With over 15 years of experience capturing weddings across London, Sussex, and beyond, Philip Bedford has built a reputation for his natural, storytelling approach to wedding photography.
Philip’s journey into photography began at Brighton University, where he studied for a BA in Editorial Photography. After graduating, he quickly established himself as a sought-after freelance wedding photographer in Sussex. Alongside weddings, he also photographs events, portraits, and commercial projects for clients across London and the South East. In addition to his photography work, he shares his expertise as a tutor at Croydon Adult Learning and Training, Havering Adult College, Bromley Adult Education College, East Surrey College, and Creative Process Digital.
Philip loves the variety and creativity that wedding photography brings, from intimate celebrations to large festival-style marquee weddings set against the stunning backdrop of the South East countryside. His passion lies in capturing the energy, emotion, and unique details that make each wedding special, ensuring couples have beautiful, timeless memories to cherish.
What inspired you to become a wedding photographer, and how has your journey evolved over the past fifteen years?
My passion for photography began in my youth and gradually evolved into wedding photography as I was drawn to the joy and emotion that weddings bring. I started back in 2010 after university, and photographed a couple of “friends of friends” weddings and it kind of grew from there.
I also worked with a couple of other photographers as a second shooter which really helps you get to know the industry and develop your skills by learning from others. Over the past 15 years, I’ve had the privilege of photographing over 200 weddings. Every couple of years or so I’d add to my lens or lighting collection which allowed me to shoot different styles of photos which is how my portfolio has come to look how it is today.
This journey has shaped my approach to be both professional and deeply personal, as I strive to capture each unique story in an authentic and meaningful way.
How would you describe your photography style, and what draws you to a reportage approach?
I specialise in documentary-style wedding photography, often referred to as reportage photography. This style focuses on capturing real, unposed moments as they naturally unfold. It allows me to tell the couple’s story in an honest and timeless way, highlighting the genuine emotions and interactions of the day.
My goal is to ensure the photographs reflect the essence of the wedding and the people within it. I do pose couples for portrait photos, but I don’t like to pose them doing anything cheesy or too elaborate (unless they ask me to) – my mantra is if it wouldn’t happen in real life on your wedding day, then I don’t want to fake it in a photograph).
I’ve also shot a lot of landscape photography, and so my work is quite influenced by this, so I shoot images using the landscape of the venue as the backdrop and love shooting in atmospheric golden hour lighting to capture the perfect shots.
Can you share a particularly memorable wedding experience that has influenced your work?
As the second shooter, I worked at a wedding where Prince William and Kate Middelton turned up (the bride went to St Andrew’s university at the same time they did) so it was interesting shooting with a couple of plain clothes police officers protecting the venue in the black Range Rovers and of course, they do carry firearms!
But one wedding that stands out in terms of my style is Katie and Sam’s celebration at Wadhurst Castle in East Sussex. Having worked with them during their engagement shoot (we were lucky enough to have pretty decent snow for the shoot!), I was able to develop a strong rapport with the couple, which translated beautifully into the wedding day. The combination of the stunning venue, the emotional connection, and the unpredictable summer weather pushed me to think creatively, delivering images that both the couple and I were incredibly proud of.
How do you ensure that each couple’s unique story and personality are reflected in your photographs?
Every couple has their own story, and my goal is to highlight what makes their relationship special. I take the time to get to know my clients before the wedding, through an initial meeting and a final consultation around one month prior to their date, and they complete questionnaires about their big day to help inform my work. An engagement shoot is a good way of getting to know each other too and get comfortable in front of the camera. All of this allows me to personalise my approach, ensuring the photographs resonate with their personality and the feel of their wedding day.
What steps do you take to make clients feel comfortable and natural in front of the camera?
It’s common for couples to feel nervous in front of the camera, so I focus on creating a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere. During the engagement shoot or pre-wedding consultations, I guide couples gently, helping them to feel at ease.
On the wedding day, I work discreetly, blending into the background to capture candid moments. This unobtrusive approach ensures the couple can focus on each other and their celebration rather than the camera. I’ll also often put some distance between them and myself, using longer lenses like my 85mm f1.2 or 70-200mm lenses, so they can get great shots without me having the camera close to them during their intimate moments. I’ll also often tell them to just look at each other rather than toward the camera as this looks more natural but also allows them to interact with each other more for that natural, candid shot.
Could you walk us through your process from the initial consultation to the delivery of the final images?
The process begins with an initial consultation to discuss the couple’s vision, preferences, and any specific requirements. We then create a photography timeline to ensure the day runs smoothly.
On the wedding day, I focus on capturing key moments, emotions, and the details that make the day unique.
After the wedding, I’ll quickly share a few highlight photos of the day on my socials, before I carefully edit the images over a couple of weeks to ensure consistency and quality, delivering them in a private online gallery initially so they can view the photos first, then I’ll make the gallery public so they can share it with friends and family. Couples can then choose from a range of prints or albums to preserve their memories beautifully.
How do you handle challenging lighting conditions or unexpected weather during a wedding shoot?
Preparation and adaptability are key. I come equipped with professional lighting gear to handle any situation. For example, I’ve faced everything from low light in churches – and the professional lenses with really wide apertures are a lifesaver here – to sudden downpours during outdoor ceremonies. In every case, I adapt quickly, using the environment creatively to turn challenges into opportunities for stunning imagery.
I have a selection of white umbrellas to use when it rains, and I have a dedicated album to wet weather photography to reassure clients that wet weather can be fantastic for your wedding photos.
What advice would you give couples when selecting a wedding photographer to ensure their vision aligns with the photographer’s style?
It’s crucial to review a photographer’s portfolio and ask the right questions before making a decision. I encourage couples to discuss what’s most important to them—whether it’s candid shots, formal portraits, or capturing specific moments. Transparency about their expectations and my approach ensures we’re a perfect match, which is vital for creating images they’ll cherish. I’d also encourage them to really sift through the portfolio and the testimonials or reviews so they can view lots of previous work, and happy clients who have worked with them previously.
How do you stay current with the latest photography trends and technologies to continually enhance your services?
I invest in continuous learning by attending workshops, keeping up with photography publications, and participating in professional communities. I attend the Photography Show and The Societies Conventions every year, and this helps me keep updated with the latest trends and advancements in the industry. Then I also teach photography to others, and my learners will keep me on my toes by asking about the latest trends in photography, so I always have to keep one step ahead of a bunch of photography enthusiasts too!
How can our readers find out more about Philip Bedford Photography?
Readers can visit my website, pbweddingphotography.com, to explore my portfolio, read testimonials, and learn more about my services. I’m always happy to chat with couples and answer any questions they may have through my contact page. You can also reach me on Facebook and Instagram.
