A bit about me
Hey there, I’m Russell—the guy behind the lens. Before you dive into my work, let me share a bit about my journey and what I’m all about
In the beginning!
It all started with my Baby Brownie Special, a little camera my dad handed down to me when I was five. It had been his when he was a kid, so by the time it reached me, it was already a bit of a family relic. This thing took eight photos per roll, and I’d wait a solid week for them to come back from Boots. I can still remember each shot from that first roll: our cat, my three-year-old brother doing his best model pose, the family dog, our house… and, of course, the washing line—I just had to finish the roll! That was all it took; I was completely hooked on photography.
Fast forward to 1999, and I graduated from the University of Plymouth with a degree in Photography. During uni, I started working in a high street photo lab and found I loved helping customers improve their own shots. After a stint managing a lab for Lloyds Pharmacies, I opened my own photo lab on Commercial Road in Hereford at 24, and I’ve been all in on photography ever since.
The lab quickly built a name for itself with quality and good customer service, and every Monday morning, we’d have stacks of film rolls from local wedding photographers dropping off their weekend shots. Looking through hundreds of wedding photos weekly gave me a solid crash course in the art of capturing those once-in-a-lifetime moments.
Not long after I opened the lab, a customer found out I had a photography degree and asked if I’d come take some shots for them. One gig led to another, and soon I was deep into wedding photography—capturing real emotions and candid moments felt like the perfect fit. Before I knew it, the lab was doubling as a gallery for my wedding work around the West Midlands and UK. By 2006, it was time to go all in, so I sold the lab and jumped headfirst into wedding photography full-time.
Making the move to Wedding Photographer
The development of Wedding Photography
Twenty years ago, wedding photography in Herefordshire was pretty straightforward: three rolls of medium format film, 36 photos total, mostly family group shots and a handful of the couple. I quickly got a little frustrated with this stiff approach, so I’d bring along my 35mm to capture the candid, unplanned moments. Without realizing it, I was among the first around here to break away from the traditional format and try a more documentary style, and soon I’d made a name as the go-to wedding photographer in Herefordshire.
Wedding photography has come a long way since then. Digital tech has opened up a world of styles—now we have everything from fashion-inspired shoots to full-on documentary approaches. But here’s my take: wedding photographers should focus on capturing the real, heartfelt story of the day, with family portraits giving some structure without taking over. A photographer who knows weddings well will get the shots and give you time to enjoy with your guests—without turning the day into one long photoshoot.
I quickly learned that if I helped the day flow smoothly, the photos would just fall into place. So many couples have said, “You were more than just a photographer,” and I take pride in that. It’s usually the little things that make all the difference. For instance, memorizing the bridal party’s names does wonders for creating a friendly, inclusive vibe. I also get that the bridal party might be new to their roles, so I’ll keep them in the loop, helping everyone relax and enjoy the day knowing it’s all under control.
Over the years, I’ve done it all: sewn up wedding dresses, fixed a bride’s nails, chased down missing suits, even given a bride my socks so she could walk through a field without wrecking her shoes. I’ve driven couples when the wedding car broke down, pinned on buttonholes, kept things on schedule when ceremonies ran over, put out fires (literally), and yes, once got trapped in a church with rising floodwaters! Whatever it takes, I’m there to make sure things go smoothly.
It's all in the detail
Support throughout your Wedding Day
I’ve been capturing weddings in the West Midlands and UK for over 20 years, and that experience means your photos will be taken smoothly, without any fuss and without interrupting the flow of your day. My goal is to keep things quick and enjoyable, always thinking on my feet to make the most of the locations and conditions. And don’t worry—I always have a plan B and C ready just in case plan A needs a little backup!
When it’s time for just the two of you, I strive to create a relaxed, fun atmosphere. I know not everyone feels at ease in front of the camera, so I’ll provide gentle guidance to help us capture the best images.
Most importantly, I’m here to support you throughout your wedding day. I’ll be that calming presence by your side, helping you relax so you can truly enjoy every moment.
I've had the incredible privilege of photographing ceremonies at nearly 200 wedding venues across Herefordshire and beyond, even venturing all the way to New Zealand! The knowledge and experience I've gained along the way are invaluable, so you can rest easy knowing your wedding is in very capable hands.
When I think back to those first eight photos I took, I can vividly remember where I was, the warmth of the sun, the smells in the air, and the feelings that washed over me. That’s the magic of photography—it’s like a time machine that transports you back to those special moments, allowing you to get lost in the memories.
My ultimate goal is to craft a beautiful narrative of your wedding day—one filled with meaning, joy, and emotional depth that you’ll cherish and revisit with loved ones for years to come.
So, if you’re looking for an experienced wedding photographer in the West Midlands, don’t hesitate to reach out and start your journey with me!
Hire an experienced Photographer in the West Midlands
I’m based in the West Midlands with my family, but I also have a little retreat near Tywyn in the beautiful heart of Wales. It’s the perfect spot for escaping the hustle and bustle and recharging with some breathtaking walks and views. If you’re looking for a short break, my place is available to rent. You might even want to combine your stay with a location portrait shoot! Just click on this link for Chalet 18!
