WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR JOB?
I love weddings in general. Every emotion is on display. Surprise, delight, nervousness, smiles, tears (of joy). They’re brilliant.
It also gives me the chance to do something artistic and fun, whilst helping couples to capture some magnificent moments.
Even better is when I’ve caught bits that they themselves have missed (it’s an absolute whirlwind day for the couple) and then they see it in my photographs later…. that’s a brilliant feeling.
WHAT IS THE MOST MEMORABLE WEDDING YOU HAVE EVER WORKED ON, & WHAT MADE IT SO SPECIAL?
Probably it would be a Star Wars themed wedding, complete with lightsabers. I brought along smoke and lighting effects for these. I’ve got some absolutely stellar photographs. I also was lucky enough to get a 1940s make do and mend style (during Covid) which had some glorious outfits and music – plus a working biplane.
Last one would probably be a film noir style wedding. Absolutely appealed to my sense of drama.
I love to play with dramatic shots if I can.
When first started doing photography I began with Battle re-enactors, cosplayers and that sort of thing so I lean into the artistry of it.
My personal projects (non wedding) have been things like Film Noir / Hollywood Glam / Post apocalyptic cinematic style. OK.. I’m a drama queen!!
IF YOU COULD BE A PART OF A CELEBRITY WEDDING, WHO WOULD IT BE & WHY?
I’m not sure I can answer that,
I’ve never been a big follower of Celeb culture and the odd parasocial relationships that get formed by them.
WHAT UNUSUAL OR UNIQUE REQUESTS HAVE YOU RECEIVED FROM COUPLES, AND HOW DID YOU MAKE THEM HAPPEN?
Oh gosh. Each wedding is different so they all come with something special.
Sparkler runs, fireworks. I recently had a bride bring along a claymore and wanted me to use that in the photographs (it worked super well, she looked fabulous!)
Ultimately it’s about listening to your couple and working out what’s important to them.
WHICH WEDDING TREND ARE YOU ABSOLUTELY LOVING RIGHT NOW, & WHY DO YOU THINK IT IS SO POPULAR?
First looks. They’re great. Insofar as I can tell they’re a blow-over from America and most often (there) are done with the couple seeing each other outside of the ceremony. However what I’ve seen done best here are the first looks typically between a bride and her dad.
What I love about it…is that it’s just pure unbridled (no pun) emotion. So many tears, so many smiles and absolute love. It’s glorious.
QUICK FIRE ROUND WITH DEREK McALLISTER PHOTOGRAPHY
- TEA
- COFFEE
- EVENING IN
- PUB
- OUT OUT
- HARRY POTTER
- LORD OF THE RINGS
- STAR WARS
- STAR TREK
FAVOURITE BISCUIT?
I’ll cheat a bit on this one and list my own, home baked, shortbread. I have to NOT make it as I’ll otherwise just scoff it. Very bad for my waistline. However, if pressed for a shop bought biccie it would be Aldi Stem Ginger Cookies… Glorious
TOP TIP
Mostly, embrace the chaos and don’t hold on too tight. Things will always go awry – that’s the simple nature of a live event. If you hold on too tight you get stressed about it and then you feel like it’s going wrong. Surround yourself with competent helpers in your bridal party and your suppliers. Lean on them and pass the mental load off. The important bit is that you get married and have fun. Everything else is just a bonus.
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