Interview with: Aaron Collett
Company Name: Aaron Collett Photography
Location / Coverage: Northampton / Northamptonshire and beyond
Who works at Aaron Collett Photography?
It’s pretty much me, but very importantly supported by my wife Tina who acts as my Quality Controller (overseeing all the final images from shoots and weddings), and generally does her best to keep me organised with my accounts and filing!
How long has Aaron Collett Photography been going and how did the business get started?
After I married Tina in October 2010 I felt that it was the right time to really start doing something a bit more serious with my photography. I’d photographed a few weddings for friends and work colleagues by this point and found that I had a real passion for photographing what is for many the most important day of their life. So with the help of an old school friend (and my best man at my own wedding), I went about setting up my first proper photography website. I launched the site on my birthday in the February of 2011.
Had you always wanted to be a photographer?
Not at all. As a child I wanted to be a musician, a pop star even! It was only in my mid-20’s that I suddenly felt the urge to buy a camera and start photographing things. I’d always avoided being photographed when growing up but then realised that I missed being able to look back on photos that showed how bad my fashion sense was and how dreadful I looked with longer hair (during my phase of being in bands and trying to be a moody muso!)
Can you remember how old you were when you took your first picture? What was it of?
I bought my first digital camera back in 2003 for a holiday in Spain where I was really keen to photograph some of the stunning architecture by Antoni Gaudi.
Which areas of the UK do you cover? Do you cover outside of the UK?
I’m based in Northamptonshire and happy to shoot anywhere within the UK. As well as weddings in Northamptonshire, so far I’ve shot a number of weddings in Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire, Hertfordshire and Berkshire. I’d absolutely consider shooting a wedding outside of the UK (who wouldn’t!).
What do you feel sets you apart from other wedding photographers?
My approach. My approach to documenting anyone’s wedding day is to let the day unfold and flow naturally. With the exception of a few formal group photos I don’t direct or stage photos, and I try to remain as unobtrusive as possible, simply photographing the laughs, the tears, as well as all of the cool details that couples have spent months planning.
I also feel it’s incredibly important to really get to know my couples and how to help them to feel relaxed and comfortable when being photographed by having regular contact through meetings and the complimentary pre-wedding shoot.
Why should couples choose you for their wedding photography?
Because I care as much about their day as they do, and I’m an incurable romantic at heart. I aim to capture images that will be cherished by them and their families throughout their life. I always regard it as such a great privilege to capture images of a couple on their wedding day.
What packages do you offer?
I like to keep things nice and straightforward with packages. I provide full day coverage, photographing the morning preparations right through to the evening dancing; usually around 10-12 hours of coverage. Couples then have the option of a digital only package, which gives them the images from the day on a USB stick, or a digital and fine art album package which includes a beautifully designed Folio album.
Also included in both options is a complimentary pre-wedding shoot, which I find is a great way of getting to know couples better ahead of their wedding day.
What is the best thing about your job?
Obviously being part of a couple’s wedding day is extremely special. However, the best thing about my job is the feeling when I’m processing the images and realise that I’m grinning from ear to ear as I look at the photos, knowing that I’ve really caught some magical moments which will be treasured for a lifetime.
Do you have a specialist area or style of photography?
I like to think of my photography style as simplistic and honest. I’m not keen on any fashionable gimmicks and certainly don’t go crazy in Photoshop with effects and touching up. For the majority of the day I photograph using natural light and surroundings.
Who/what are your influences?
There are some amazing wedding photographers out there, with particular favourites being the likes of Jeff Newsom, Steve Gerrard, The Lawsons, and Mister Phill. I’m also a massive fan of the work of rock photographer Anton Corbijn who tends to influence the style of some of my group shots, particularly of the groomsmen. However, my biggest influences are the couples that I’m photographing along with their families and friends. It’s their personalities that really influence how I shoot on the day.
Do you have a favourite wedding picture you have taken (if you can choose!)?
This is a bit of tough question! I have so many favourite photos from each wedding I’ve photographed. One image that does stick out in my mind is a photo from the wedding of Susan and Matt, where Susan is walking with her father towards Matt with a massive beaming smile.
What is your top tip for choosing a wedding photographer?
Couples have to be really comfortable with their wedding photographer. There has to be a rapport between photographer and couple so that on the big day they feel comfortable, confident and reassured that they’re going to have their day beautifully photographed.
Random question… Where did you last go on holiday?
Our last holiday was to the Lake District in March. I’ve a friend who has a log cabin near to Keswick, which is just a great place to relax and unwind. We were particularly lucky to have an incredible week of summer weather, in March!
Where can I find out more about Aaron Collett Photography?
Head over to the website www.aaroncollettphotography.co.uk, or find me on Facebook at www.facebook.com/aaroncollettphotography and Twitter @aaronbcollett
