How a Luxury Photographer Captures Your Wedding Day in Kent
January 3, 2025
Your wedding day is one of the most important moments of your life, you know that, and it’s probably why you’re reading this blog. You will want to know how a luxury wedding photographer captures your wedding day in Kent and in knowing that, the photographer you choose should reflect that level of significance. If it’s a priority, you don’t want to leave it last minute or go for the lowest price. As a luxury wedding photographer, my approach is all about capturing your day as it happens, with personal attention and artistry that results in images you’ll absolutely love.
Whether you’re planning your wedding now or just looking for guidance, let’s get into how a luxury photographer captures your wedding day in Kent (specifically).
Limited Weddings, Maximum Attention
Kent weddings are different to Cambridge or London, so having a guide is helpful – less city vibes, more beachy and gorgeous purpose built wedding venues with space. Wherever I shoot, I limit myself to only 2-3 weddings per month. This means I can really focus on each couple, giving them the dedicated attention they deserve. Honestly, some photographers (even those I love and respect) choose to shoot over 10 in August alone. Not for me, for me less is more. This ensures that I’m present for every moment, remembering as many names as I can, not rushing through your day, and able to anticipate what comes next. I’m fully invested in understanding your vision and priorities, so I can deliver the experience and photos that reflect your style and personality. Wedding photography, for me, isn’t about maximising profit month after month—though that may sound counterintuitive to business. Instead, it’s about delivering an unparalleled experience for the select few couples I work with. By limiting the number of weddings I take on, I ensure I can dedicate myself fully to creating images that truly capture your day, while also providing a personal, high-quality experience that reflects my commitment to every couple’s unique story.
Imagine with me – a chef is preparing five elaborate banquets in one weekend. Good luck? While it’s possible to do, the quality and attention to each dish would likely be compromised. Similarly, when a photographer books multiple weddings in a weekend, it becomes difficult to give each couple the focus and personalised care they deserve. By limiting the number of weddings I take on, I’m able to offer a more dedicated experience that truly reflects the uniqueness of your day. Quality over quantity is the approach I choose to ensure your memories are exceptional.
The luxury experience is all about quality over quantity and that’s really how a luxury photographer captures your wedding day in Kent. By keeping my calendar limited, I ensure that every wedding is an exclusive event for me. This approach allows me to take the time to truly understand your preferences, learn about your love story, and get to know the people closest to you. It’s about building trust naturally, which in turn helps me create better, more meaningful images.
True-to-Colour, Unposed Wedding Photography
How a luxury photographer captures your wedding day in Kent is unique. Unlike some luxury wedding photographers who gravitate toward a “light and airy” or traditional style, I stick to a true-to-colour edit, with only-when-necessary guidance over posing. My approach is all about documentary-style photography, capturing moments as they happen in a natural, unposed way. I prefer to capture the true emotions of the day and give it an editorial edit, rather than orchestrating perfect smiles in every shot. A wedding should feel effortless, and so should your photos. You want pictures that tell your unique story—not just a set of traditional, posed portraits. Do look out for the “documentary wedding photographer” that only shares their portraits of the couple, it’s just a small part of the day.
I believe in creating photographs that truly reflect who you are as a couple, not forcing anyone into uncomfortable or unrealistic positions. The goal is to capture YOU, the way you interact, and the love that you have for each other. This documentary approach brings out authentic moments that would be lost in stiff, posed pictures.
Building Real Connections with Guests
It’s also important for me to build connections with the people closest to you. I don’t want to be the photographer who stands off to the side of the room, secretly zooming in on candid moments without engaging. Instead this is how a luxury photographer captures your wedding day in Kent: I make a point of getting to know your guests—whether it’s sharing a laugh during the reception or sitting with family at the meal to capture genuine moments. I believe this connection allows me to take photos that feel authentic and reflect the real relationships around you when others might prefer to distance themselves.
Being IN your wedding day observing, rather than simply zoom-shooting, makes all the difference. When I engage with your guests, it creates a comfortable atmosphere where people feel natural, and that translates to better photos. The genuine connections between you, your family, and friends come through in the imagery. The more comfortable your guests are around me, the more authentic and relaxed your wedding photos will be. I love getting stuck in!
Expert Lighting to Capture Every Wedding Moment
When it comes to capturing your wedding in the best light, I’m fully equipped with the skills and gear needed to handle any lighting scenario. Most weddings are captured with natural light, or perhaps bounced on camera flash if necessary. Yet while many photographers rely on pushing ISO levels on their mirrorless cameras, I’m learned in using off-camera flash to ensure every scene of the day is well lit, no matter the environment. This allows me to produce consistent, professional results even in challenging lighting situations which weddings inevitably produce.
Lighting plays a huge role in the quality of wedding photos, and I’m meticulous about it. Whether you’re getting married in a grand ballroom with dim lighting or outside at sunset, I use a combination of natural light, flashes, and other techniques to ensure your photos are always crisp, vibrant, and balanced. Natural to how your eye sees it, less about production.
If the lighting isn’t ideal, I’m not just going to crank up the ISO and hope for the best. I’ll adjust my settings and use off-camera flash where needed to maintain clarity and depth in every shot. This ability to control lighting makes a significant difference, as it helps me create images with contrast, texture, and a polished luxury look, even in challenging conditions.
Adding a Nostalgic Touch with 35mm Film
To add something extra special, since 2024 I also shoot 35mm film. It’s a beautiful way to incorporate a nostalgic touch into your wedding gallery. More and more couples have been asking for it. Why? Film has a timeless, classic quality that digital photography doesn’t always replicate. I have spent years honing my style to look film-esk, but there’s something about film that is intriguing. It’s fun when you turn around and I’m holding up a little point and shoot film camera, and you know that the shot is taken and etched on the negative.
There’s something inherently special about film photography, it is here to stay. The grain, the colours, the unpredictability—all of it adds to the emotional richness of the images. By incorporating 35mm film into your wedding photography, you get the best of both worlds: the modern, high-quality digital images and the nostalgic charm of film. This combination creates a well-rounded collection of photos, with a diverse range of textures, tones, and moods.
Film (left) Digital (right) – notice the consistent colours and tones are both authentic to the Kodak film & the true to colour preset.
Why Choose Tom Keenan Photography?
Having been in the wedding photography business since 2012, I’ve honed my craft and developed a relaxed, approachable style. I’m not awkward or shy around couples or their guests—I’m a people person. I’m there to capture memories, and I want you and your fam to feel comfortable with me every step of the way. Whether I’m taking portraits or documenting candid moments, my goal is always the same: to give you a collection of lovely images that tell your wedding story in the most beautiful way possible.
My experience in the fashion world has taught me a lot about capturing moments with precision, timing, and a strong sense of aesthetics. These skills translate perfectly to wedding photography, where I combine my technical expertise with an editorial eye to deliver images that feel stylish, timeless, and elegant. The unique blend of documentary-style storytelling with editorial sophistication is what in my opinion sets me apart from other photographers. You know, other than style, it’s about connecting with the person who is the photographer, and then you’re good to go.
A Luxury Experience, Beyond Photography
What sets a luxury photographer apart is not just the quality of the images but the overall experience. It’s about more than just showing up and snapping photos like any other wedding that weekend. It’s about creating an experience that is personal, memorable, and tailored to your needs. From the moment you inquire about my services, to the day of your wedding, I strive to make everything as seamless and enjoyable as possible. It’s a joyous time!
You’ll find that I’m highly responsive, proactive, and always ready to offer advice or recommendations, often before you’ve even booked me. My goal is to make the entire process as stress-free and enjoyable as possible, so you can focus on what truly matters: celebrating your love with the people you care about.
The Importance of Investing in Luxury Photography
Weddings are significant investments, and it’s tempting to save where you can. However, photography should never be the place to cut corners. Here’s why:
Photos Are FOREVER
Your wedding day is fleeting, but your photos will last a lifetime. High-quality, luxury photography ensures that every moment is captured with care and artistry, giving you memories you can cherish and share for generations.
You Get What You Pay For
The phrase “you get what you pay for” rings especially true in wedding photography. Investing in a luxury photographer means investing in expertise, top-of-the-line equipment, and someone you can feel like your true self with.
Peace of Mind
A luxury photographer brings professionalism and reliability. From scouting the best angles to managing unpredictable lighting, their experience ensures your photos turn out beautifully and authentically, no matter the circumstances.
Heirloom Quality
Your wedding album becomes a family heirloom. We’ve got one in the attic and one in the front room in our house! Luxury photography ensures it will be something you’re proud to show your children, grandchildren, and beyond. I’ve had clients purchase multiple albums to pass down to future children and grandchildren—how special!
To Conclude
Choosing a luxury wedding photographer is more than an expense—it’s an investment in your memories. If you’re planning a wedding in Kent and want photographs that are as timeless and beautiful as your love story, I’d be honoured to be part of your journey.
