Rangefinder Rising Star of Wedding Photography

Rangefinder’s 30 Rising Stars of 2015. This is a prestigious list. Some of my favourite photographers in the industry have been included in previous years and it is a big deal. It is a list that I never thought I would be a part of so to be sat here writing about being one of Rangefinder’s Rising Star of Wedding Photography is some what overwhelming.

I was sat on a train, heading home after a few days away with some great friends when I got an email from Rangefinder magazine telling me I had been nominated for their Rangefinder Rising Star of Wedding Photography.  To say I was shocked is an understatement, I may have cried and I definitely did a little dance in my chair. After the initial excitement, the procrastination began. I spent days, going through my weddings. drinking copious amounts of tea, getting lost in self doubt and I there was even a point where I thought about not putting together a submission. After a stern talking to from a fellow photographer, I pulled together my 30 photographs and sent them off to Rangefinder.

I know some of the photographers who have won in previous years and in all honesty I do not see myself in their league so when I sent off my submission I didn’t expect to be selected.  I spent my summer, meeting and photographing my amazing couples, capturing their stories and getting excited about adventures to be had.  I pushed the nomination to the back of my mind and thought nothing of it until one evening I was sat having dinner when I checked my email and was greeted with the words ‘Yes, you are reading this right – you have been been chosen as one of the Rangefinder Rising Star of Wedding Photography !!!’

I sat and I cried. I was happy, I was scared and I was proud.

When I started taking photographs, I had no idea where it would lead. I didn’t know I would end up here, running my own business, on my own terms, doing something I absolutely adore.  The past four years have been tough, there have been tears, losses, smiles and laughter.  I had a dream and I get to live it every day.

I am honoured to be included in this years list amongst some ridiculously talented photographers.  I have to say a massive thank you to all my amazing couples, past, present and future, for trusting me and letting me tell their story.

I also have to say a huge thank you to Rangefinder for picking me, for seeing something in the way I see the world.