I’m Ben from My Islay Wedding
I started my Islay Wedding to help couples capture stunning images from their special day, on the most special of islands.
PHOTOGRAPHY, ME, AND ISLAY
My photography is all about you.
It’s all about you being immersed in your day – you being present, being in your moment. My job is to make the images as natural and as easy as possible, even if you’re not the most confident on front of the camera.
“There’s no need to think about what the camera is doing – it’s my job to tell the story of what it was like to be there. The moments, the colours, the looks, the experience – your wedding.”
Style
Good photography is all about the courage to create something new, to find the shots that work best for you. The beauty of island weddings means the changing light and changing scenery will always make your day one of a kind. I love taking in a scene and finding the best images for you both.
“My editing goal is to make the scene look like it did to your eye on that day – the same feel and colours.
Your photos should be the truest representation of the best day of your life.”
ON YOUR DAY
How your photographer conducts themselves on your wedding day is SO important - knowing that balance between enough direction to get great images, without taking over or getting in the way of your day.
On your wedding day I’m calm, easy-going, and above all helpful. I’ll always remember that’s it’s your day, and that’s what matters most. When it’s time for couple shots, you’ll find me enthusiastic, but most of all making it easy, fun and natural.
“If you’re having a great time on your wedding day we’ll get great pictures.
The most important part of my job is making it relaxed, easy and fun for you.”
Before your day, I’m always happy to advise you. If you need local information about suppliers, musicians, locations or venues, I’m more than happy to give you impartial advice, help with contacts and guide you in the right direction. If Islay is your destination wedding, I understand it’s not always easy organising things from a distance, and will always help in any way I can.
BEING BEHIND THE CAMERA
It’s easy to say that you love weddings, but I genuinely do. There is this wonderful combination of the positive buzz of your special day, mixed with the creative element where I’m constantly trying to find the right angle, the right shot.
It’s high pressure – but there’s no place I’d rather be. In the past I’ve had wellies filled with sea water, sand, and peat bog - it’s all about getting the best shot!!!
Giving you the most fun and amazing experience is so close to my heart - I want you to love this landscape and your images just as much as I do!
“Ben you did an amazing job thank you sooo much!! So calm and friendly! Couldn’t have asked for a better photographer!”
“The images were fantastic - so many people have complimented! We are so glad we chose you & also a huge thank you to you for your patience with us all, it was an amazing day!”
ISLAY
““There’s no other industry that’s as affected by the elements as photography”
Kevin and Marguerite, Saligo Bay in 60-70mph winds
Graeme and Jennifer, Saligo Bay in summer
Local knowledge is so important here. The wind direction and light can make such a difference to the best location for your shoot, and I’ll help guide you to the perfect spot that suits you - whatever the weather!
Want a waterfall, cliffs, secluded beaches or crashing waves? We have it all here, let me guide and advise you.
“One of the most impressive things was despite we had never met in-person before there was kind of familiarity immediately. The location you suggested was fantastic and even the weather change was no loss. Liv is so happy with all these beautiful pictures and so am I!””
ISLAY AND ME
Years of holidays as a child, then family relocating here, meant we made the move of a lifetime. That’s me, my wife and my two boys - we wouldn’t live anywhere else. We all love this island - and we also love to share it - our enthusiasm for the place spills over into images I take for you.
Where did the wedding photography come in?
I did a photography degree. I left that photography degree in 2000 thinking “I do not want to be a wedding photographer!!!” Fast forward past years of working in, and managing cameras shops; through years of teaching primary school kids; and now I’m in a place and location where I LOVE photographing weddings. If I’d done it at 21, I would have been a terrible wedding photographer back then! But those years of experience have put me in a position to be a fantastic photographer for you.
ARE WE THE PERFECT FIT?
I hope so, and I hope that my style fits with what you have planned for your special day. The only way to really know though is to get in touch, which I always recommend you do. It’s no obligation, there’s no sales chat: you can just tell me about your day and we can see if there’s a connection that would lead to some amazing wedding photography.
I’d love to hear from you soon.
Ben - My Islay Wedding