Rangefinder’s 30 Rising Stars 2016

Rangefinder’s 30 Rising Stars… A prelude: In 2003 I got a proper camera and went to Sierra Leone. In 2005 I woke up one morning and decided that I was going to be a professional photographer.   In 2009 I left my marketing job to follow this dream.

My development as a photographer has been via a series of destinations.   It’s been a journey along the way, but as artists we need goals and affirmations to keep us going on the infinite road to development.

In 2011, while studying for my master’s degree in photography, I came across Rangefinder Magazine‘s Rising Stars, featuring inspirational wedding photographers such as Max Wanger and Ben Blood. I remember looking at this amazing work and thinking, “I would love to be on that list!”

Roll on 5 years, and after keeping things under wraps for almost 2 months, I can proudly announce that I am one of Rangefinder’s 30 Rising Stars of 2016! As far as destinations go, this is totally off the scale, and I am thrilled! The bar for me has suddenly been raised, and I hope my journey onwards is going to be remarkable!

A massive thanks to the jury at Rangefinder Magazine for seeing something unique in my work and approach, which was “to create distinctive images with beauty and realism”. And helping to keep me on this track I have Noa Azoulay from Featherlove to thank – I attended her workshop in 2010 and I didn’t even take a camera! I went and listened and took notes about being an artist not a photographer. I still have that little pink notebook with scribbled comments: “if you want to be unique don’t get influenced by what is going on …….. Build your own style ….”        

I could not have done this without my lovely couples, who took the time seek out my work and trusted me to capture and make memories of one of the most important days of their lives. I’m also very grateful to my friends and family who took a risk and let me loose on their weddings when I first started out!  And to all the wedding blogs who have published my work, especially Love my Dress and London Bride.

I now find myself working in a mad industry – but one that is full of love and support. A huge “thank you” to everyone in it! I owe a massive debt to my dear photography friends, who are always there to share thoughts and ideas – and especially my photo school partner in crime, Caroline from The Twins, one of Rangefinder’s 30 Rising Stars 2015, and also the lovely Emma Case, a Rangefinder 2013 Rising Star who opened up her heart and created the Welcome Home group that I am part of.

And a massive “well done” to all my fellow Rising Stars from around the world. I am totally blown away by the creative geniuses that make up the list this year!   Finally, a special mention to fellow British Rising Star and friend Paul Santos.

You can see my gallery in it’s full glory below and links to the full Rangefinder Gallery. And the cover of the magazine is my image from Tom & Lizzie’s wedding here.

Right, “Who wants a drink!?” …

And here is a link to the awards on WPPI Rangefinder with links to the full gallery… Warning..make a large cup of tea before diving in.

XX