Interview With: Fiona Kelly
Company Name: Fiona Kelly Wedding Photography
Location / Coverage: Based in London, covering the South East of England.
Have you always wanted to be a wedding photographer?
I have always enjoyed taking photos and had an interest in photography. My dad was an amateur photographer in his youth so I was always around someone with an SLR camera. I studied photography with my A-Level art course and did an evening course at the same time to learn more.
Can you remember the first picture you took?
The first photo I remember taking was of the Diplodocus skeleton at the Natural History museum whilst on a school trip to London.
How did Fiona Kelly Wedding Photography get started and how long has the business been going?
It all started about 3-4 years ago with taking photos at friends’ weddings and I slowly realised that not only did I really enjoyed doing it but I was getting some good feedback! It seemed the logical step to take it to the next level. I was amazed at the time that a lot of the wedding photographers I saw seemed really stuck in their old ways. I have always loved candid photography and having worked as a fashion art director for many years had a real eye for more contemporary and interesting images. I really wanted to go down the route of doing something fresh and modern and my natural style has taken that on.
Who works for Fiona Kelly Wedding Photography?
It’s just little old me!
Which areas of the UK do you cover? Do you go abroad?
I live in South London so many jobs are in London and the South East of England, although I would happily travel anywhere in the UK. Originally I am a Lake District girl and still have family there so would love the opportunity to work in that area at some point. I have yet to go abroad with a wedding job, mainly as I am a new mum, but wouldn’t say no in the future!
What sets Fiona Kelly Wedding Photography apart from other wedding photographers?
My love of taking candid and fun images, I don’t like the traditional! I take the time to get to know each couple so on the day I am more than just ‘the photographer’ and we can have some fun with the photos. I take real pleasure in finding ‘the shot’ that no one else notices at the time and working with each bride and groom to really get their personality across in the photos.
What’s the best thing about the job?
It’s a rare thing to have a job where you spend the day in the company of so many smiling and happy people! I also love meeting new people and have had the opportunity to work with and photograph some fantastic people.
Does Fiona Kelly Wedding Photography have a specialist style of photography?
My natural style is candid and relaxed. Even when working on couples portraits and group shots I like to have an element of informality about the image — nothing too posed.
Of all the wedding venues you have been to, which is your favourite?
I am torn between two very different wedding venues. One is a farm in Kent called Frasers that hosts beautiful weddings, the other is a beautiful Church in Notting Hill called St Mary of the Angels. The two venues were poles apart but each had something really special. Frasers is a perfect countryside venue with gorgeous old buildings and a really relaxed atmosphere. St Mary’s church was the prettiest church I think I have ever been in. The light was stunning through the large windows and the whole place was a photographers dream.
Do you have a favourite picture you have taken (If you can choose!)?
It’s very hard to choose one favourite picture but I have gone for one that stood out for me from a fab wedding I did in the summer, this is mainly as the couple in question were so much fun.
What’s your top tip for choosing a wedding photographer?
Find someone who you get on with, who you can trust and whose style you like and best sums up your style.
Where can I find out more about Fiona Kelly Wedding Photography?
You can check out my website www.fionakellyphotography.com and I will soon have a blog up and running linked through there. I am on twitter @fionakellyphoto and on facebook as fionakellyphotography.
