Blog
Naadia and Jamie - Rowhill Grange & Utopia Spa Hotel Proposal
The Planning
Jamie contacted me a few weeks before the proposal. He had all the details figured out - the ring, the place, the time, the gazebo and afternoon tea. He had planned a spa day away for him and his partner, Naadia, at the Rowhill Grange & Utopia Spa hotel near Dartford. He arranged a company to decorate the gazebo at the hotel and had an afternoon tea set up there as well.
The plan worked perfectly. Naadia had a massage booked from 12 until 12:30 during which we made sure everything was okay and made sure the wind didn’t knock one of the decorative trees over towards the table where the ring was hidden and where the afternoon tea was set up.
The hotel itself and the grounds were fantastic. The weather, apart from the random gusts of wind, was definitely on our side. The weather forecast kept changing and also the chances of rain were high according to the ever-so-unreliable weather apps but in the end the rain held off for us.
The decorated gazebo looked gorgeous thanks to A&K Event Styling Ltd and the afternoon tea which was prepared by the hotel looked, and tasted, amazing. Thank you so much Naadia and Jamie for letting me have the smoked salmon sandwiches from your afternoon tea!
The ring! The ring was nothing short of incredible. Jamie could not have done a better job at picking the ring. I can tell you this because Naadia did not stop looking at it throughout the hour or so I had with them and indeed it was a fine piece of jewellery.
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I’m forever grateful I got to photograph Naadia and Jamie’s proposal and also to receive this message from Naadia afterwards.
“Stan....we are honestly lost for words...The pictures are absolutely beautiful, every single one captures a different emotion that helped us to relive and remember that particular moment in time. The photos are stunning and we love them. We cannot wait to share them with our family and friends. I'm so pleased that you were recommended to Jamie and that you were available on the weekend as planned. It was meant to be!”
Where to next?
Check out Alexandra and Miguel’s Big Ben proposal here.
Kyoto Garden Proposal - Apoorva and Sunil - A Perfectly Executed Plan
It couldn’t have gone any better..!
Apoorva was oblivious to what was coming. I was on the other side of the waterfall, she saw me and handed me her phone to take a photo of them. I said I’d take a photo of them on my camera and send it to them later as well. Little did she know Sunil was about to propose. The plan was so perfectly executed it took Apoorva a while to realise what had just happened.
After the proposal
After Sunil proposed we then wandered through Kyoto Garden and Holland Park and then got on the streets. To finish, we all needed to get on the tube which was a perfect opportunity to get a photo of them with a blurred train in the background - I loved it!
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Something Apoorva and Sunil do in photos all the time - scratch their heads. I found it hilarious!
Where to next?
Check out Akanksha and Sam’s Italian Gardens proposal here.
Cannelle and Kevin - Chateau De Tredion Wedding
Before the Wedding
A silly early start after 2 hours of sleep. That’s how the trip started. Yes, I still get so excited before weddings that I can barely sleep the night before.
The drive to the airport was longer than the flight. Gatwick to Nantes only took an hour or so. At the airport, we were greeted by the most lovely people - Jean-Pierre and Emelyne, dad and sister of the groom. They were the nicest hosts we could’ve ever asked for. We stayed at their house the night before the wedding and the night after the wedding and we watched the Euros 2024 final with them. It was so nice of Jean-Pierre, Emelyne and Katy not to cheer for Spain during the heart-breaking match.
Photographing the Wedding
We got to the venue at 10, 4 hours before the ceremony so we could photograph plenty of the bridal and groom prep and take some images of the venue. I fell in love with the Chateau from the moment I saw it. Such a magnificent venue.
Canelle and Kevin’s wedding was really nice to photograph. There were countless moments of connection, big hugs and lots of kisses.
In terms of timing, it was definitely the longest wedding I’ve photographed so far. We started photographing at 10:30 and finished at 02:30 am.
Such a pleasure to photograph this wedding alongside Olly Knight - my mentor and friend.
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After the Wedding
The day after the wedding all guests returned to the Chateau for a traditional French lunch - galettes and cider.
Where to next?
Check out Sophie and Alex’s Clapton Country Club Wedding here.
Millennium Bridge Proposal - Cristiana and Raffa
“Hi Stan!!!! You have exceeded our expectations!!! These are really really beautiful!!! Thank you sooooo much!!!”
The Story
Raffa and Cristiana met during the pandemic and used to go to Millennium Bridge all the time. Back then it looked a little different from now - there were a lot less people. Despite this, Raffa didn’t have a doubt that Millenium Bridge was where he would propose.
He contacted me and we had a video call during which we made a great use of Google Street View - my best friend in location scouting.
On the day Raffa executed the plan well, she said a big YES, and we wandered around for an hour or so to take some photos around Millenium Bridge. They had a really lovely connection between them which made it a breeze to capture nice moments.
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About Me
Hi, I’m Stan and I’m a documentary wedding photographer based in Folkestone, Kent. I also enjoy working as a proposal photographer in London and the UK. My approach and style are all about beautifully capturing the candid moment - natural, authentic and unposed. Find out more about how I photograph proposals here.
Italian Gardens Proposal - Akanksha and Sam
Before the Proposal
Sam and I got on like a house on fire from the day he contacted me about his proposal. I loved how he planned the whole thing and the location he had in mind - Italian Gardens. Sam was so excited and literally couldn’t wait for the big day (he contacted me 5 weeks in advance).
We had a video call and we did the usual Google Street View scout of the location. A couple of weeks after that I was in London for another proposal so I popped down to the location to figure out which was the best spot for the proposal which Sam really appreciated.
The Plan
Sam told Akanksha they were coming to London to celebrate her taking her GP exam and he had the whole day planned. Little did she know he was also planning to propose.
On the day, after their train got cancelled and then they got stuck in traffic, they finally made it to Italian Gardens, and the rest is history.
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PS
I feel like herons are stalking me - there has been one at my last two proposals.
As always it was an absolute pleasure to be a part of another proposal story and to be able to capture some photos for Akanksha and Sam that they will hopefully cherish forever.
About Me
Hi, I’m Stan and I’m a documentary wedding photographer based in Folkestone, Kent. I also enjoy working as a proposal photographer in London and the UK. My approach and style are all about beautifully capturing the candid moment - natural, authentic and unposed. Find out more about how I photograph proposals here.
How to Pick the Best Venue for Your Wedding (and Why is the Venue so Important)
Want to find out how to pick the best venue for your wedding? This article will give you an idea of the most important factors you need to consider when choosing your venue.
Clapton Country Club, London
Planning a wedding is an exciting journey but it can also be quite overwhelming. One of the biggest decisions you'll make (apart from choosing your husband or wife) is choosing the right venue for your big day. But why is the venue so important? Keep reading to find out.
The Significance of Choosing the Right Wedding Venue
The venue sets the stage for your entire wedding day. It's where your memories will be made, your photos will be taken, and your guests will gather to celebrate with you. No pressure, right? Finding the right place can make everything else fall into place, so it's worth taking the time to get it right. It is also the starting point of your wedding planning. Finding the rest of the suppliers for your wedding has got everything to do with the venue. For example, if your venue is in Essex, you will likely be looking for wedding florists in Essex, hairdressers in Essex and so on. Some wedding vendors (I hate using this term but I do for the lack of a better one) like your photographer and videographer are a lot more mobile than others. Also having local suppliers will most likely cost less than having suppliers from the other side of the country.
Understanding Your Wedding Vision and Theme
First things first: what kind of wedding do you envision? Are you dreaming of a rustic barn wedding, a castle vibe or a beachside celebration? Your venue should reflect your style and the overall vibe you want for your wedding. Consider what makes you and your partner unique and how you can bring that into your venue choice. From a photography perspective, your venue is what will determine the look of your wedding gallery to a huge extent.
According to Hitched’s National Wedding Survey in 2023, barns were the most popular venue types in 2023.
Determining Your Budget and Venue Costs
Your budget will play a huge role in determining which venues are in the running. It's essential to have a clear idea of what you can afford before you start touring places. Your venue will probably be your biggest spend for your wedding and it’s worth investing the time to pick the right one. According to the survey by Hitched quoted above, the average wedding cost in the UK in 2023 was £20,700, and the average venue cost was just under £9,000 which is close to 50% of the entire budget.
Location - Picking the Perfect Spot
West Sussex
Where you get married matters. Think about your guests and how they'll get to the venue. Is it easy to find? Is there plenty of parking? If you're having a lot of out-of-town guests, you might want a venue that's close a hotel and a bus or train station. And don't forget about the scenery - whether it's a breathtaking view or a cosy indoor space, the location sets the mood.
Guest List Considerations: Size and Accommodation
Your guest list will also influence your venue choice. You need a space that can comfortably accommodate everyone without feeling too cramped or too empty. Make sure the venue has the right capacity for your expected number of guests and offers the necessary amenities, like restrooms and seating. Most venues have multiple sections different in size to accommodate various guest counts.
Venue Style: From Rustic Barns to French Chateaus
There are so many different venue styles to choose from, and each offers its own charm. Whether you're into rustic barns, elegant ballrooms, industrial lofts, or beachfront properties, there's something out there for everyone. Consider what style resonates with you and your partner and fits the theme of your wedding.
Indoor vs. Outdoor Venues: Pros and Cons
Clapton Country Club, London
Deciding between an indoor or outdoor venue is another biggie. Outdoor weddings can be stunning, but they come with the risk of unpredictable weather. Indoor venues offer more control over the environment but might not have the natural beauty you're looking for. Weigh the pros and cons of each option to see what suits your needs best. The best option is choosing a venue with both outdoor and indoor areas that you love, simply because of the unpredictable British weather.
Checking Availability: Booking Early and Peak Seasons
Popular venues can book up fast, especially during peak wedding season. If you have your heart set on a specific date or venue, it's crucial to start your search early. Be prepared to be flexible with your date if necessary, as this can open up more options and reduce the final cost of your wedding. You should expect to pay more for a weekend in-season wedding than for a mid-week off-season wedding and I think this goes for most wedding suppliers and vendors.
Amenities and Services: What to Look for in a Venue
Some venues offer all-inclusive packages, while others might just provide the space. Always check what your venue offers in terms of decor and catering for example. If the venue provides those it can save you time looking for yet more suppliers to deal with. My thinking when it comes to wedding planning is the fewer people you deal with, the less to think about, and the less stress. That’s why sometimes it’s a great choice to have a wedding planner if your budget allows for one.
Catering Options: In-House vs. External Vendors
Clapton Country Club, London
Food is a big deal at weddings, so you'll want to make sure your venue can accommodate your catering needs. Some venues have in-house catering, which can simplify things, but it might limit your menu options. Others allow external vendors, giving you more flexibility to choose exactly what you want.
Visit Your Favourite Picks
Photos and online reviews are helpful, but nothing beats seeing a venue in person. Schedule tours of your top choices to get a real feel for the space. Pay attention to the layout, the ambience, and how the staff interacts with you. Trust your gut—if a place feels right, it probably is.
Logistics and Coordination with Other Vendors
Your venue will need to work seamlessly with your other vendors, like the caterer, florist, and DJ. Ask about any supplier rules, restrictions or recommendations the venue might have. Good coordination can ensure everything runs smoothly on your big day.
Testimonials and Reviews: Learning from Other Couples
Check out reviews from other couples who have tied the knot at the venue. Their experiences can provide valuable insights into what you can expect. Pay attention to any recurring themes, both positive and negative, to help inform your decision.
Trusting Your Instincts
At the end of the day, trust your instincts. You want a venue that feels right for you and your partner. If a place gives you that "this is it" feeling, go for it. Your wedding day should be a reflection of your love story, and the right venue will help tell that story beautifully.
Making Your Wedding Day Unforgettable with the Right Venue
Clapton Country Club, London
Choosing the perfect wedding venue is a big step, but it's also an exciting one. By considering your vision, budget, guest list, and all the little details, you can find a place that makes your wedding day everything you've dreamed of. Remember to enjoy the process and trust that you'll find the perfect spot to say "I do”.
About me
Hi, I’m Stan and I’m a documentary wedding photographer based in Folkestone, Kent. I also enjoy working as a proposal photographer in London and the UK. My approach and style are all about beautifully capturing the candid moment - natural, authentic and unposed. Find out more about me here.
A Surprise Proposal in London - the Arch Beneath Westminster Bridge - Laura and Luke
Find out the story behind Laura and Luke’s surprise proposal in London.
Before the Proposal
Luke contacted me in early June and told me about his and his girlfriend Laura’s plans to visit Europe for 5 weeks during July and August. He told me that Laura loved London and was really looking forward to visiting all the landmarks, which is why he was thinking of proposing to her in London.
Choosing the Location
Luke was considering proposing at the arch beneath Westminster Bridge, opposite Big Ben but wasn’t entirely sure. During our video call, we looked at the photos from a previous proposal I had photographed there - Alexandra and Miguel’s proposal, and it was enough for Luke to fall in love with the location.
Photographing the Proposal
The time we agreed on was 9 am because the spot tends to get pretty busy after that and Luke wanted as much of a private setting as possible. I was going to be exactly on time, but I normally get to proposals at least 30 minutes beforehand which gives me time to adjust to any unforeseen circumstances. I decided to message Luke and ask him to slow them down so I get some time to set up my cameras and get ready.
Little did I know - he took my request quite literally. They didn’t mean to but got on the wrong bus to get to the location and ended up being almost an hour late. It actually worked great for me as I had time to set my cameras up, adjust all settings, get ready, take some establishing photos and so forth. I did get worried when they hadn’t showed up half an hour later so I dropped Luke a message to make sure everything was okay.
Luke executed the plan perfectly. They took a few selfies with the Big Ben in the background and just when Laura thought they were about to leave, Luke got the ring out of his pocket and dropped to one knee.
After the Proposal
After Luke introduced me to Laura we had a quick chat and we did what I always do with couples after their proposals - we got lost in London for about an hour, they were being themselves, celebrating their engagement and having lovely moments and I was capturing their real connection, intimacy and joy.
It was an absolute bliss getting to know Laura and Luke and being a part of something so special for them.
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About Me
Hi, I’m Stan and I’m a documentary wedding photographer based in Folkestone, Kent. I also enjoy working as a proposal photographer in London and the UK. My approach and style are all about beautifully capturing the candid moment - natural, authentic and unposed. Find out more about how I photograph proposals here or find out more about me.
Sophie and Alex - Clapton Country Club Wedding
Before the wedding
Even though Sophie and Alex’s wedding was in the middle of June, the weather for their day wasn’t looking particularly promising. I got to Alex’s house nice and early in the morning where I photographed him and the chaps getting ready and then we walked to the venue together. Just as we were arriving at the venue it started raining but luckily we were all prepared with brollies. As I’m writing this I now remember where I left my brolly and why I couldn’t find it a couple of days ago - it’s at Clapton Country Club!
Photographing the wedding
The rustic décor and industrial look of the venue worked great with the guests’ colourful outfits. There were lots of moments to photograph - exactly what every documentary photographer is hoping for.
The dancefloor was one of my favourite ones so far - incredibly wild. This was thanks to the sax player - Dave and the band they had in the evening.
It was a great wedding to photograph. I’m glad I got to talk with some of their guests and get to know them and I had a fantastic time at their wedding.
Such a pleasure to photograph this wedding alongside Olly Knight - my mentor and friend.
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Where to next?
Check out Brooke and Ross’s Ravenswood Wedding here.
Westgate Gardens, Canterbury, Surprise Proposal - Hannah and John
The Planning
John and Hannah were planning a trip to the UK at the end of June. A few weeks before they were due to land in London, John contacted me to see if I was available to photograph his surprise proposal. We had a lovely video call during which we were choosing the best spot for the task with the help of Google Street View.
On the day there was a small blue tractor with a trailer parked just behind the spot we had decided on. It’s because of circumstances like this I like to get on location for proposals well early, which gives me time to react and solve the problem.
Luckily for John and Hannah, the tractor wasn’t too big and simply choosing a lower angle to photograph from meant it was no longer an issue.
On the Day
John executed the plan perfectly and Hannah said a big YES. She was caught by complete surprise and there was so much shock, tears and laughs. We then spent some time wandering the streets of Canterbury.
Another proposal, another couple it was an absolute pleasure to meet and photograph.
About Me
Hi, I’m Stan and I’m a documentary wedding photographer based in Folkestone, Kent. I also enjoy working as a proposal photographer in London and the UK. My approach and style are all about beautifully capturing the candid moment - natural, authentic and unposed. Find out more about how I photograph proposals here.
Big Ben Surprise Proposal - Alexandra and Miguel
Before the Proposal
Miguel - a devoted Manchester United fan and a great guy, got in touch to see if I could photograph his surprise proposal in London at the beginning of June. He and his girlfriend at the time, now fiancee, Alexandra, were on their way to Italy for a wedding but decided to spend some time in London before the wedding. Little did she know Miguel had big plans for the short stay in London.
Miguel knew Alexandra loved the architecture in London and decided that Big Ben would be a perfect background for their proposal. The original plan was to propose at a specific time (11:19, which is their date), but he ended up proposing earlier.
Photographing the Proposal
Miguel executed the plan perfectly and as you can probably guess, she said yes and we spent an hour or so wandering around Westminster after their proposal for some photos. What a pleasure it was to meet and spend some time with these two genuinely lovely people and capture some moments they will treasure forever.
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Where to next?
Check out Apoorva and Sunil’s Kyoto Garden proposal here.
Wildlife Photography At Lake Kerkini, Greece
I got to visit this spectacular lake in early May while I was visiting family in Greece. Without a doubt this has been one of my favourite wildlife photography outings so far.
Me and my dad hired a boat for 2 hours to go around the lake, explore and photograph the variety of wildlife. Our skipper was Greek and didn’t speak much English, so my dad being fluent in Greek helped our communication massively.
We set off on the boat at 7 am which was a little too late to get the soft morning light at the lake. We got to see various species some of which were the Dalmatian pelican, egret, heron, cormorant, white pelican, Squacco heron and more.
Brooke and Ross - The Ravenswood Wedding
Brooke and Ross got married in Feb at the gorgeous Ravenswood venue in Sussex. The weather was far from perfect and even though it rained the whole day it didn’t affect the great atmosphere of the day in the slightest. We managed to pop out briefly for some couple-time photos and enjoyed the cosy venue for the rest of the day. Full of emotion, laughter and tears, the speeches were my favourite part of their big day.
Such a pleasure to photograph this wedding alongside Olly Knight - my mentor and friend.
Where to next?
Find out more about me here.
Katy and Dhanesh’s Intimate London Wedding
Long shots do pay off sometimes.
A day before Dhanesh was going to propose to Katy he contacted me to check if I was available to photograph their big moment and I’m so glad I did it. Photographing their proposal led to me being their wedding photographer only 6 weeks later.
They had a lovely, intimate wedding, and it all started at Primrose Hill in London, where he proposed. We then tubed it to the hotel where they were getting ready before heading off to Marylebone Old Town Hall in London. We then wandered at Regents park (if I remember right!) and had a lovely meal at the Cinnamon Club.
It was a small, intimate wedding, with only 11 guests, which made me and the lovely videographers - Naomi and James, feel like we were part of the family.
Lucas & Danielle’s London Surprise Proposal
“I reached out to Stan on short notice to plan a surprise proposal in London and he was amazing to work with. From planning to execution everything went smoothly. He picked an amazing spot to shoot it and walked around London for an hour with us afterwards and the pictures turned out perfect. My fiancé and I couldn’t have been happier with how the whole day went. It was an absolute pleasure getting to meet and work with him on planning a day we will never forget!”
Lucas and Danielle came to the UK from Canada for their holiday at the end of April. Lucas loved London and had decided to propose during their trip. He was particularly fond of the architecture but knew Danielle didn’t like crowded spaces, which was a challenge in busy London.
The location we came up with was Abingdon Street Gardens - a quiet spot in Westminster, overlooking the Palace of Westminster and Big Ben.
Lucas did a great job, executed the plan perfectly and Danielle said YES! After their proposal, we wandered around for an hour or so during which I photographed them being themselves and having some lovely moments as a newly-engaged couple.
We joked about how brave pigeons in the UK are and I’m thrilled I managed to get one in flight in one of their photos!
About Me
Hi, I’m Stan and I’m a documentary wedding photographer based in Folkestone, Kent. I also enjoy working as a proposal photographer in London and the UK. My approach and style are all about beautifully capturing the candid moment - natural, authentic and unposed. Find out more about how I photograph proposals here.
What’s in my camera bag as a documentary wedding photographer
What’s in my camera bag as a documentary wedding photographer? Find out what gear I use and what significance I place on equipment in photography in general.
I remember when I first started in photography I used to watch videos and read articles with similar headlines.
I was in the stage during which photographers put too much thought into their gear and believe gear matters a lot more than it actually does.
It was only when I obtained all the equipment I thought would be a “game-changer” that I realised it was only a part of the whole picture and not the most important one.
Nevertheless, I’d like to show you what’s in my camera bag as a professional documentary wedding photographer.
I am and I’ve always been a Nikon shooter. I don’t think photographers switch brands much. Most of us stick with whatever brand we start with. It’s too costly to switch and in most cases, not what you think you need anyway.
The camera bodies I use:
Nikon Z7ii
Nikon Z6ii
The lenses I use:
Nikon Z 35mm f1.8
Sigma F 85mm f1.4
Nikon Z 70-200mm f2.8
Tamron F 24-70mm f2.8
Flash:
Godox V860III
The rest of the stuff in my bag is mostly backup and cleaning bits and bobs. Spare batteries, spare memory cards, headache tablets and mints.
Photography gear is without doubt important in the outcome of one’s work, ultimately, there are certain limitations cheaper gear imposes on various aspects of photography. At this point in my photography journey, I’m fixating on equipment a lot less than I once used to and instead focusing on other aspects of the craft I can improve on.
Wildlife photography at Kearsney Abbey Gardens and Russell Gardens in Kent
Kearsney Abbey and Russell Gardens in Kent are two lovely parks for wildlife photography or a family day out in nature. Read more to find out about my wildlife photography experiences in the parks from 2020 to now. From photographing elusive kingfishers to capturing cygnets, mandarin ducks and cormorants. Discover my wildlife photography journey at these stunning Southeast Kent parks.
Little Egret, 2020
Without a doubt these two parks are a must-visit for anybody who enjoys wildlife and bird photography.
Kearsney Abbey Gardens and Russell Gardens are two adjacent parks in South East Kent near Alkham Valley.
A mere 15-minute drive away from my home in Folkestone, the parks were a perfect place to begin my wildlife photography journey.
Wren, 2020
Thrush, 2020
Kingfisher, 2020
Squirrel, 2020
The parks are homes to species like the kingfisher, little grebe, grey wagtail, little egret, heron, swan and much more.
As well as the species mentioned above you can find most of the common birds such as robins, blue tits, wrens, thrushes and tree creepers.
Common kingfisher, 2023
Mandarin duck, 2024
The latest species I got to photograph at the park was a visiting Mandarin duck and a Great Cormorant. The Mandarin duck became a local attraction in March but is no longer at the parks.
Great Cormorant, 2024
Little Grebe, 2020
A few Little Grebes are permanent residents in both parks. You can see and photograph them pretty much all year round.
Cygnets (baby swans), 2020
Swans are among some of the permanent residents at the parks too. Cygnets can be spotted in late April, the beginning of May most years.
The parks and not only superb for wildlife photography but also for family days out in nature. The tea rooms on site are great for a cup of coffee and a sandwich for lunch and there is free parking from 7 am to 7 pm every day.
Mandarin duck, 2024
Head over to the park’s website https://www.kearsneyparks.co.uk/ where you will be able to find detail information about the facilities, parking and how to get there.
Primrose Hill Surprise Proposal - She Said YES! (Katy and Dhanesh)
“If you are a looking for a photographer who will go above and beyond to capture your special moment, Stan is your man!
When you book someone 24 hours before your proposal on an Instagram strangers recommendation, you’re not sure what you’re going to get. But what was delivered were timeless memories that we, our friends and family will treasure for a lifetime. Such good photos that we booked him for our wedding, and once again Stan delivered!”
Long Shots Pay Off Sometimes
On Friday last week, I got a message from a nice chap called Dhanesh asking if I was free the next day for a surprise proposal in London. Long shot… but it paid off. I’m over the moon I took on the challenge.
There were so many variables and unknowns that could’ve gone wrong but despite everything Dhanesh executed the plan perfectly. And most important of all - Katy said YES!!!
We started at Primrose Hill where he proposed, and walked down to Camden Market where I photographed them being themselves and having some nice moments after the proposal.
About Me
Hi, I’m Stan and I’m a documentary wedding photographer based in Folkestone, Kent. I also enjoy working as a proposal photographer in London and the UK. My approach and style are all about beautifully capturing the candid moment - natural, authentic and unposed. Find out more about how I photograph proposals here.
Wedding Photographers Shooting Street Stuff in London
A while ago when I was first looking into wedding photography somebody said that street photography is the closest genre to weddings.
Back then it didn't make so much sense. I thought surely portrait photography is the closest, but now it makes perfect sense.
I think there is so much in common between street and wedding photography, in particular documentary wedding photography. You are just there with your camera and you are waiting for something to happen. Waiting to capture a moment and or capturing something still which is part of the story.
Wedding photography is like street photography on steroids. There is so much going on during weddings. Laughter, tears, wild moves, quiet and peaceful moments.
Below are some photos from my second attempt of street photography - this time I was joined by a gang of photographers. Olly, Becci, Charlotte and James.
And the gang…
Olly Knight - my mentor and friend (mentor in 2024, hopefully friend forever)
Charlotte Bradley
James Richard
Charlotte Bradley & Becci Wiles
My first experience with street photography wasn’t particularly enjoyable. It was way out of my comfort zone. I was on my own and dived right in the deep.
I jumped on a train from Folkestone to Canterbury through Dover. It was my first time on a train in the UK and I was trying to end up where I wanted, and not somewhere completely different.
Because of this I couldn’t really enjoy photographing much at the train stations. Then I went to Canterbury without a particular location in mind, and there wasn’t much going on. I felt like I was doing the wrong thing pointing a camera at strangers and didn’t enjoy it much.
I’m so glad the bad first experience didn’t stop me from doing the second one in London with the gang of photographers.
Looking forward to the next one!