Company Name: Becky Harley Photography
Interview with: Becky Harley
Location / Coverage: Based in Hertfordshire but cover the whole of the UK and beyond
How did your business start and who works at Becky Harley Photography?
I started Becky Harley Photography after getting married myself. I’d always been interested in photography and it was the perfect fit for me.
It’s just me, Becky, who works here, although I often work with second photographers if couples book one.
Had you always wanted to be a photographer?
Not specifically, but I’ve always been creative. My parents met each other at photography classes in the eighties so it must be in my genes!
Can you remember how old you were when you took your first picture? What was it of?
I don’t remember my first picture, or exactly how I old I was. However, I do have an album somewhere of photos I took on a disposable camera my parents gave me at Disneyland aged about four.
Which areas of the UK do you cover?
Everywhere, although most commonly Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Cambridgeshire, Essex and London.
How would you describe your photography style?
Very natural — I love to capture relaxed images of my couples having the best time ever on their wedding day. I want my couples to look back and remember how it felt to be there.
What do you feel sets you apart from other wedding photographers?
Many of my couples remark on how they like my relaxed approach to the day; never rushing anyone, just encouraging and keeping things chilled out and not stressing. I’d probably describe myself as being a bit like a swan — relaxed on the surface, but my mind is running at 100 miles an hour underneath!
What packages do you offer and what are your rates?
I have three main collections available, with varying lengths of coverage and some including albums. Eight hours of wedding day photography coverage starts at £1,700.
What is the best thing about your job?
Meeting awesome couples and getting to share the best day of their lives with them. Everyone is so happy at weddings, and there’s always so much love!
Do you have a specialist area of photography?
I love doing couple pictures, and also cool and slightly inventive shots in the evening with off camera flash.
Have you won any awards?
I have won several photography awards, and I’ve been a finalist in the National Wedding Awards Eastern Region two years running. I’ve also been recognised twice in the Four Counties Wedding Awards, once with third place as ‘One to Watch’ and then last year second place with ‘Highly Commended’.
Who/what are your influences?
I take my inspiration from the surroundings I find myself in at a venue, and the light in particular. I’m always on the hunt for the best light and the best backdrop!
Do you have a favourite picture that you have taken (if you can choose!)?
I have several that stand out for me, but I love this one of the confetti shot at a wedding from a couple of years ago. I loved this wedding, and the confetti moment is one of my best moments on the day to capture — it’s just so full of happiness and joy!
What is your top tip for choosing a wedding photographer?
My top tip would be to chat to your photographer and make sure you click with them — choose on this rather than on price alone. It’s so important that you feel comfortable with your photographer. They will be the one supplier you’re with all day, so it’s really important you feel comfortable with them.
Random question… What do you love most about living in Welwyn Garden City?
There are lots of nice shops and the town centre is pretty, plus there’s lots of little parks to visit with my little one. Welwyn Garden City is in an excellent location for going further afield too — to other places in Hertfordshire and beyond, or into London.
What’s your typical day like?
On a day I’m not shooting a wedding or looking after my little girl, typically I’ll drop her at nursery then spend a bit of time doing emails first thing.
I try to block time in my diary to work through my most important jobs each week, so that might be editing, designing albums or getting organized, planning for the next few weeks worth of weddings. If I don’t get too in the zone, I’ll remember to stop for lunch (!) and then do a few more emails after that and carry on with any editing I need to finish. I try to blog weekly, so I might also have that on my to do list.
On Mondays in the middle of wedding season I like to go and see my masseuse friend to sort out my shoulders after a weekend of lugging heavy camera gear around!
Where can people find out more about Becky Harley Photography?
- Website: www.beckyharleyphotography.co.uk
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/BeckyHarleyPhotography
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/beckyharleyphotog
- Twitter: @bmharley1
