STORIES
The Beauty and Challenges of Marquee Weddings: A Somerset Wedding Photographer’s Perspective
As a seasoned wedding photographer based in the picturesque county of Somerset, I've had the pleasure of capturing countless beautiful weddings. Among the many venues and styles, marquee weddings hold a unique charm and flexibility that many couples find irresistible. However, like any wedding choice, they come with their own set of advantages and challenges.
Top 10 Historical Churches in Somerset
Explore the top 10 historical churches in Somerset, each offering a unique blend of architectural beauty and rich heritage. Discover how to plan your dream wedding at these stunning venues, from the grandeur of Wells Cathedral to the charming village church of St. Mary Magdalene in Exford.
A Remarkable First Half of 2024 as a Wedding Photographer.
As a professional wedding photographer based in the picturesque county of Somerset, I have had the immense pleasure of working with such amazing couples during the first half of 2024. Reflecting on these past months, I’ve loved creating stunning and natural visuals, from stunning venues to picturesque marquees. Let me take you through some of my highlights and points of reflection from this first half of 2024.
Amy & James - Cornwall Wedding Photography
As a professional Cornwall wedding photographer, I have the pleasure of capturing many beautiful weddings, but Amy and James' wedding in Mylor, Cornwall, stands out as a particularly memorable experience. The enchanting setting, coupled with the palpable love and joy shared by the couple, made for a perfect day of Cornwall wedding photography.
Ali and Alex - Folly Farm Centre Wedding Photography
As an inclusive Somerset based wedding photographer, it’s always an honour to capture the love stories of diverse couples, and Ali and Alex's wedding at Folly Farm Centre was no exception. This beautiful LGBTQ+ wedding was a celebration of love, joy, and togetherness in the heart of the Somerset countryside.
Top Wedding Venues I’m Excited to Photograph in 2024
One of the best things about being almost fully booked as a wedding photographer in 2024 is all of the new wedding venues and locations that I will get to photograph at. From barns to manor houses, I’m really excited about the range of settings I’ll get to see this year and in 2025 and beyond.
Beth & Tom - Bishops Palace Wedding Photography
As a professional wedding photographer based in Somerset, I have had the pleasure of capturing countless love stories, but Beth and Tom's wedding at the Bishops Palace Wedding and Events venue stands out as one of the most enchanting experiences. Nestled in the heart of Wells, Somerset, the Bishops Palace offers a perfect blend of historic charm and natural beauty, creating an idyllic setting for this wonderful celebration. Being my first couple to go from engagement photoshoot to their “I do” day, it was an extra special day for me personally.
Surprise Proposal Photography at Sunset up Glastonbury Tor
As a professional Somerset wedding photographer, one other part I get the privilege of is capturing countless beautiful moments of love and commitment. However, there's something truly magical about surprise proposal photo shoots, especially when set against the breath-taking backdrop of Glastonbury Tor and the surrounding landscape of the Somerset levels at sunset.
Ruth and Carmelo - Bristol Wedding Photography at No.4 Clifton Village
As a professional Somerset wedding photographer, every love story I have the privilege to capture is unique and beautiful in its own right. Recently, I started the 2024 wedding season off and had the pleasure of photographing the enchanting union of Ruth and Carmelo at the stunning No.4 Clifton Village in Bristol. Their wedding was a celebration of love, family, and the beginning of a new chapter in their lives together. It was also a chance to roll out my acquired Spanish phrases, with an almost all non-English speaking wedding party.
Picture-Perfect Planning: Tips for a Successful Engagement Photoshoot
Your engagement marks the beginning of a beautiful journey together, and what better way to capture this magical moment than with a photoshoot? An engagement photoshoot isn't just about striking poses; it's about capturing the essence of your love story. To ensure that your photoshoot is nothing short of perfect, here are some tips to consider before stepping in front of the camera.
How my Wedding Photography Career Began?
With wedding season about to kick off here at Just James Weddings, it's probably time to tell you how I got started in wedding photography. I have written about this in a similar blog, but (1) there are a few things I missed out (2) in all honesty readers of my blog are not likely to scroll back that far. So here goes.
Attending Lara Belle Bridal Boutique Wedding Fair as a Wedding Photographer
At the weekend (March 24th) I attended Lara Belle Bridal Wedding Fair showcasing myself and my business as a wedding photographer…
Why having Chemistry with Your Wedding Photographer matters.
As a Somerset based wedding photographer, building a relationship and chemistry with my couples is really important to me. Your wedding day is a whirlwind of emotions, from the excitement of getting ready to the joy of exchanging vows and celebrating with loved ones. The day after you will feel like your big day has whizzed by, but your photographer plays a crucial role in capturing the magic and preserving timeless memories for you to share with generations to come. Whilst I think having good technical skills and artistic talent are essential qualities in hiring a wedding photographer, there's another huge factor that I think often goes overlooked but is equally important: chemistry.
10 Most Unique Wedding Venues in Somerset.
Are you on the hunt for a unique wedding venue in Somerset? If so, then stick around. As a Somerset wedding photographer, I find that couples are spoilt for choice when it comes to wedding venues in the county, however choosing one is another matter!
Unique and Passionate Wedding Photography
Be Passionate. Simple.
If you do not love what you do, it reflects in your work. I pride myself on my passion to give couples the best photos of their big day. Coming from my background in coaching, I love working with people. I love to help couples feel comfortable around a camera, whilst also enjoying their day. I also make a conscious effort to get to know everyone's names on the day, it goes a long way and helps massively in times of the big moments.
"We don't feel comfortable in front of a camera" - Wedding Photography fears
Hiya, my name is James and I am a Somerset based Wedding Photographer. I get asked this all the time... "we don't get photos together often", or "do you have any suggestions for how we can relax", or mostly "we don't feel comfortable in front of a camera".
You are not alone.
As mentioned in a previous blog, I love working with people and making them feel at ease. Two of the biggest pieces of advice I love to give out to couples is…
Navigating the Wedding Supplier Minefield - Advice from a Wedding Photographer
Are you experiencing the minefield that is finding your wedding suppliers?
Well, 7 years ago, my wife and I were starting our own wedding planning journey and found ourselves in the same boat. For wedding photography in particular, we just didn't know where to look, with so many platforms available (still the case, if not with even more platforms out there today)! So we were stuck.
Happy New Year from your Somerset Wedding Photographer!
As the clock struck midnight and we bid adieu to the old, it's the perfect moment to reflect on the beautiful journey that was 2023 and eagerly anticipate the enchanting moments that 2024 is bound to bring. As a professional wedding photographer, I find myself not only capturing moments but also revelling in the joy and love that accompanies them.
Capturing Love in the Festive Glow: A Guide for Couples Engaged at Christmas or New Year!
HAPPY CHRISTMAS! As the holiday season wraps us in its warm embrace, many couples find themselves swept away in the magic of Christmas and New Year's celebrations. It's a time of joy, love, and, for some, a season of new beginnings as they embark on the exciting journey of engagement. If you find yourself among the newly engaged this festive season, congratulations! As a professional Somerset-based wedding photographer, I'm thrilled to share some insights and tips on what to do next.
Charlie & Gareth: A Breathtaking Wedding at Bishops Palace in Wells
As a professional wedding photographer based in the heart of Somerset, I've had the pleasure of witnessing and capturing countless love stories unfold against the stunning backdrop of the region's picturesque venues. One such enchanting affair that will live long in my memory was the wedding of Charlie and Gareth held at the historic Bishops Palace in Wells. Nestled in the heart of Somerset, and the home of Hot Fuzz, this venue effortlessly combines centuries-old charm with modern elegance, creating a truly magical setting for celebrating love.