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.
