DOCUMENTARY WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER IN STROUD, GLOUCESTERSHIRE
for couples who want to feel the day — not stand still for it
“We are ecstatic with our photos! And so impressed with the dedication and attention to detail shown on the day. You left no stone unturned in order to get the perfect picture and we are delighted with the results.”
Uchenna and Olu
Hi there!
I’m Jen. I’m a Stroud wedding photographer covering Gloucestershire and the UK.
If you’re looking for meaningful, unposed photographs, a photographer who listens and appreciates the things you value, and someone with a friendly, gentle presence, we’re a good match!
My love of photography stems from travelling back to Japan, where I grew up, to trying to keep the essence of the place I missed through photography - the way of life, nature and small but significant differences that I noticed.
I love to make photographs that transport you back to a special place and time, which is why I love photographing weddings. Whether you are planning a quiet woodland wedding by a lake, a vibrant and musical celebration at a brewery or an intimate gathering in a beautiful garden, I would love to hear from you.
What is documentary wedding photography?
If being photographed makes your palms go sweaty, documentary photography is for you. No posing or directing, just candid shots that let you remember exactly how the day felt. You can forget I’m there and immerse yourself in your day, knowing that every moment is being discreetly and thoughtfully documented.
Of course, most wedding photography includes candid, unposed moments—it’s about documenting your day.
Documentary wedding photography takes this idea further.
It’s not just about what happens—your vows, the speeches—it’s all the little stories that unfold around each moment.
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Instead of seeing the cake only at the cutting, I’ll notice it all day: children sneaking glances at it, guests admiring it, someone trying to sneak a finger of icing. And when you do cut the cake, I’ll be watching and photographing your friends and family’s reactions as much as your own.
Instead of photographing your dress hanging neatly on a hanger, I’ll capture it on you, moving through the day, maybe with confetti caught in the hem. It’s part of the story, not a museum piece.
That’s documentary wedding photography: seeing the smaller yet significant happenings around the big moments, with all the humour, emotion, and connection woven in.
YOU BELONG HERE IF…
The idea of endless, posed couple photos makes you want to run for the hills. You’d rather be dancing, talking, hugging, or just being with your people.
You treasure the little memories — your hands entwined under the table, the crumpled paper that shows how much your best friend practiced their speech, the trainers you wore under your dress for comfy dancing.
You believe your wedding day is magical but not ‘the biggest’ day of your life - every day before and after is as special and important.
You want a collection of wedding photos that feel like you.
“Jen was the first photographer who listened to us and understood our vision for the day and the style of photography (documentary) we wanted. We loved the samples of her work we saw. The icing on the cake was that we really enjoyed talking to her — it was like talking to a friend who knew us.”
Isabelle and Suzie
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Yes, but I encourage couples to limit these to 3-5 so that you and your guests can focus on having a brilliant time, not smiling until your cheeks ache or waiting around. I aim to get your group photos done quickly and professionally with the help of one your guests (that person with the loudest voice, preferably a teacher!).
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You can expect around 30 individually edited photos for every hour of photography. And absolutely, your photos are yours to print and share. I can also give you advice about the best ways you can print and display your images.
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I photograph in both colour and black and white. Some photographs lend themselves to timeless and classic black and white, while others are a celebration of colour. You can expect a 50/50 mix in your collection.
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Yes, I am fully insured. I have professional indemnity insurance along with public liability insurance.
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For the 2025/6 wedding seasons I am only available within a 1 hour drive of Stroud, Gloucestershire.
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You can expect to receive your photos 6 weeks after your wedding.
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I make sure that my car is regularly serviced and that I leave plenty of time to reach your venue, in case of heavy traffic.
I use two camera bodies on the day, each with two memory cards so that each photo is recorded twice.
I’ve never missed a wedding but if I am very ill or have an accident I have a network of trusted photographers who can step in for me.
