I met with Annette Cleaver for a quick Q&A. Hope you enjoy this three minute read 😊
Interviewing Patrick Photographer
I recently had the pleasure of speaking with Patrick Bennett, aka Patrick Photographer in Hertford, known for his natural documentary style photography. His approach to photography is all about capturing the essence of the day – genuine moments, real emotions, and the beauty of life unfolding naturally.
Here’s what he had to say about his craft and his unique approach.
Q: What draws you to natural documentary-style photography?
“It’s all about capturing the real moments—the candid interactions, the fleeting emotions, and the beauty of the day as it unfolds naturally. I aim to photograph couples in a way that shows their true selves, their relationships, and the spirit of their celebration. It’s not all about posing, it’s about letting the day speak for itself.”
Q: How do you ensure couples feel relaxed and natural in front of the camera?
“I find that a relaxed atmosphere is key. I always chat with the couples beforehand, which helps them feel comfortable and allows me to understand their personalities and dynamic. By the time I’m photographing them, they’re at ease, and I can capture them being themselves. It’s about letting them enjoy the day and not feel like they’re constantly being photographed.”
Q: What’s your approach to family and formal portraits?
“I believe in keeping things quick and efficient. I’ve developed a method to get all the formal shots done in about ten minutes so that it doesn’t interfere with the flow of the day. The focus is always on celebration, not an endless photo session. I want the couple to be with their guests, not stuck in front of the camera.”
Q: How do you capture those intimate, emotional moments?
“When people feel relaxed and comfortable, that’s when the real emotions come through. I try to keep my approach unobtrusive so the moments feel spontaneous. When couples step back to soak in the day, you can truly see their connection, and those are the images they treasure the most.”
Q: What kind of reactions do you get from couples when they see their photographs?
“The reactions are always wonderful. I’m particularly moved when couples shed tears of joy seeing their photos. It’s incredibly rewarding to know that my work is so meaningful to them, that it allows them to relive those moments with such emotion.”
Q: How does your documentary style impact the overall experience for your couples?
“It’s all about giving them the space to truly enjoy their day. Couples tell me they appreciate not having to worry about posing all day. They can focus on celebrating with their loved ones while I capture the essence of the day. The photos become a beautiful, authentic reflection of their wedding—something they’ll treasure forever.”
It’s clear that for Patrick, wedding photography isn’t just about taking pictures – it’s about telling a story. By capturing the unscripted moments, he helps couples relive the joy and emotion of their day for years to come. Author Annette Cleaver
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