Booking a photographer for your wedding, family or business can feel overwhelming, so I’ve put together answers to the questions I’m most often asked. My aim is to make everything clear, relaxed, and reassuring.
At Tom Keenan Photography in Kent I specialise in luxury, editorial, and documentary-style wedding photography across Kent, Canterbury, and Cambridge, and work with couples who value timeless storytelling, emotion, and authentic portraits. I also work with businesses that want to level up their brand. Let's get into some specific questions.
What is documentary wedding photography?
Documentary photography is all about capturing the day as it happens. Think laughter, nerves, tears, and quiet moments that make your wedding unique. I wouldn't say that I'm a fly on the wall, but I'm a friend that supports you on your wedding day whilst taking photographs.
What is your approach on a wedding day?
I blend documentary storytelling with editorial production. The day is captured naturally, without interference. When I take portraits, I release you to be yourself which results in relaxed images that feel authentic.
Do you photograph small weddings and elopements?
Yes. I love small, intimate weddings and elopements because they allow me to focus even more on the emotional storytelling and fine details. Whether it’s a countryside elopement in Kent or a church ceremony in Cambridge, my approach suits all sizes of weddings.
Where are you based, and what areas do you cover?
I’m based in the beautiful Ramsgate in Thanet, having been born in Margate. Most of my weddings take place across Kent and Cambridge, having lived there for 4 years. I photograph weddings in locations from Whitstable and Maidstone to Margate and Canterbury, as well as Cambridge city and its surrounding Cambridgeshire areas.
Because I know these areas well, and am recommended at several venues, I can anticipate where is best to explore and adapt quickly if plans change on the day. That local, experienced knowledge helps your day run smoothly and ensures your photographs look naturally beautiful.
Why choose a Kent-based wedding photographer?
It makes sense to book someone who is local to the area and that has been in the industry for so long (since 2012!). Being local means I don't have to travel hundreds of miles and have local photographers I know if any issues arise. I also work regularly with some of Kent’s best florists, planners, and videographers, which gives you the confidence you need to be yourself on your wedding day.
Can I book you if my wedding is outside Kent or Cambridge?
Yes, though I mainly focus on weddings in Kent and Cambridge. I occasionally photograph weddings elsewhere in the UK, but I’m currently not taking destination weddings until at least 2029 so I can stay closer to home for family reasons.
What does editorial wedding photography mean?
Editorial photography draws inspiration from fashion magazines: think images you can imagine in print. My editorial approach ensures portraits feel stylish and effortless while still looking completely natural without the awkward posing.
I use my background in fashion and portraiture to guide you if needed, but 99% of the time your natural interactions photograph best. I always make sure your portraits reflect your true personality without feeling like just another muse couple. It’s about capturing soulful portraits, not posed runway models.
Can editorial photography still feel natural?
I think it's an art form to achieve this, but I would say yes absolutely. While editorial photography is renowned for a polished, magazine-inspired style, I combine it with documentary storytelling. This means your portraits are elegant but full of life, connection, and the real emotion that only you can show.
Do you photograph engagement sessions in an editorial style?
Yes. Engagement sessions are a great opportunity to practice being your authentic selves while I'm hanging out with you. You'll find not long after being in front of the camera that we create stylish, natural images. We can shoot somewhere meaningful to you — whether that’s by the Kent coast, historic streets in Canterbury, or a local woodland. These can be great images that could feature in your album, save-the-dates, or prints.
What makes you a luxury wedding photographer?
Luxury, to me, is about placing a particularly high value on wedding photography for your day.
Luxury wedding photography is about combining technical skill, storytelling, and emotion to create images that feel fashionable yet soulful. I bring the wisdom I learned from fashion and editorial photography into every wedding - from orchestrating light if needed, to capturing the emotional moments that matter deeply.
How much does a luxury wedding photographer cost?
How long is a piece of string? Every wedding is unique, and pricing reflects both the experience and the bespoke service I provide. Packages vary depending on coverage, location, and extras such as albums or engagement sessions. I’ll always provide a transparent quote after discussing your day and your priorities. Expect clarity when you enquire, don't expect the cheapest option.
Do you offer bespoke albums and prints?
Yes, I provide fine art albums and museum-quality prints, hand-bound, flat-lays and designed with you to tell your story beautifully. I believe wedding photos should be printed and cherished, not just stored online in the cloud. Albums become family heirlooms, and prints can be displayed as beautiful reminders of your day. I have had clients order two, to store one away for future generations, and five for different sets of family members.
Do you photograph vegan weddings?
Yes. I regularly photograph vegan weddings and enjoy documenting celebrations that reflect a couple’s value for life and animals.
How do you handle sustainable or ethical details?
I make a point of capturing every element that has had thought put into it: from plant-based catering to cruelty-free fashion and sustainable floristry. I work to ensure your photography celebrates your choices naturally, without turning them into a gimmick or fad.
Can vegan weddings still feel luxurious?
Some of the vegan weddings I have photographed have been the most luxurious! Luxury isn’t about excess - it’s about care, and this is something the vegan community does well. A vegan wedding can be beautifully styled, elegant, and deeply emotional, and I work to make every detail shine through in your images.
Are you a Christian wedding photographer?
Yes. My wife and I each have a faith in Jesus, and I’ve photographed many Christian weddings. Anything from traditional church ceremonies to relaxed countryside blessings, all with worshipping God at the centre.
How do you work with church ceremonies?
I always work respectfully within the service, being peaceful with the vicars involved making sure to capture both the sacred and joyful moments. I understand the rhythm of a church ceremony and liaise with officiants as needed to ensure photography is respectful.
Can you photograph faith-centred celebrations outside of church weddings?
Absolutely. I’ve photographed blessings and ceremonies in private luxury venues or gardens, always respecting the spiritual significance of the event while still capturing the personal, emotional moments that matter.
How long have you been photographing weddings?
I launched my business in 2012 after studying at UCA Canterbury. I won The Photographer Academy Apprenticeship, chosen from over 800 global entrants, which helped me refine my craft in light, composition, and storytelling. Since then, I’ve photographed a huge array of weddings from posh Cambridge College's to grand home estates, from Cathedrals to Marquees.
What sets you apart from other wedding photographers?
I mean, everyone is different right? It's the same with wedding photographers. For me, my combination of technical experience and emotional intuition makes the difference. I bring a fashion and editorial background to every wedding, but I’m always invested in the moments that matter. I work quietly, calmly, and with kindness - my couples often say the photos feel “like them.”
How far in advance should we book?
I usually book 12–18 months ahead, particularly for summer months and popular venues. Midweek or off-season weddings can sometimes be available on shorter notice, but I take on a conservative amount of weddings each year.
How many images will we receive?
For a full wedding day, you can expect all the photographs that make it through my quality checks. This is usually 400–800 carefully edited images, delivered via a private online gallery where you can download, share, and order prints or albums.
What is your editing style?
My editing style is true to colour, film-like, and timeless. I don’t use heavy filters or trends; instead, I make sure each image reflects the natural light and feeling of your day. Think soft and subdued colour tones with a luxury fashion, editorial finish that doesn't feel artificial. Every image is individually edited for consistency across your full gallery. My film scans are carefully processed in my trusted labs and carry the same gentle tones as the digitals.
How can we see examples of your work?
You can explore my featured weddings here and stories on my blog here. Each collection reflects my signature blend of documentary storytelling and editorial style.
How can we get in touch?
You can contact me directly via my contact page. I usually reply within hours.
Do you photograph weddings on film?
Yes, I offer film photography alongside my digital work. Shooting on film adds a tangible, nostalgic quality that just feels cool. Something about the colours, textures, and tones have a softness that I always try and capture with the digitals.
Film naturally slows the process down, which I find helps couples stay more present. Every frame is intentional, which makes the photographs feel even more meaningful.
Why choose film or hybrid wedding photography?
Film photography brings a timeless depth to your wedding gallery that has become increasingly popular in the last few years. I work in a hybrid style, blending digital precision with the warmth and style of film.
This approach means you get the best of both worlds: beautifully detailed digital images alongside luminous, softly rendered film photographs that feel straight out of a fine art editorial.
Can you photograph my entire wedding on film?
Well, no! I typically recommend a hybrid approach for flexibility. Film is perfect for portraits, quiet moments, and outdoor light (unless I have a high ISO roll fitted). Digital excels in just about everything, so it's great to have the two.
When combined, the two formats create a perfectly balanced story: the elegance of film with the dynamic storytelling of digital.
Do you photograph Asian weddings?
Yes, I’ve photographed a number of Asian weddings across Kent and Cambridge (mostly Cambridge), and I absolutely love them. Vibrant Sikh celebrations, traditional Hindu ceremonies, and beautiful fusion weddings. I approach each day with sensitivity, curiosity, and respect.
How do you handle multi-day or large-scale celebrations?
Asian weddings often unfold over several days, and I plan and price the coverage accordingly. I’ll work with you to create a tailored photography schedule that fits your ceremonies, pre-wedding events, and celebrations, usually with your planner.
Do you understand the cultural and religious elements involved?
I'm still humbly learning, so I'm all ears to learning how every wedding has different elements. Nevertheless I make sure to photograph the traditions and meanings behind each part of your ceremony before the day. Be it the Baraat, Anand Karaj, or Mangal Phera, I work closely with your family and priest to ensure photography happens with full awareness and respect.
If you’re planning a wedding in Kent, Cambridge, or the surrounding areas, and you’re drawn to natural, editorial, documentary-style photography, I’d love to hear from you. Get in touch here to start the conversation.