I’m SADIE
Wedding photographer, cat mum, yoga teacher
Hi, I’m Sadie – Yorkshire born, sunshine obsessed, romance junkie, and your go-to wedding photographer with a soft spot for wild dance floors, honest moments, and the way light can tell a story.
I’ve been capturing weddings since 2011, and I still get giddy every time I see a bride step into the light just right, or a groom tear up during speeches. I’m all about the real stuff. The joy, the nerves, the happy tears, the chaos, the hugs, the golden light and the glances that say more than words ever could.
a little bit about me
Because connection matters
I’m a solar-powered, coffee-fuelled, cheese-loving, cat mum with a passport that’s always ready for the next adventure. I love red wine, countryside walks, animals, and being outdoors.
I’ve raised not-so-little kids who keep me laughing, and a house full of cats that’s dangerously close to “crazy cat lady” territory. If I won the lottery, my first indulgence would be a personal chef because I’m a bit of a foodie but not such a great chef!
A couple of years ago I qualified as a yoga teacher, because calm is my superpower on your wedding day. I have been known to use breathing techniques to help calm stressed brides when the nerves hit just before the ceremony.
What lights me up
Sunsets, fairy lights, confetti canons, silly smiles, belly laughs, and that magical twinkle in the eye when two people really see each other. I see the world in highlights and shadows, not just technically but emotionally too. Beauty is everywhere if you’re really looking for it. And I always am.
Why weddings?
Because they have it all! Joy, anticipation, nerves, connection, and big, beautiful feelings you can’t stage. Being a wedding photographer isn’t just a job to me, it’s the best job in the world. I don’t just show up with cameras, I show up with my full attention, and a genuine love for your story. That’s why I want to spend the time to get to know you, so I can capture your wedding day authentically.
I’m not here to make your wedding look like someone else’s Pinterest board. I’m here to photograph it as it felt, so that when you look back on your photos, you feel it all over again.
My photography Journey
As a child I used to have dreams about photographing apples (and not allowed to touch my Dad’s camera and lenses). So I got a Polaroid 600 for my 11th birthday and used to take as many portraits as I could before I ran out of film. Art teachers were always my favourites, and I managed to use the very basic darkroom at school, shooting black and white film using stopwatches to develop photographs. At college in Leeds, we had state of the art facilities with a huge photography studio to play with, and my Dad finally let me loose on his camera kit! After completing my HND in Art & Design, I started working as a picture editor in a small photography agency. It was a huge learning curve and made me realise quite how much work goes into image editing! Spending much of my early career working as a Graphic Designer, I eventually started dabbling in photography.
After purchasing a decent camera, I read lots of books, attended courses and workshops, bought better cameras, shot events, family portraits, continuously invested, and have been photographing weddings since 2011. Initially friends asked me to photograph their weddings and for years I refused until I was certain I was up to the job. Unlike other types of photography, you only get one chance at a wedding. You need to have backup equipment and be able to work quickly, knowing your gear inside and out.
I am a Sony shooter and currently use A7III/A7V cameras and shoot with two cameras to cover a range of focal lengths without having to change lenses and risk missing a moment. You can most often find me photographing weddings in Yorkshire, although I’m happy to travel further within the UK and Europe.
As well as photographing weddings, I photograph natural family portraits and events.
faq
Got QUESTIONS
Do you have backup equipment/back up plan if you are unable to shoot my wedding for any reason?
I shoot with two cameras most of the time and have at least one spare camera/flash and lenses that overlap each other because I would panic if I didn’t.
I am a member of several groups set up for emergency cover for photographers as well as having many close friends who are professional photographers, we’re strange creatures but look out for each other! I refuse to eat out or have take out before a wedding in case of food poisoning, take my vitamins and avoid being near sick people. My camera bag is well stocked with emergency items, containing medicines and plasters just in case!
What happens once we have booked?
Once your paperwork has been completed and your deposit has been paid you are booked in. A couple of months before your wedding, I will get in touch to arrange a catch up meeting and will send you a questionnaire to complete to ensure I have all the information I need, confirming times etc. The I will see you on the big day.
Can I give you a specific list of shots I would like?
A month before your wedding I will send you a questionnaire to complete, so you can provide me with your group shot list. Please point out details and information that are important to you. As an experienced documentary photographer, I will photograph people’s reactions and what is happening. I find working to a shot list (other than for groups) on a wedding day can be restrictive. At bridal prep, I aim to photograph the details, flowers, shoes, jewellery, dress etc. Followed by the actual getting ready. The rings are always pictured when I can get hold of them. Please discuss any ideas you have and things you would like incorporating into shots.
Is it ok if other people take photos whilst you are?
Guests with cameras are welcome to take photos as long as they are not preventing me from doing my job. I do ask that they leave during the couple shoot as they change the dynamic. Sometimes a well meaning guest, may prevent me from doing my job. For instance if they are using flash which I am not exposing my camera for during a key moment, my pictures might be ruined (over exposed). Or if someone stands in front of or where I need to be.
What do you do when we eat?
I sit down, grab a coffee and a bite to eat myself. I often back up my memory cards and recharge my batteries. I never photograph people eating, it’s not beautiful, and most people feel uncomfortable.
How long will you be there for on the day?
I usually start photographing prep for full day coverage around 3 hours before the ceremony, depending on travel times to the ceremony venue. I stay until the partying has started, usually a couple of hours after the first dance. It means that for midsummer weddings we still get those beautiful golden hour portraits. It’s usually around 11-12 hours. The advantage of the full day coverage is that if plans change because it’s a beautiful summers day and you’re having so much fun you want to move the first dance to an hour later, it’s not a problem for me.
What happens if we wanted a wedding album?
Once your gallery is ready, I would ask that you create a favourites list of 60-70 images. I will put together a design for you. When you’re happy with the design it gets sent to be printed. Turnaround times for albums vary for throughout the year. With summer and before Christmas being particularly busy.
If my wedding is out of your area, do you charge a travel fee?
If your wedding is 2+ hours drive away, there will be an additional charge for a cheap hotel/B&B.
Are you a member of any professional bodies?
To be quite honest, it is an unregulated industry – the professional bodies that do exist seem to only exist for profit. I was a member of the two main bodies when I started out, they seem very outdated. I am a member of NineDots and invest in training with the top wedding photographers in the world to work on skills and best practices. I have recently completed an intense training with Two Mann, who I would put as the top photographers in the world.
Do I need to feed you?
You don’t have to but I do need to eat when I am working and it’s not usually feasible to bring a packed lunch. Most wedding venues offer suppliers meals. If not, I will need to leave to get a hot meal whilst you are eating.
You must be logged in to post a comment.