STORYTELLER: BETHANY CLARKE WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY

COMBINING HER PASSION FOR WEDDINGS AND STORYTELLING, PHOTOJOURNALIST BETHANY CLARKE LOVES NOTHING MORE THAN RECORDING A COUPLE’S SPECIAL DAY THROUGH ELEGANT AND EMOTIVE IMAGES.

Much more than just a job, UNVEILED Network member Bethany fully immerses herself in each and every wedding, whether shooting in her home county of Yorkshire, elsewhere across the UK or overseas.

In doing so, she captures the real essence and emotions of the day, blending into the background and clicking candidly as the action unfolds. This relaxed approach extends to her creative couple portraits, which aren’t at all forcefully posed, but having gained confidence from her clients, the special moments happen naturally with Bethany there to catch them.

Having previously worked shooting news events for national papers, she instinctively thinks on her feet, knows what makes an incredible shot, and more importantly…never fails to get that incredible shot as this pro works effortlessly under pressure!

Keen for extra (extra!) details? Then read all about it, as we hand over to Bethany for more on her background, approach and aspirations, as well as details of a FABULOUS DISCOUNT for you lucky readers. Of course, there’s an abundance of outstandingly beautiful images to pour over too – a perfect projection of Bethany’s talent!

All images by Bethany Clarke Wedding Photography.

Hello there!

Hi! I’m Bethany, a photojournalist who specialises in beautiful and relaxed wedding photography. I love telling the story of your day without any stuffy posing.

WHERE DID YOUR PASSION FOR PHOTOGRAPHY COME FROM?

I’ve always been fascinated with photojournalism. Telling stories through images. Recording history. Capturing special moments so they can be re-lived forever. It’s magic to me.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT CAPTURING A COUPLE’S BIG DAY?

Being able to record all the special moments and details to look back on. To freeze time and relive the emotions again in the future. Having good documentary photography means that you can be transported back to the day in years to come- it’s the best job in the world to me.

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR STYLE OF PHOTOGRAPHY?

Relaxed, candid, creative.

WHAT’S YOUR APPROACH LIKE ON THE WEDDING DAY?

I like to be reactive and spontaneous. I think on my feet and am inspired by what is happening in the moment. I don’t take the same photos at every wedding, as no two weddings are the same. I believe that your wedding photos should reflect your day and what it felt like to be there.

HOW DO YOU BUILD RELATIONSHIPS WITH YOUR COUPLES?

My approach is very relaxed. As a photojournalist, I’m used to working with all kinds of people in all types of situations. I love capturing people’s weddings and work really hard to make sure my clients feel both relaxed and confident having me as their photographer.

WHAT SETS YOU APART FROM OTHER PHOTOGRAPHERS?

My background working as an international photojournalist definitely sets me apart from many other wedding photographers. I got into shooting weddings as I have a passion for telling stories through photos. My experience working in all kinds of situations shooting news for national newspapers has taught me so much. Working under pressure, in fast-changing situations, never missing the shot! I bring everything I have learned to my wedding photography. When I’m capturing a wedding, I’m capturing every element of the wedding day to tell your personal story. This results in a set of authentic and personal images.

WHERE DOES YOUR WORK TAKE YOU?

All over the world. Best. Job. Ever!

WHAT WOULD BE YOUR TOP TIPS FOR COUPLES SEARCHING FOR A WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER?

Make sure you like their work. Look on social channels and their website for lots of examples of their images.
Make sure you like them. Talk to them or read their website ‘about’ section to make sure you like them as a person. You will be spending a very important day with them and need to feel confident having them around.
Look at their experience and testimonials. Nothing beats experience, and testimonials for me are so important. What past couples say should be a definite go-to when looking to book your photographer

AND WHAT ABOUT THE ABSOLUTE NO-NOS?

Don’t pick awards over experience and testimonials. Everyone is an ‘award-winning’ photographer these days. There are a million different awards to enter, and what past couples say is way more important.
Don’t pick someone because they are cheap. Your wedding photography is an important investment.

WHAT OPTIONS DO YOU OFFER WHEN COUPLES ARE BOOKING YOU?

All my packages are super flexible, so it’s about what works for each couple.

IS THERE A SPECIAL DISCOUNT THAT YOU WOULD LIKE TO OFFER TO OUR READERS?

Yes! I’d love to offer readers 10% off when booking me. Simply quote “Brides Up North” when getting in touch.

IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE THAT YOU WOULD LIKE TO TELL US ABOUT?

I’m just about to launch a new website. The last year of lockdown has given me the opportunity to look at my site and update it. It has also made me realise just how much I love my job. It’s much more than just a job to me!