What a year it’s been! 2024 was packed with beautiful venues, incredible couples, and more confetti than I care to count. As we approach the end of the year, I’ve been reflecting on my favourite moments, venues, and of course, the gear that helped make those moments truly shine.
If you’re a bride (or groom) planning your wedding, you’re likely combing through photos of venues and wondering what goes on behind the lens. Well, let me take you on a little journey through my year as a wedding photographer, complete with my favourite venues, shots, and some behind-the-scenes insights into how I work.
Favourite Venues of 2024
Upton Barn and Walled Garden easily takes the top spot this year. The bridal prep building? Let me tell you, it’s a photographer’s dream. Designed with brides in mind, it has dedicated spaces for hair, makeup, and that all-important morning prosecco (because hydration is key, right?). The light in there is glorious, which means beautiful, natural-looking photos that don’t need much tweaking. Every bride deserves a prep space like this, though I wouldn’t mind moving in myself!
A close runner-up was Bovey Castle, not just for its sheer grandeur, but for the brilliant wedding coordinator. They whisked the bride, groom, and me off in a golf buggy to some jaw-dropping locations on the castle grounds. If you’ve never had your wedding photos taken with rolling hills, majestic trees, and a castle in the background, I highly recommend it. The buggy ride itself was also a great laugh, nothing says romance like bumping along in a slightly-too-small vehicle while clutching your camera bag for dear life 🙂
2024 in Photos: My Favourite Shots
This year, I’ve captured everything from the emotional first look to the last sparkler-lit kiss of the evening. Some of my favourite shots included:
• Detail shots of groom prep: Think aftershave bottles, cufflinks, wedding rings, and those all-important pins. These tiny details tell the story of the day just as much as the big moments.
• Bridal prep moments: Whether it’s a bride stepping into her dress or a quiet smile as her veil is adjusted, these moments are pure magic.
• First look: A groom’s face when he sees his bride for the first time? Priceless.
• Creative reflections: Shooting through windows and mirrors has been a fun challenge this year. There’s something about layering reflections with real-life moments that adds a dreamy, cinematic quality to the photos.
• The confetti shot: Always a winner. A good confetti throw is chaos and joy rolled into one, and it always makes for brilliant photos.
• A heart-shaped group shot: Getting a big group of people to form a perfect heart? Not easy. But when it works, it’s a standout image.
• A fire engine backdrop: One couple decided to include a fire engine as part of their day, and it turned out to be one of my favourite shots. It’s not every day you get to combine romance with a big red truck!
Favourite Photos of 2024
Let’s take a look at my favourite wedding photos of 2024…
The Role of Gear in Wedding Photography
Let’s talk about the tools of the trade. Every single photo this year has been the result of a combination of creativity, timing, and a trusty bit of kit. While I like to think it’s my skills that make the magic happen (humble, I know), the gear plays a massive role too.
This year, I shot every wedding with two Sony A7IV cameras slung over my shoulders. They’re workhorses; reliable, fast, and capable of producing stunning images in all sorts of lighting conditions.
Lenses: My Go-To Trio
1. Sony 24-70mm F2.8 Version 2: This was my most-used lens by far. Its versatility is unmatched. It’s perfect for wide shots of venues, tight portraits, and everything in between.
2. Sony 85mm F1.4: A close second. This lens is all about dreamy, shallow depth of field, making it ideal for those intimate moments like a first look or romantic couple shots.
3. Sony 70-200mm F2.8 Version 2: The telephoto king. I used this lens for candid moments when I needed to keep my distance, like during ceremonies or speeches.
Lighting: The Unsung Hero
Great wedding photography isn’t just about the camera; it’s about the light. This year, 26,552 photos benefited from some form of lighting magic to make people pop against their backgrounds.
I rely on Godox V1 speedlights for on-camera lighting and Godox AD200s for off-camera flash setups. These portable powerhouses allow me to adapt to all sorts of lighting challenges, from dimly lit ceremony rooms to dramatic outdoor portraits.
Interestingly, less than a third of the photos I delivered used no additional lighting at all. Natural light is beautiful, but sometimes a little creative lighting can take an image from good to stunning.
Lessons and Laughs
Every year teaches me something new. In 2024, I learned that wedding coordinators with golf buggies are worth their weight in gold. I also discovered that herding 50 people into a heart shape is a bit like trying to wrangle toddlers into a group photo, patience, a sense of humour, and a megaphone (or very loud voice) are essential.
But most of all, I was reminded of why I love photographing weddings. It’s not just about the beautiful venues or the perfect gear, it’s about the people. Every couple has a unique story, and I feel incredibly lucky to capture it through my lens.
Looking Ahead to 2025
As I wrap up the year, I’m already looking forward to what 2025 will bring. More stunning venues? Yes, please. More creative challenges? Absolutely. More golf buggy rides? Fingers crossed!
To all the brides and grooms I worked with this year: thank you for trusting me to capture your big day. And to those planning your 2025 weddings, I’d love to hear from you. Let’s create something beautiful together.
Whether you’re dreaming of a classic white wedding, a quirky theme, or even a fire engine backdrop, I’m ready to make your vision a reality. Just don’t ask me to herd people into a heart shape without coffee first.
Here’s to another year of love, laughter, and a whole lot of photos. Cheers!
