Why am I a wedding photographer? | Tara Statton Photography

I recently shared an Instagram post about why I pursued a career as a wedding photographer, and it was lovely to see it resonating with so many people. In case you missed it, I thought I’d create a journal entry here too, going into a little more detail. I hope this gives you a chance to get to know me better and connect with some of my thoughts and values as a person and photographer.

I’ve always been a creative person, and find the process of crafting an idea into something beautiful that you can hold in your hands seriously satisfying and rewarding. I’m obsessed with luminous natural light, gentle colour palettes and dreamy subject matter. However, this is only part of reason why I love being a wedding photographer.

There are several key values I work by, and one of them is to help you show up authentically in photos in the most comfortable way possible; for yourself, your loved ones and for future generations.

When I was a child I loved taking photos. I’d have disposable cameras that I would take on family day trips to the beach, Dartmoor and on camping holidays in Devon or Cornwall, snapping away at pretty much anything and everything. It was so exciting to get home and see them developed, and although they often didn’t turn out well, it didn’t really matter as looking at them brought back memories of that particular adventure.

Although my photography skills have developed since then, I’ve remained a hugely nostalgic person and still treasure memories, people and sentimental things greatly. I want to help you remember; the people, the feelings, the moments, decisions and details that brought you to this wonderful day in your life.

Sometimes, all we are left with are photos and memories. Small things that make us think of a person and how they made us feel. It might be a smile, a mannerism, the way they hugged you, a handwritten note or a gift chosen with you in mind. Photos have the power to transport you through time, the same way in which a scent or song can instantly take you back to a specific moment in your life.

They are a postcard from the past and this, I believe, is the magic of photography.

Have you ever stumbled upon an old photo of your parents or grandparents and felt like you’re seeing into a whole different life that you never knew about? It was probably an old print - worn, weathered and well loved. It might have been tucked away somewhere forgotten about, or perhaps it was carefully preserved in an album.

I imagine that one day, a relative of yours will find that old print or album from your wedding day and smile because they’ve discovered a part of you that they never knew existed.

I create classically beautiful photographs that stand the test of time, so they will be enjoyed now, but also in the future. I create photos for you, but also for your children, your grandchildren and perhaps their children too.

I want my work to touch hearts, form smiles, spark memories and tell tales of love and lives truly lived, long after you and I.

So, I’m here to encourage and enable you to show up in photos, as the best version of yourself on your wedding day. Not only can it feel empowering, but your loved ones will treasure it and it helps tell your story too.

No awkwardness, no cringey clichés, no bossiness. It’s just effortless storytelling, being yourselves and celebrating in the most beautiful setting surrounded by your favourite people.

I hope you’ve enjoyed reading a little more about how I see photography and why I’d love to document your wedding day. I’m fortunate to spend my time creating work that is both beautiful and deeply treasured in equal measures, and I adore working with so many like minded couples.

Can you relate? Send me a message, I’d love to chat about it. If you’d like to read about the other values I work by, you can find them on my about page.