Wedding Photographer London Captiv8 Photography shoots a wedding at Heythrop Park, United Kingdom

Tell us a little about yourself??

I balance my full-time photography business with stay-at-home dad duties to 3 kids. So far, so good.

How do you think or would like people to describe you?

Thoughtful and creative I think. My wife would probably add daydreamer as well.

Tell us a little bit about the wedding day?

A Persian and Roman Catholic fusion wedding in Oxford. Every wedding has it's own unique characteristics but this was the first time I'd witnessed Persian traditions such as the elaborate table spread ordained with perfumed sweets, seeds and religious texts; and the sprinkling of sugar over the couple to signify sweetness in the couple's life. Cutting the cake with a three foot long sword was an eye opener as well.

How did you get into wedding photography?

My wife bought me proper camera 12 years ago to document our first-born and it's just gone on from there. Two more kids later, my equipment has significantly grown, as has my passion for photography.

How long have you been a wedding photographer?

6 years

Can you share how you've made your wedding photography business a success? Any mistakes you made along the way?

It's been (and still is) a learning curve. Photography is an artistic medium and as an artist, it's important to shoot in a style that resonates with you, not whatever is trending on Pinterest. That enjoyment, that authentic voice gives you grit for the challenges ahead.

What do you think a bride or groom should be looking for and not looking for in terms of wedding photography packages?

Look for a consistent style. Is the photographer really documentary when the portfolio shows mainly posed images or still life pictures of flowers and decorations

How do you advertise yourself and what for you has really worked?

Google has been great, both in paid and natural search. Facebook is OK for certain promotions. WPS and Fearless Photographers work well for me as well.

Why do you think people hire you?

My portfolio prompts the initial contact and from then on they are aware that I'm passionate about their wedding, and I'll do my utmost to deliver pictures that they'll cherish.

How many weddings do you average per year?

Around 30 weddings

Whose wedding would you love to shoot?

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If you were asked to shoot a destination wedding, where would you hope it would be?

Somewhere busy, energetic, where the unexpected is expected. Buenos Aires, Madrid, Hanoi – right in the middle of a festival!

What equipment do you have for a typical wedding day?

I shoot with two Fuji bodies and a selection of primes, with a 3rd Fuji as backup. I carry a couple of to add a bit of drama if it's needed.

What is the most challenging thing about a wedding.