Interview with Bloomfield Photography
We chat with Sam of Bloomfield photography, from London and based in Southern Spain.
How long have you been photographing weddings for and how did you get into it?
My grandfather was a photographer and taught me to use a darkroom as a child in the 90s. I then photographed friends weddings in my early 20s whilst studying documentary photography before pursuing wedding photography more seriously from around 2010. In 2015 along with my wife Helen, we set up Bloomfield Photography and in 2017 starting working in the destination market.
What do you particularly like about photographing weddings?
I love the emotion and joy the day brings. The idea of capturing these moments for generations to come is a real honour.
What is your favourite part of the day?
It’s quite personal to each day, but I would probably say prep (getting ready) and the moments before the wedding. It is the most nerve-wracking part of the day and I love seeing it all come together as prep leads into the wedding ceremony.
How would you describe your style and approach?
We describe ourselves as emotive and romantic in style. This means that we capture the story of your wedding day, in an honest yet elegant way. We try to keep things real but help you a little when it comes to portraits keeping you relaxed, happy and allowing the joy of your day to be seen.
Who, or what inspires you?
It’s a real mix. It’s not only viewing wedding photography, but it’s also a mixture of imagery, editorial work, film work. I can honestly say that I love looking at different work from multiple sources. I can also say that I enjoy working with other wedding professionals; on occasion, I take on work with other photographers and filmmakers whose work I admire.
It is a great way to keep learning which is an integral part of improving and keeping your skills honed. Likewise sometimes they come and work with us, I love those with a passion and a hunger for what they do. It’s what keeps us doing what we are doing.
What advice would you give to couples looking for a wedding photographer?
Find people who passionately share your vision and want to tell the story of your day, making sure that it is uniquely your own and told as such. Why would you want your wedding to look the same as anyone elses? There should be an interest from the photographer in you, the couple. There should be no ego, it should be passion led with high levels of technical ability and the want to fit in with your wishes.
What tips would you share with couples to help their day go more smoothly?
Plan out the timings of your day (use a wedding planner who shares your vision if possible), talk through your plans with your photographer. They are experts in their fields, they should know exactly how to get the best out of your photos.
If there was one place in the world you would love to capture a wedding where would it be and why?
I have about 70 places I would love to capture a wedding! I would love to go to Tulum in Mexico, it looks so beautiful. Speaking good Spanish also helps! I have always wanted to visit Petra in Jordan, Iceland… the list goes on and on!
Finally… Whats the best moment you’ve had as a wedding photographer?
This is a very tough one… but I would honestly say that it was moving into destination weddings as my primary avenue of wedding photography. It allows me to work at some beautiful venues in interesting places and meeting different people from different cultures. I guess that isn’t a ‘moment’ per se, but it was such a crucial moment in photographing weddings and by fulfilling my own happiness I am able to capture that of those in front of me.