Photography is about much more than just documenting a moment; it is about telling a story and capturing who we are in that moment… what we wish to always remember. I search for real emotion, and I look for the light, capturing moments in time.
Heartfelt, Elegant, Wedding Photography
Let’s talk about your story…
My style is natural wedding photography - capturing heartfelt, elegant images in the moment. This means for most of the day I photograph your wedding day naturally as it's happening - capturing the authentic moments which can never be recreated, and all the little details. But I also love to CREATE photographs... I love to seek out the best backgrounds, and soft flattering light where I’ll get the two of you to relax for some sweet, romantic, fun, happy, amazing shots that capture who you are in that moment, and what you wish to always remember.... There is a certain softness to my photography style, I utilise beautiful natural light to create a warm colour palette within my images, and I always add a smattering of gorgeously toned Black & White photos to the collection..
I’ll never get bored of photographing people in love, the happiness, and all the little personal details... Bridal preparation discreetly observed from a distance, the intensity of the marriage ceremony, the bursting happiness straight afterwards of the bride and groom, the classic mantelpiece family portraits, the laughter with family and friends: these different parts of the day are all captured in a way which brings together your personalities through your chosen colours and themes creating a set of images to tell the story of your wedding day.
I have had the pleasure of being the wedding photographer at many of the wedding venues across London, Surrey, Sussex and Kent, including Nonsuch Mansion, Hampton Court House, Northbrook Park, Fulham Palace, Dartmouth House, Great Fosters, Fetcham Park, Wotton House, Denbies Wine Estate, Horsley Towers, Epsom Race Course, Buxted Park, Loseley Park, Wasing Park, Botleys Mansion, Hartsfield Manor, Woodlands Park Hotel, Penshurst Place, Smallfield Place and Nutfield Priory to name a few. I am also happy to travel to weddings further afield if you feel my style matches yours. So, if you’re looking for natural wedding photography in Surrey, Kent, Sussex, London, or anywhere else, I look forward to hearing from you.
To keep things simple my basic collection includes all the photos digitally. If you want to add on other things like an album you can do this at any time before or after the wedding. My prices range from £1450 for the basic collection to £2850 for the full luxury package including the luxurious and stylish LUXESTAR photo booth. All collections includes all your images from the day, retouched and fully edited with a license to print, and an online gallery to share with friends & family which includes unlimited high resolution downloads.
“Jo got some great shots of us as a couple, but for most of the day she just let us be.. and captured the natural moments as they happened. We weren’t aware of her taking photos for much of the day but when we saw the final collection of photos it seemed she was everywhere at once! The photos are a truly wonderful memory of our day. Jo’s style is warm and friendly – she put all our family and friends at ease as well, even doing the gents’ button holes and helping the bridesmaids with the bouquets! Jo is extremely accomplished and we highly recommend her!”
How I Work...
We can start with an engagement shoot to create some fun, happy and personal photographs of the two of you as you were before the big day.... Or we can start with the Wedding Day itself. It’s completely up to you. Either way, my style is to observe... and then to create.
Engagement Shoot
An Engagement Shoot is a fun way to get used to being in front of the camera and to get some pictures of you as a couple before the big day. I’m a natural light photographer so I’ll get you to choose an outdoor location that is special to the two of you, to truly reflect everything you are and how you spend time together. These photographs make a great memory of the before, and can also be used for invitations and other wedding visuals.
The Wedding Day
For most of the day I’ll quietly follow you around, staying out of the way, capturing everything as it happens… real emotions, real moments, those that can never be recreated. I start with bridal preparation discreetly observed from a distance, and will capture the Bride with her closest and bestest, before disappearing to meet the Groom and his. I’ll be there for the intensity of the marriage ceremony, and to capture the spontaneous happiness straight after.
Bride & Groom Portraits
Usually at this point in the day after the wedding ceremony, I will steal some quiet moments with just the two of you to create some natural portraits – I love to seek out interesting backgrounds and soft natural light where we can have fun away from prying eyes… and create some amazing photographs!
Family Portraits
After this I recommend a few carefully planned family portraits, swiftly and efficiently taken so we can quickly shift back to natural reportage shots of the laughter with family and friends and the day as it flows…
Wedding Group Photos
I stay until first dance… the final shot in the album.
Frequently Asked Wedding Photography Questions
Do you visit the venue before the wedding day?
Yes! I always visit your venue(s) either with you or on my own about 3-4 weeks before the wedding day. This allows me to see the light at the right time of year for your wedding and to do a recce of ideal locations for photographs.
How long are you with us on the day?
I will be with you from bridal preparation through to first dance, I do not restrict by number of hours attended on the day.
How many photos do you take and are they all going to be edited?
Yes! All the photos you receive will be edited in my style and ready to print. They are NOT straight out of the camera files. What you see in your gallery is what you will get. Your final collection will typically include 400-500 photos.
So does that mean I own the copyright for my photos?
Not exactly. What I give you is a license to print your photos anywhere, anytime. All photographers retains copyright to their photos, so this just means you cannot sell, modify or enter your photos into any contests.
Can we upload our favourite photos on facebook?
I want you to have share your photos with family and friends around the world, so go ahead and tag and share them, just remember the photo credit to Jo Hughes Captive Photography!
Can we make our own prints?
Yes! All Collections include a full set of fully edited images on a USB stick, and access to download high resolution files online.
How do we order prints and other products from you?
You, your family and friends can order regular prints directly through your online proofing gallery. I use a fabulous professional lab that produces high quality prints that will last so if you’d like to leave the printing up to me, just order your prints through your web gallery. Other products such as frames, albums, books and thank you cards can be ordered with me.
Availability Enquiry
If you would like to discuss hiring me for your wedding, please fill out my wedding enquiry form by clicking the button below.
Tell Me More!
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