As the co-founder of Camera & Co, I’ve had the incredible opportunity to capture love stories through my lens for nearly a year now. However before Camera & Co. there was ‘Velvet Image’ so, as a wedding photographer I’ve been capturing weddings for almost 8 yeas now altogether! 4 with my now business partner Zoe. However, the journey to this point has been shaped not only by my passion for photography, the help of my business partner but also by my experience as a neurodivergent individual. Diagnosed with dyslexia as a child, I later received additional diagnoses including ADHD that have influenced how I operate both in life and business. Today, I want to share how I've embraced my neurodiversity and implemented strategies to thrive in the wedding photography world. There’s been a lot of trial and error over the years, blood, sweat and tears, lights, camera and action! But that’s all paying off now and I’m so excited for the future with Camera & Co.
So, where do I start, planning...planning is crucial in our line of work, especially for a neurodivergent mind that can sometimes feel overwhelmed by spontaneity and information. While we pride ourselves on being relaxed photographers, we understand the importance of thorough preparation. To ensure everything runs smoothly on the wedding day, we take the time to visit venues beforehand, ideally with the couple and sometimes more than once. This allows us to scout for the best photo opportunities, assess lighting conditions, and identify potential challenges but it also allows us to familiarise ourselfs. By being proactive, we alleviate stress not just for ourselves but for the couples we work with.
Creating timelines and formal lists of photos is another strategy that helps keep our wedding shoots organised. We send our clients questionnaires to gather essential details about the day, allowing us to build a ‘flexible’ timeline. While we know that weddings can sometimes be a little unpredictable, having a point of reference helps us stay grounded amidst the excitement. It also ensures that we capture all the important moments that the couple holds dear. This also means on the day itself we don’t need to ask questions.
I also want to talk about the power of partnership. One of the most significant factors in our success as photographers has been the partnership with my incredible co-founder, Zoe. We complement each other VERY well. While I love capturing creative moments, Zoe shines in areas where I struggle, such as organisation and planning, I need structure but sometimes find it tricky because I get so excited. This division of responsibilities has not only made our workflow more efficient but has also allowed us to focus on our individual strengths. Recognising that I don’t have to do it all has been a game-changer for me. Zoe also has incredible patience and mad skills in macro photography which we have implemented into our ring and flower detailed photos. So, I very rarely even pick up a macro lens these days because she’s on it! After the wedding I get to edit the galleries and do our social media, this gives me a great dopamine boost.
Team collaboration is essential for our business, open communication reduces misunderstanding and being neurodivergent doesn’t need to hold anyone back with the right team in place! Having a business partner who understands this is also incredibly helpful. Zoe can now spot when I’m running low on energy because I forget to look after myself if I’m having fun, and there’s nothing funner to me than a wedding! So we make sure we stock up on energy drinks and protein bars and check in with each other every few hours.
Being a neurodivergent entrepreneur in the wedding photography industry has its challenges, but it also offers unique perspectives that can enhance creativity and connection. By embracing my strengths, collaborating with a fantastic partner like Zoe, and implementing effective planning strategies, I’ve been able to create a thriving business that reflects our passion for storytelling through photography.
If you’re looking for wedding photographers who understands the importance of capturing genuine moments while ensuring a smooth experience, look no further. Let us help make your special day last forever!
My Family Photos
Also another massive shout out to Zoe Mathias for capturing these truly beautiful and precious family photos for me. This time of year is amazing for photos, autumn colours are lovely and the cooler weather makes running around easier! I adore these, I love how my family’s silliness and affection was captured and instilled into photos, I can not wait for my prints to arrive!
So, looking for a wedding photographer?
Capturing Real Moments
At "Camera & Co," we believe in the power of storytelling through photography. Our documentary-style approach allows us to capture real moments of love, laughter, and connection. By taking the time to get to know our couples before their big day, we establish a rapport that allows them to feel comfortable and natural in front of the camera. Our goal is to be unobtrusive, letting the day unfold while we capture its essence.
Why Choose Us?
We are storytellers at heart, committed to reflecting the unique personalities of each couple we work with. By taking on a limited number of weddings each year, we ensure that we can dedicate the time and energy needed to understand our clients fully. This personalised approach allows us to create stunning images that resonate with their love story.
