I've been a product designer in the tech industry for over 25 years and I'm currently attempting a career change, something which might surprise some of my frolleagues! This is my first blog kicking off that journey. It’s a reflection on a recent photographic session in Brighton and a glimpse into the kind of work I hope to do more of. Honest, inclusive and narrative driven.

I recently joined Tracy Jade, and a small group of wedding photographers attending Thrive Conference 2025 in Brighton (hosted by Photography Farm) as she led us through a masterclass in the ethos and practice of observational wedding photography, a style rooted in patience, empathy, and journalistic curiosity.

With her background in photojournalism, Tracy encouraged us to slow down, tune into the quiet moments, and let stories unfold naturally. She reminded us that curiosity isn’t just a tool, it’s a way of truly seeing. From fleeting glances to unscripted laughter, she showed us how to honour the emotional truth of a wedding day without intrusion.

We began at the Leonardo Royal Hotel Brighton Waterfront and wandered through the Lanes of Brighton with real-life couple Dani and Clem, who were absolute stars. The weather had been temperamental in the days leading up to the shoot, but it held off beautifully for our 90-minute session, even offering a few surprise bursts of sunshine.

Tracy was a generous and insightful mentor throughout, offering practical advice as we meandered through the streets. We moved slowly, letting Dani and Clem settle into the environment, and when the energy dipped, we simply shifted to a new location, even pausing for a coffee break to reset. It was relaxed, intuitive and deeply human.

I was surrounded by talented photographers and I learned a great deal just by observing how they worked. As my first wedding-style session, it left me feeling inspired and eager to explore this path further.

Just for fun I had a GoPro mounted to the strap of my bag to capture behind-the-scenes footage, which I later synced with some of my favourite shots. After cutting it down I created a short 3 minute (ish) video that reflects the spirit of the day. This video captures some behind-the-scenes footage and personal reflections from the session, inspired by Tracy’s approach.

Something new for me, I’m planning on offering relaxed engagement and wedding photo sessions in 2026, allowing plenty of room to pause, reflect and connect, whether over coffee or conversation.

If you resonate with my approach and style of photography and are planning a celebration, whatever shape, size, or story it may hold, I’d love to hear from you. I welcome all communities and I’m passionate about capturing moments that feel true to you.

Many thanks to

Workshop leader: @tracyjadephoto for @photographyfarm

Styling: @mybridalstylist

Hair: @bighair.energy

Makeup: @joannehook_mua

Models: @dani.singam & @edwin_clem_h