecil Beaton. I also had great fun learning the technical processes of developing my own film and experimenting in the dark room. From Sixth Form College I went on to gain a Diploma in Foundation Studies in Art & Design from Colchester Institute, after which I moved to Epsom to study BA (Hons) Fashion Promotion & Imaging at the University for the Creative Arts. It was here that I started to really develop my own style and I had so much fun photographing a variety of subjects – from professional models and fashion designers, to members of the public and my own peers. For my final project (which lasted approx. 9 months) I worked with a fellow student (we took on the roles of Photographer and Stylist) to create a book titled ‘The Absence of Logic’. The book was filled with imagery from our own shoots. All of the photographs were shot using film, and all of our subjects were ‘real’ people – we did not want to use models, we wanted to capture real feelings and genuine relationships.

Bridesmaids Wedding Photography

Groom Wedding Photography

Describe your photography style and inspirations.

I would describe my style as natural, real, relaxed and honest. I adore the work of photographers such as Cecil Beaton, Eve Arnold, Corinne Day and Mario Testino. Beautiful cinematography, picturesque locations and eclectic interiors also inspire me and give me ideas.

Do you have a favourite part of the wedding to photograph?

The Bridal Preparation and Groom’s Party arriving at the wedding venue are two of my favourite parts of the day to photograph, as the excitement for the day ahead just builds up right in front of you which is such a pleasure to see and be a part of. I also love photographing the couple just after the ceremony, as there is such a feeling of ‘Ahhh, we’ve done it!!’, which, again, is such an unforgettable time and so exciting to capture. There is so much work and preparation that goes in to a wedding, so I also feel that it is also very important to document all of the little details and finishing touches that go in to making a day so unique.

What packages/services do you offer couples?

I currently offer two different packages for wedding photography that include:- a coverage fee, a USB with a licence to print for friends and family, and a canvas wrap print with an image of the bride/groom’s choice. I also offer each of these services individually at a range of prices, so that couples can tailor their own package depending on their unique requirements.

Bride Wedding Photography