Your West Midlands Wedding- April/May 2020 (Issue 67)

62  Getting to know your local photographers BEHIND STILL LIGHT PHOTOGRAPHY Katie Whitburn says... What inspired you to become a wedding photographer? Photography has always been a passion of mine since I was very small. The ability to freeze time with the click of a button fascinated me – it still does. Photographs allow us to revisit moments in our life that brought us joy, excitement and happiness. Being able to provide these memories for people makes my job so worthwhile. Waking up on a wedding morning and knowing I have been invited to share in two people’s most important and emotional journey is pretty special. What’s your favourite West Mids location/venue to shoot at, why? Stanbrook Abbey has to be one of my favourite wedding venues. There is just so much there to love; gorgeous architecture, beautiful grounds, amazing staff. One of my recent weddings there is featured in this issue so take a look at the images and you’ll see for yourself why I love it so much! What’s your favourite part of the job? The people. I’ve worked with so many fantastic couples, venues and fellow suppliers over the years and they really do make it what it is. I couldn’t do this without the support of my clients and colleagues and waking up to a glowing testimonial sent to me by one of my brides or grooms is just the best feeling.  What are your top tips for nearlyweds? Planning a wedding can seem daunting but you’ll have all of your favourite people around you to help. Do what feels right for you and make your day personal and special to you, rather than what anyone else wants you to do. Most of all, just have fun with it! Also, meet with your suppliers before you book them – especially your photographer/videographer – it’s such a personal choice to make and you want to be sure you’re choosing the right person. 07870 882 935 | stilllightphotography.co.uk JOL PHOTOGRAPHY James Bloor says... What inspired you to become a wedding photographer? I’ve always loved photography from an early age although the subjects were very different. I started capturing motorsport, everything from cars rallying on a Welsh mountain side to touring cars around Britain’s racing circuits. Until one day a friend asked me to capture his wedding day. Fast moving cars are one thing but weddings are completely different! I captured that day and loved every part of it. I was then asked to do another and another and then everything just fell into place. It was something I never even thought of but my passion grew from then onwards… and the rest they say is history!  What’s your favourite West Mids location/venue to shoot at, why? Many stick in my mind for so many different reasons. I have had traditional weddings with a church and stately homes for the reception to a tipi in a field with sack races and welly wanging. Hand on heart, I can’t say I have a favourite as every venue is so different but I believe it doesn’t matter where you get married it is the people you have around you. We have had so many amazing weddings just because the people that were there, we have full on belly laughed at best men speeches, we have had hairs stand on end because of a hymn sang in church – we’ve even shed a few tears. What’s your favourite part of the job? Our Clients 100%! We’re so lucky to have the best couples that choose us to capture their day. We love getting to know them both, from the first meeting and pre-wedding shoot we offer to the actual day. We love the fact that as we leave that evening we have not only had the best day ever, but leave with many new friends, our Christmas card list is forever growing! What are your top tips for nearlyweds? For getting married: with the stress, family politics and all that jazz, it’s hard to remember why you’re actually do it, don’t forget to take that time and remember what it’s all for.  For finding your photographer: research, invest and trust! 01743 240 159 | jolphotography.co.uk the lens 62