Photographers Photos – A show and tell with Fiona Kelly

Today I’d like to tell you a bit more about one of my lovely sponsors Fiona Kelly. Fiona is a lovely lady and a fab photographer, based in London but originally from the North she has gained a huge amount of experience in the industry and can offer her couples a great eye, and a real passion for her job.

I asked Fiona a few questions about her job as a wedding photographer, so I will pass the blog over to her to tell you a bit more about herself and her work.

I’m Fiona. I specialise in photographing weddings in a way that tells a little story of that moment in time and something about the people in the photos. It’s all about you, your story and those important moments!
Being from the Lake District I am a northerner at heart (still have the accent) but one who loves London and, to be honest, prefers the weather in the South East! I love the vibrancy of the city and then completely appreciate the slower pace and beauty of the countryside. Its the best of both worlds.

In 2008 I got married in Las Vegas, amongst a small group of friends and family. It was this amazing day, and our honeymoon road trip round California that really pushed my photography love affair to the next level. I had worked as a photographic art director for many years, being the person behind the photographer putting together the creative vision, but my desire was to do more than just direct. It wasn’t enough any more, I wanted to take the photos.

I have always thought that life is to be experienced fully and every challenge, no matter how scary, to be met with excitement at what might be round that first corner. It was this rather crazy attitude that finally pushed me into making photography a career and I am so glad of it. Theres never a dull day, no work day is the same and I love meeting and getting to know so many wonderful people who welcome me into their lives for their most special day.  So that’s a little about me. I’m creative, independent, easy-going and possibly the most organised person you will ever meet…and I love people.

Location
I live in South London and have been in this area ever since I moved to the capital 15 years ago. Wow, times flies! The little part of the big city that I call home is West Norwood, an area very near Crystal Palace that has a lovely feel of a small community while being in the middle of the hectic hubbub that is London. This is my base to work all over London, Surrey, Kent and, to be honest, most counties around London. I also have my first Lake District weddings this year which is so exciting. Its going to be lovely to be able to go back to my home town to shoot.

Style
My style would be described mostly as a modern reportage or candid style. This is the way I love to tell the wedding day story, being a fly on the wall and watching and catching the moments that occur throughout the day. My photography is relaxed, timeless and contemporary, I like to keep colours true but make things zing a little and I love punchy black and whites that just look amazing when they are printed. I do enjoy the time with the bride and groom on their own, doing some portraits. It’s normally the only time when they are alone and to be a part of that and capture how they feel at that moment is wonderful. I like to capture the real relationship so tend not to over pose but prompt so reactions are true and natural.

I have learned that the main thing that differentiates me is just that…me! A wedding is such an emotive thing and couples choose to work with people that they click with, which I really do believe is the right thing to do, especially when finding a photographer. If a couple like me as much as they like my work then that’s a wonderful thing, we have a great time and often develop a real friendship. All my years of experience art directing fashion and lifestyle shoots has allowed me to learn how to work with people, when to speak and when to be quiet. When to prompt and when to encourage. Its given me the knowledge of how to construct a great photo and how important emotion is in capturing a really fantastic image. Above anything else, I love people and find them fascinating. I truly enjoy meeting new people, finding out what makes them tick and really capturing the essence of who they are and how their relationship works.

Biggest achievement
By far my biggest achievement came at the beginning of January when my photos were featured on the cover and as the main fashion shoot feature of the newly launched London Bride Magazine. I found out that I had got the cover in December of last year and nearly burst with excitement! I loved doing the shoot, and am so proud of the photos, so to have one of them picked for a magazine cover was so amazing. When I told me husband he just sent me one email message saying ‘I’m so proud I could cry’.

The job
There are so many things I love about this job, spending my days indulging my passion for photography, being surrounded by happiness and love, meeting fabulous wedding industry people, the creative challenges and the buzz of knowing you have got that perfect shot. Above all of that though, the biggest thing has to be the brides and grooms I work with. They make my job what it is and spending time with such wonderful people who let you into their lives for a truly special day is an honour and so much fun!

Pricing:
This year I have changed how I work my packages to allow them to be more bespoke and flexible, not to mention simpler. We start with the photography package itself, with some lovely bits such as an engagement shoot, all the high and low res images edited to perfection on a dvd and no time limits photography coverage, which is £1475. Then we look at a fabulous range of ways to show off favourite photos including framed prints, canvases and albums, with prices to cover all budgets. These bits can be added before or after the wedding, I really don’t mind. I am always happy to work with a couple to help them to get the coverage and package that’s right for them, so I always encourage asking!