To all my couples past and present, I really could not do this without you all and thank you most of all for just being yourselves and allowing me and my camera into your lives

Most people, when asked, dislike things about how they see themselves in photographs.  A pre shoot does give me a heads up before your wedding day about anything you dislike or feel insecure about.  I ask my couples to be open with me about anything they are worried about, it's not something to feel embarrassed about.  Honestly, I have my own insecurities and I sure as hell am not going to ignore or make fun of someone else's.  I will take any concerns you have very seriously and I will do everything within my capabilities to ensure you feel comfortable with the camera and happy with the end results.

Working for yourself and being your own boss is exciting, sometimes a little terrifying, but extremely rewarding.  I often get emails from photographers who are just starting out, asking for help or advice and I don’t always feel equipped to offer advice.  What  worked for me, may have happened by chance or by luck, or there may have been more to it than just luck.  The more I think about it, the knowledge I have now about running my business and being a wedding and family portrait photographer, far exceeds what I knew 10 years ago,  maybe what I have learnt can help others.  If I can  inspire someone who is unhappy in their current job, to take an opportunity or a chance then maybe I am giving something back, I wouldn’t have got here without the people that helped me along the way.

Laurie and Luke had the most amazing church wedding followed by a marquee wedding reception at home.  Everything was perfect, the weather was beautiful and everyone had such a lovely time. My candid approach to wedding photography really suited the relaxed and natural ambience of the day

 Shustoke Farm Barns is a very easy venue to fall in love with, it is everything you want from a wedding venue and more.  The setting, the beautiful buildings and courtyard, the stunning brickwork, the incredible mouthwateringly delicious food!  

The beautiful post wedding party of Holly and Dan at Pengwern Boat Club in Shrewsbury,  this is a very brief post and I will be blogging the full post soon.

Ellen & Ben, well where do I begin?  From the very first text and email to the pre wedding shoot and then photographing their wedding, it felt like we were old friends (although they are both significantly younger than me)  they were so comfortable in front of the camera, so crazy in love with each other, it was heartwarming to be around them both.  

Planning a wedding, as exciting as it is, can be stressful at times; managing budgets, choosing suppliers,  deciding on themes or colour schemes.  

Imagine then, planning two weddings!  One in the country that you are currently living and working in (Australia) and one over the other side of the world in the country you are originally from (England). 

I promised the bride and groom a further sneak preview by setting a little target on Facebook to like and share their confetti shot.   155 Likes and 29 shares later, Tracey and Adam, here is your wedding preview, as promised.

Helen Howard is a wedding and portrait photographer based in Lichfield, Staffordshire.  Photographing weddings in Staffordshire, West Midlands, Hertfordshire and  throughout the UK...