If ‘photographer’ is the next task to complete on your wedding ‘to do’ list then this morning’s post just might help, as we’re introducing you to our fabulous new Brides Up North Sponsor, Jenny Maden Photography.
Having fallen in love with photography from a young age, Yorkshire-based Jenny was committed to making her passion her full time job and is now thrilled to witness and document couples’ big days for a living.
Filled with enthusiasm, Jenny loves to get to know her couples and all their plans, striking up a real connection with her clients that encourages them to relax in front of the camera.
To explain more about passion, we’ll let Jenny do the talking…
How did you get into wedding photography?
jenny says:
My love of photographs goes back as far as I can recall. As a young child, long before I took photos, I’d love digging out the family albums and I could spend hours rummaging through holiday snaps. I then went on to take pictures myself – initially on a film camera and then on my first digital camera; a Casio Exilim.It was in early adulthood that I became a real photography enthusiast. I was bought my first semi-professional camera as a birthday present and taken to Knowsley Safari Park to photograph the animals. My love and appreciation for photography grew from there. I enrolled on a photography course and spent many weekends on photography workshops, with other professional photographers, to really get inside the technicalities and hone my photography techniques.
As my skills developed and my portfolio grew, the bookings came and I’ve really never looked back! My passion is my job – and that’s pretty awesome!
What is your favourite thing about being a wedding photographer?
There are so many things I love about being a wedding photographer!
I love getting to know my couples before the big day; getting a feel for their personalities, how they like to spend their time, what they have planned for the big day etc. I’ve stayed in contact with many of my couples, long after their weddings, in fact I’m meeting one of my ‘brides’ next month with her brand new baby!
I just love weddings! The dress, flowers, jewellery, shoes, table décor, cake, the food and drink, venue, bunting, games on the lawn, musicians – you name it! Sometimes couples incorporate quirky and unique touches into their wedding day, which I’ve perhaps not photographed before, which is a real treat for me.
Lastly, and I think perhaps my upmost favourtite thing, about being a wedding photographer, is capturing the emotion of the day; happiness, laughter and love. The feelings between the bride and groom are so evident, but the love between them and their parents, siblings and friends, is so clear to see too.
I get to witness this close-hand and document it. Being a hopeless softie with a passion for photographs, this is an absolute pleasure!
How do you get couples to relax on the day?
Have a giggle and allow the couple to just be themselves. It’s worked a treat so far.
Any advice to brides who don’t like to have their picture taken?
I have lots of brides and grooms who initially tell me that they either hate having their picture taken, or that they don’t take a good photo.
I reassure my couples that the pre-wedding engagement shoot will dispel these myths! My approach is very relaxed. When I’m working with my couples, they are generally chatting and laughing throughout, either with me or with each other. So much so that many couples tell me that they almost forget I’m photographing them. As a result I achieve images that capture ‘you’.
I also constantly watch the light, the image composition and the angle in which I’m shooting, to ensure that the final images are polished and flattering – as well as natural.
What sort of makeup should a bride wear to look great in her pictures?
The most important thing is that you wear make-up that you feel comfortable in (and the same applies to clothing and hair styling). Some of my brides trial their wedding makeup on the pre-wedding engagement shoot, to see how it looks on camera, before the big day, which can be a good idea.
Anything to avoid which might look bad in the wedding pictures?
Don’t feel you always have to look at the camera and smile, it’s unnatural to do so. I will absolutely get shots of you smiling, sometimes at the camera, but I’ll achieve this as it happens naturally.
Are you married? Tell us about your wedding day…
I am! I’m married to my lovely hubby James. We tied the knot three years ago now, in Bolton Abbey, with our reception at the beautiful Devonshire Fell in Burnsall. It was a great day. Full of loved ones, laughter, giggles and happy tears (mainly mine it has to be said!). We also had an impromptu pre-wedding party and barbecue at my parents’ house the day before, which was fantastic too.
What areas do you cover?
I cover all areas! I’m more than happy to travel to shoot weddings, however locations outside an hour of travel may involve additional travel expenses. If you’re getting married further afield and would like to discuss, I’d love to hear from you to see what we can work out.
What can a couple who book you expect on the day?
A friendly face who works to achieve very natural and relaxed photography, which ultimately ‘tells the story’ of your wedding day (including the moments that you may actually have missed yourselves on the day).
Can you give us an idea on price and package?
My package details can be found here.
How can Brides Up North get in touch with you/see more examples of your work?
My wedding portfolio is available to view on my website and you can also follow my Facebook page to view my very latest shots.
