BE INSPIRED
Belle Meets: Sam Chipman Photography

BE INSPIRED
Belle Meets: Sam Chipman Photography
BE INSPIRED
Meet the Snapper!
Tell us how your love of weddings started and your journey to choosing wedding photography as a vocation?
I stumbled into wedding photography accidentally. I trained as an actor, and worked in the industry for around 5 years before my friends asked if I would photograph their wedding in 2019. After some persuasion I agreed, and realised how amazing the job of a wedding photographer is.

NOT ONLY DO YOU GET TO GO TO WEDDINGS FOR A LIVING, BUT YOU GET TO SHARE THE GIFT OF MEMORIES WITH PEOPLE. KNOWING THAT IN 20, 30 OR MORE YEARS TIME YOUR IMAGES WILL STILL BE MAKING PEOPLE SMILE IS EXTREMELY FULFILLING.
SAM
How has your background in acting influenced your photography style?
Acting is all about storytelling - and that's the way I approach photography too. We train as actors to read body language and emotions, so I have a good ability to sense what we call the "beats" of a moment. My background has also given me a good knowledge of camera angles, and how they can be used to aid the storytelling process.

I UTILISE CINEMATIC TONING WHEN I EDIT MY IMAGES TO FINISH OFF MY SIGNATURE LOOK.
SAM
Three words to describe your style?
Storytelling, timeless, and relaxed.
Tell us about the service you provide to your couples?
I want to be there for my couples at any stage of the wedding planning process, therefore I limit the amount of weddings I book so I can always find time for my couples. On the big day, I like to think of myself as an extended member of the bridal party. Need a safety pin? I'm on hand! I keep everything as relaxed and natural as I can.

I WANT TO CREATE IMAGES THAT REFLECT YOUR PERSONALITY AND RELATIONSHIP. THIS WAY YOU'LL GET UNIQUE PHOTOGRAPHS THAT CAPTURE YOUR STORY.
SAM
Black and white or colour? What’s your favourite?
I am a sucker for a good black and white image - sometimes they help draw the eye to where it should be in the frame, meaning a more powerful image from a storytelling perspective.
Anything new you’d like to tell us about for 2022?
I'm looking into adding a drone to my kit so watch this space. And I'm relishing the thought that I'll be photographing more weddings than ever where dogs will be present (my new favourite thing).
IN THE TOOL KIT:
I shoot with professional grade Nikon gear, and Godox flashes when I need them. I shoot with two cameras on the day, and I use mostly prime lenses rather than zoom lenses as I like the look of a consistent focal length and find they provide a little more character to my images.
My absolute dream wedding to shoot would be…
A wedding in a grand old theatre venue. Perhaps the Colosseum in Rome, or an ancient Greek theatre. The Palace of Versailles would also make for the most incredible backdrop.
How do you unwind from work?
Walking my dog. I'm grateful that I split my time between Yorkshire and the Lake District, so I'm never too far away from amazing scenery to help me unwind. Cricket, reading and watching Netflix are my other escapes!
To find out more about Sam and his phenomenal wedding photography, head to his website here.
BE INSPIRED
RELATED ARTICLES
Meet the Snapper: Casablanca Photography
Like no one’s watching With more than 1,000 weddings under her belt in 15 years of professional photography, founder Lena is a serious pro who has impressed on her team the importance of capturing those heartfelt, personal instances in an inobtrusive way, whether it’s the moment you and your...
Meet the Snapper: Hannah Brooke Photography
Friendship never ends Hannah is a dab hand at dynamic group shots, so be sure to schedule in time for a getting-ready shoot while your bride tribe gets the glam-squad treatment. Hannah says relax Describing herself as the photographer for ‘fun-loving people doing big things’, this...
Meet the Snapper: Stacey J Evans
A matter of perspective You don’t need to know your best angles with this lens master, as her artful composition and eye for vantage points means there’s sure to be a few unexpected yet beautiful frames. Let’s go outside Having had the majestic natural beauty of both Guernsey...
Meet the Snapper: Becki Dakin Photography
Out in the open This shutterbug revels in nature, so you’d better believe she’s clued up on all the best alfresco photo hotspots around your venue, from lakeside greenery to sandy shores. Up close and personal While this photographer is renowned for being unobtrusive, she’s a dab hand...
Meet the Snapper: Paylor Photography
Run away with you These two are not about the cookie-cutter couple’s portrait, as evidenced by their low-key, elopement-friendly shutter style. The support act Your big day can be quite stressful, and no one understands that better than Rob and Rebecca. Which is why they not only endeavour...
Meet the Snapper: Victoria Edwards Photography
Watch it unfold Let go of those FOMOB (fear of missing out bits) anxieties – this shutterbug is in it for the long haul, including the bridal party walk to the ceremony, speech reactions and those unguarded interactions during your couple’s shoot. The narrative of your romance will be crystal...
Meet the Snapper: Never Ending Stories
Once upon a time Die-hard romantic Sarah is dedicated to capturing her couples’ big days, from the dramatic bridal march to epic first dance and all the natural moments of wonder in between – let her cast her magic over your love story. Access all areas In the hands of an amateur, the...
Snap Searcher: What Kind of Photographer Do I Need For My...
IF YOU’RE… a pair of wild hopeless romantics with a lust for life CALL UPON… Paylor Photography Why? This husband and wife team will have two sets of eyes on your special day, ensuring every laugh, spilled drink and dance floor debacle is captured. That’s nothing to be afraid of – if...
Meet Pennick Photography
Dominic Pennick is a north east based wedding and family photographer with an edge. His dramatic, artsy-edged images are enough to have you crying real tears over a couple you don’t even know, adopting an unobtrusive storytelling approach to capture the most memorable moments, magically. Our...
A Pastel Tapestry at Doxford Barns
As is routine with a venue like Doxford, the rustic romantically sound setting was the ideal backdrop for this editorial. Exposed brickwork, hushed hues and a hefty helping of countryside character brought the images to life and encapsulated the laid lack luxe brief. The Fashion Juxtapose this...
Meet the Snapper: Casablanca Photography
Like no one’s watching With more than 1,000 weddings under her belt in 15 years of professional photography, founder Lena is a serious pro who has impressed on her team the importance of capturing those heartfelt, personal instances in an inobtrusive way, whether it’s the moment you and your...
Meet the Snapper: Hannah Brooke Photography
Friendship never ends Hannah is a dab hand at dynamic group shots, so be sure to schedule in time for a getting-ready shoot while your bride tribe gets the glam-squad treatment. Hannah says relax Describing herself as the photographer for ‘fun-loving people doing big things’, this...
Meet the Snapper: Stacey J Evans
A matter of perspective You don’t need to know your best angles with this lens master, as her artful composition and eye for vantage points means there’s sure to be a few unexpected yet beautiful frames. Let’s go outside Having had the majestic natural beauty of both Guernsey...
Meet the Snapper: Becki Dakin Photography
Out in the open This shutterbug revels in nature, so you’d better believe she’s clued up on all the best alfresco photo hotspots around your venue, from lakeside greenery to sandy shores. Up close and personal While this photographer is renowned for being unobtrusive, she’s a dab hand...
Meet the Snapper: Paylor Photography
Run away with you These two are not about the cookie-cutter couple’s portrait, as evidenced by their low-key, elopement-friendly shutter style. The support act Your big day can be quite stressful, and no one understands that better than Rob and Rebecca. Which is why they not only endeavour...
Meet the Snapper: Victoria Edwards Photography
Watch it unfold Let go of those FOMOB (fear of missing out bits) anxieties – this shutterbug is in it for the long haul, including the bridal party walk to the ceremony, speech reactions and those unguarded interactions during your couple’s shoot. The narrative of your romance will be crystal...
Meet the Snapper: Never Ending Stories
Once upon a time Die-hard romantic Sarah is dedicated to capturing her couples’ big days, from the dramatic bridal march to epic first dance and all the natural moments of wonder in between – let her cast her magic over your love story. Access all areas In the hands of an amateur, the...
Snap Searcher: What Kind of Photographer Do I Need For My...
IF YOU’RE… a pair of wild hopeless romantics with a lust for life CALL UPON… Paylor Photography Why? This husband and wife team will have two sets of eyes on your special day, ensuring every laugh, spilled drink and dance floor debacle is captured. That’s nothing to be afraid of – if...
Meet Pennick Photography
Dominic Pennick is a north east based wedding and family photographer with an edge. His dramatic, artsy-edged images are enough to have you crying real tears over a couple you don’t even know, adopting an unobtrusive storytelling approach to capture the most memorable moments, magically. Our...
A Pastel Tapestry at Doxford Barns
As is routine with a venue like Doxford, the rustic romantically sound setting was the ideal backdrop for this editorial. Exposed brickwork, hushed hues and a hefty helping of countryside character brought the images to life and encapsulated the laid lack luxe brief. The Fashion Juxtapose this...