Photography is very personal and every photographer has their individual approach. Here Kim explains her ethos, her style and her methods, so you can decide if she is the right photographer for you.
How did you get into photography?
I’ve had an eye for photography since I was nineteen. At my brother’s wedding in 1990, I took a picture of my parents – who were recently divorced – walking down the aisle. Their arms were linked and my mother turned to me, smiled and winked. That wink was significant to me, and to this day I still have the photo of that priceless moment.
Over the years, I continued to enjoy taking my camera on holidays. I took a lot of wildlife, but also portraits of children and elderly women. Then, a couple of years ago, I attended a friend’s wedding as a guest and discretely took photos from a distance. Everyone loved the photos, saying that I should think about wedding photography as a career. So, here I am two years later, having trained with some of the world’s leading wedding photographers, like Doug Gordon and Joe Photo, and now a professional myself – and loving every moment of it.
Why do people use a professional photographer?
The way that I see it, it’s a bit like maths, music, cooking or DIY. You’re either gifted, or you’re not. Have you ever wished you could take a great picture? Well, that’s what I do. I use my camera to capture once in a lifetime moments; whether they be your child’s christening, a portrait of your grandparents, an anniversary party, a special charity event or the most important day of your life – your wedding.
Whatever the occasion, when I am taking pictures, I capture your event the way it will never be again. In other words, I capture the all important ’once-in-a-lifetime moments’.
What do you think sets apart your wedding photography?
My style is contemporary – I combine reportage or editorial photography, following events as the day unfolds, with a small number of traditional classic group shots.
I have the advantage of having spent over a decade as a wedding and events planner, which has proved invaluable in developing an ‘eye’ for what makes an occasion special. I understand what the bride and groom want, without imposing too much on their special day.
My advice for anyone choosing a wedding photographer is that with weddings you don’t get a second chance – so hire a photographer you absolutely love.
What style of photography do you specialise in?
I like a natural, informal feel, and a large element of what I do is ‘behind the scenes’ reportage.
When I’m shooting weddings I do take some formal and group shots, but I’m not a fan of stuffy, staged portraits or artificial studio set-ups. I much prefer watching from a distance, unobtrusively in the background, anticipating and catching moments, expressions and spontaneous reactions. It’s why I love photographing parties and charity functions where people are relaxed, chatting and having a great time.
How important is it for you to have a rapport with your subjects?
I think you get the best out of people when they’re at ease and enjoying themselves – if someone feels uncomfortable it shows in the photographs. It’s why ideally I like to meet clients before a project – not just to understand their brief, but it gives me the opportunity to ‘see the person’ and sense their character and create a bond.
Some of my favourite jobs are where I’ve effectively become the ‘family photographer’: really getting to know a family, developing a relationship with them, and regularly documenting their most special moments.
Is there anything else we should know about you?
If you hate posing – and saying “cheese” then I’m the photographer for you.
