Morning folks, I know its been a little while since I last blogged but I have a treat for you today. We are chatting to the lovely Fiona Kelly Photography, I was fortunate enough to have Fiona photograph one of my first weddings back in 2012 and I knew before I even received the images of the flowers that they were going to be stunning, and of course they did not disappoint! Fiona’s photo of our pretty pastel bouquet below is one of my most favorite images. Now enough of me waffling, here is Fiona to tell you a little more about what goes on in her world….

How long have you been doing photography and what was it that led you into it?

I have been involved in photography for many years in different ways but the first wedding I photographed was 5 years ago. It was a turn around moment. Before I threw myself into the world of photography and weddings I had worked as a graphic designer and photographic art director for 13 years. This job involved me organising and directing photo shoots for top fashion, lifestyle and interiors brands all over the world. I was the person behind the photographer putting together the creative vision, but about 6 years ago I realised I was no longer in love with the job and my desire was to do more than just direct. The experience gained doing the photo shoots proved to be more useful than I ever imagined when it comes to shooting weddings.

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. It was a scary thing to take that leap but one of the best decisions I have made.

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 the 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!

What do you love most about your job?

Working within the wedding industry is a special and privileged place. You get to spend time with happy and loving people who let you into their lives on a very special day. They share with you and trust you to be there and make their day that little bit more special. This is the most amazing thing to be able to do and I never forget it, ever! Knowing that the photos I take will be around for generations to come, and be that one memory of the day is truly wonderful. I love the idea that someones great, great grandchildren will potentially see the photos I took of someone on their wedding day. You can’t beat that.

How would you describe your photographic style?

My photographic style is relaxed, candid and modern. I take inspiration from my fashion and lifestyle background and love photos that capture something of the person or people in them. I love natural light and shooting in a way that really conveys the moment and all the details of the day. There is so much thought that goes in to a wedding day, the decisions, the details and most importantly the people. I love to capture all of that, as it is on the day. My couples get a real moment in time, a memory to have for years to come.

Have you ever been photographing a wedding and the weather turns particularly bad, how do you adapt and deal with the situation? 

In this country this can happen frequently! Where possible I will do a venue visit with the couple before the day so as to see the space and work out a plan B should the weather turn nasty. It’s very rare that the weather is bad all day, so we can often find a time to pop outside for photos at some point. I also encourage couples to be ready for a little rain and maybe have a cool umbrella or wellies on standby! If that’s not an option I’m always ready to use the space we have inside.

What plans do you have for Fiona Kelly Photography in 2014?

More fabulous weddings and to be the best I can be for every couple who’s wedding I capture. Earlier this year I was named as a regional finalist in The Wedding Industry Awards and was also nominated for the Wedding Ideas Magazine wedding photographer of the year. Both of these were amazing achievements.

I’m about to relaunch my portrait website so look forward to doing more family photos, commercial work and portraits this year.

You can find all my wedding work at www.fionasweddingphotography.co.uk and my other photography work at www.fionakellyphotography.com

Thanks very much to Fiona for guest posting for us today

Joanne xx