An Interview With Joshua Wyborn Photographic!

If you’ve yet to book your wedding photographer, then you so need to check out today’s must-read interview feature with talented wedding photographer Joshua of Joshua Wyborn Photographic.

WTW readers would love to know about you and your photographic journey…

I’m Joshua Wyborn and I’m a creative wedding photographer. I’ve been taking photos for a long time; ever since I was knee-high to a tripod and got my shutter finger on my father’s camera. I’m a bit taller now, 6’5”, which gives me a unique perspective on things. I’m also colour blind so I tend to see things in terms of tone and shade rather than saturation of colour. I know my ISO from my elbow and I’ve got the certificates to prove it.

I have mentioned on my blogs about my dyslexia very openly and it is that which plays a huge part in my visual art. I always struggled with school, but art and music were no problem to me at all. I always used photographs for the basis of paintings. I also loved looking at my fathers and grandfathers photographs as both are very into photography. My dad more landscape fine art than anything else.

While at college studying Fine Art we did a photography module which I got a distinction in without even trying and it’s then I found a true love of the photographic medium in its own right. From there I travelled to Carlisle for uni to study photography and it spiralled!

Who or what inspired you to become a wedding photographer?

Funnily enough, it was not my intention to be a wedding photographer at all. Originally from the flatlands of Norfolk, I moved up to Carlisle for university where I studied Photography and successfully completed my degree. All of my photography previously was either, a basis for my fine art paintings, or landscape photographs.

I moved up to Carlisle to discover the Lake District & Cumbria, Wales was only a short distance away and Scotland even closer. Even Ireland wasn’t too far away at all if I wanted to. It was all about the landscape. Through university though, I started photographing events and I started my street photography which then lead to a small job with the BBC as a photojournalist.

It was only when a classmate of mine asked me to photograph his wedding that I even considered being a wedding photographer. It had the fun of an event with the beauty of photojournalism and it required the use of light that my landscape work did. It seemingly ticked all of my boxes. A Lake District & Cumbria Based Wedding Photographer seemingly was born.

Now several years in, I’m used to travelling all over the UK photographing weddings and creating beautifully authentic photography for future generations to enjoy, in a creative and modern way. I honestly love doing what I do and I hope you enjoy my work also.

How would you describe your particular style of photography?

I wouldn’t describe myself as a traditional wedding photographer. I don’t consult ‘The Handbook of Wedding Photography Clichés’ beforehand. I favour a more observational, creative, documentary-style approach rather than the stiff formality of endless group shots. My eyes will be peeled for those unexpected moments that can make a day.

Most of my shots are unposed, candid, spontaneous. They are moments captured rather than created and will tell the story of your big day in a naturalistic way. You’ll hardly know I’m there as I move around like an f-stop ninja clicking away like my life depends upon it. But the focus will always be on you and your guests.

Put simply, I want to create beautifully authentic photography for future generations to enjoy, in a creative and modern way that’s bespoke to you.

If you could go anywhere in the world and photograph any couple who would that be, why and where would you go?

I really want to go to Iceland or Norway. I adore Scotland and the highlands with the stunning Isle of Skye being one of my top places I have travelled too. Iceland and Norway just seem to be its big brother!

While I think the UK is amazing for its vast change of landscape such as the flatlands of my home in Norfolk, to the mediterranean-esc Cornwall and then the lakes and Scotland. Let alone the peaks and Wales! It’s the vast size of Norway’s fjords or the black sands of Iceland that I think will just be breathtaking.

As for who? Honestly? No idea. I just love photographing couples as they are! I mean sure, Daniel Craig and his wife, or Chris Hemsworth & Elsa Pataky would be something else but… They’re just people at the end of the day! :)

What’s your most memorable wedding moment so far?

Hmmm, There have been a few. Most involve heights! Either climbing a tree, being lifted up by a tractor or climbing a hotel roof just to get a group photo! Or photographing moments for terminally ill brides and grooms… they are emotional for sure! Or the stupid funny stuff that happens in bridal prep!

The most, however? I’m torn between two!

1. Was probably after I was accepted into Fearless Photographers. Regarded as some of the best wedding photographers in the world and I decided to start posing couples rather than just document. The village hall grounds only had about 6ft of long grass and so I stood the couple in there with an umbrella and my flash gun on the floor. It resulted in a gorgeous photograph that may seem a bit boring to some but it was my first ever. Quite literally at that point, I felt like I had levelled up in the world and I could hold my head high. I was pushing myself and that felt amazing!

2. Flying to Italy to photograph a wedding on Lake Garda. I love flying but I hate airports… And I really mean that! They make me feel sick, and I don’t like that anyone… and I mean no-one knew what or where they were going… It was just madness! So doing that was quite good fun! It was also amazing to be there for a few days so I could photograph the town before and after the actual wedding day, grabbing images to tell an even bigger story than just the wedding day… Like a huge panorama on top of Mont Baldo 2,218 meters high!

Give us 5 facts about you…

I play bass guitar.

I studied for my photography degree at the University of Cumbria.

I have been taking photos professionally from the age of 14. (Art shows, selling prints, photographs for festivals and even a published book!)

I’m only 26 and most people think I’m over 30… Can’t decide if that’s good or not! lol

I used to be a sound engineer (still do sometimes) and so I have met a lot of bands and artists and worked with them. Watching most panel shows I will have worked with at least one of them. It’s great!

When it comes to selecting a wedding photographer, what advice would you give to brides and grooms?

The tricky part is finding someone to do it! Trust me, I’ve been there. While we can go into stupid depth on this subject I honestly believe it breaks down to 5 simple steps. Have a little read below, I really hope it helps you choose your photographer.

Style.

As a couple, sit down and decide what kind of images you will want from the day. For example, would you like it to be formal? Or more of a freestyle candid approach where all the little details are captured? Would you like to have a classic timeless feel, or a bold, edgy, ultra-modern look? Once you have decided on a look you like and believe it will suit you, that will help refine your search from the get go. Check out more than just a few images, make sure you see at least 3 whole weddings through the day as it develops in photos, it will show you how reliable the photographer is and how they work.

Personality.

A photographer’s personality is a huge part of the day. How many weddings have you been to where the photographer was so demanding that it put everyone off? Especially the now mother-in-law? Emails are great, and so are phone calls, but nothing is better than meeting your photographer in person or even Skype as I do with my long distance clients. Set up a time to have a coffee and see them face to face. You will know if they are right for you just after a short face to face chat. It’s also a great time to see there photography first hand in prints or albums. Ask to see examples of final products so you know what quality to expect.

Word Of Mouth.

A lot of my work has come through from recommendations from family or friends of previous weddings. Word of mouth travels, and so does the reputation of the photographer. Ask friends or family who have been married what they liked or didn’t about their wedding photographer, and use that as research. That may even bring up questions to ask your potential photographer in person or by email. I have even found my name being mentioned on Facebook wedding groups (thankfully all good) ask around and see what others think about the photographers work as well. While the wedding day is for the both of you to do what you like, it’s always good to hear others opinions.

Experience.

Experience plays a huge part in choosing your photographer. An experienced photographer will sometimes become the wedding coordinator, master of ceremonies, or even children’s entertainer. At the end of the day, you won’t have done the ‘wedding thing’ as often as us who do it several times a month. I have even helped groomsmen write speeches while photographing them getting ready in the morning. It’s good to find out how and why they started photography, and how long they have been doing it for.  Also check that they have moved with the times and are not static in their mindset or work, Unless you like that kinda thing.

Price.

People always ask me why wedding photographers charge what they do. Your wedding photographer will be working on your wedding for easily a week, maybe more. Paying for travel, accommodation, camera kit, insurance, website up-keep, etc. is all factored into the total cost. Price can often be a deciding factor for a lot of brides and grooms, and although it is a vital element, it should not be the basis for your decision. High-end prices do not always guarantee the highest quality but likewise, reasonable pricing does not always depict low quality.

A photographer should be open about their pricing structures, and in turn, you should be clear on your budget. Neither one of you wants to waste any time so a clear dialogue right from the beginning will resolve this. Your photographer should offer a variety of packages to suit all and should always be flexible with pricing and what is included in each package. Your photographer is providing a service and each couple will have different expectations and requirements so do make sure that you pick a  photographer that can tailor make a package to suit your needs.

My prices can be seen on the below link in more detail.

All of my weddings come with a USB as standard. Also, an online gallery which is password protected so you can share images to friends and family for them to download and print or even order prints if you wish. its up to you! Please note that these prices do not include travel or accommodation costs which may vary due to location and seasonal rates.

5 Hours is £850

10 Hours is £1250

12 Hours is £1500

You can add:

An additional photographer for £200

And you can add hours on top of any package and they are £100 per hour.

https://www.joshuawybornphotographic.com/pricelist/2017/

I take booking a fee of £349 and the rest is divided up monthly. Which really helps manage the costs as I found out last year when I got married. It made me redo my entire business. After all being asked for a few grand here and there was rather terrifying. I decided to change my business to be more friendly with monthly payments.

On average, most people go for a full day with another photographer present as well (£1450) to photograph the groom or any of the details of the venue before everyone shows up. Also means more photos!

I’m looking forward to hearing from you about your big day more!

Such a pleasure to get to know Josh a little better. Want to see more of his work? Pop on over to Joshua Wyborn Photographic now.

View the Gallery