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Real Weddings & Photography
Stories from Herefordshire and Beyond
This blog collects recent wedding stories, practical photography insight and simple behind-the-scenes notes from my work in Herefordshire and across the UK. I share real weddings, engagement sessions and honest thoughts on the craft and process of capturing memorable photographs. I welcome any feedback, feel free to get in touch!


Winter Wedding Photography Savings and How the Day Flows
Winter weddings follow a different rhythm to summer ones. This post looks at how photography works during the quieter months, why couples choose winter dates, and how thoughtful planning helps the day flow naturally.

Russell Lewis
1 day ago2 min read


Beth and Danny – From Hereford to Bristol
Beth and Danny were married with a small ceremony at Hereford Town Hall before continuing their celebrations a couple of months later with an evening party in Bristol. Held at The Mount Without, the night unfolded naturally with great food, conversation, Ceilidh dancing and a move downstairs into The Crypt. A relaxed celebration photographed as it happened.

Russell Lewis
4 days ago3 min read


Candid Moments: The Beauty of Unposed Wedding Photos
Some of the most meaningful wedding photos happen in the quiet moments between events. This post explores the beauty of candid, unposed images and why they often become the most treasured memories of the day.

Russell Lewis
Jan 263 min read


What Is Documentary Wedding Photography? A Natural Approach to Real Moments
Documentary wedding photography is about capturing your day as it genuinely unfolds. Rather than staging moments or interrupting the flow, it focuses on real interactions, natural emotion and the atmosphere that makes your wedding feel like yours. This post explains what documentary wedding photography really means, how it works on the day, and why a more relaxed approach often leads to photographs that feel honest, timeless and true to the experience.

Russell Lewis
Jan 193 min read


Your Guide to a Relaxed & Natural Engagement Photoshoot
An engagement photoshoot should feel relaxed and natural, not awkward or staged. This post explains what an engagement photoshoot is really about, what to expect on the day, and how a calm approach helps you feel comfortable in front of the camera before your wedding.

Russell Lewis
Jan 123 min read


A Summer Wedding at Dore Abbey and The Haybarn
A Herefordshire wedding at Dore Abbey and The Haybarn, featuring live choral music, relaxed spaces and a full dancefloor. Natural photography capturing the flow of the day.

Russell Lewis
Dec 11, 20253 min read


A Summer Wedding at The Barn at Drovers
A summer wedding at The Barn at Drovers in Herefordshire, with engagement photos and natural, relaxed moments captured by Russell Lewis Photography

Russell Lewis
Dec 2, 20253 min read


Displaying Your Wedding Photographs
When couples receive their wedding photographs, the first thing they usually do is view the full gallery online. Over time though, it’s often the printed images that become part of everyday life. This page explains the different ways you can enjoy your wedding photographs beyond the screen, from albums to framed prints, and how to choose what feels right for you.

Russell Lewis
Sep 22, 20253 min read


Beth and Max at Glewstone Court
Beth and Max were married at Glewstone Court on one of the hottest days of the summer. With the heat influencing how the day needed to run, decisions were made together to keep guests comfortable, including running through group photos early in shaded areas before allowing everyone time to cool down, hydrate and settle into the afternoon.

Russell Lewis
Aug 8, 20252 min read


RAW vs JPEG: The Real Talk on Editing
There’s been a noticeable shift towards delivering images straight out of camera, with some photographers choosing JPEG only and skipping editing altogether. After experimenting with a recycled disposable camera lens on a Nikon Z6ii, I found myself thinking more about RAW versus JPEG, creative control, and where the balance really sits between authenticity and intention.

Russell Lewis
Apr 12, 20254 min read


Three affordable ways to make your wedding unique
Your wedding day will always be one of the most special days you and your partner will experience together. However, if you’re hoping to host a celebration that’ll leave a lasting impression on all your guests, you’ll want to make sure you incorporate some unique features. From the decor you use to the entertainment you plan, each detail of your day counts – however, the costs can quickly add up. To help you host a beautiful, affordable celebration, here are three ways to mak

Russell Lewis
Feb 19, 20252 min read


Ellen & Laurence’s Engagement Session
For Ellen & Laurence, Three Cliffs Bay on the Gower Peninsula is more than a stunning location - it’s a place full of personal meaning. When it came time to capture their engagement photos, it was the obvious choice. We headed there recently, joined by their dog, who won’t be at the wedding. Including her in the session was a thoughtful touch, making the photos even more personal. Engagement sessions are a fantastic way for me to get to know couples ahead of their big day. T

Russell Lewis
Jan 20, 20252 min read


The Benefits of Booking Your Photographer Early
Booking your wedding photographer early isn’t about pressure or urgency. It’s about giving yourself time, choice and peace of mind. This post explains how early booking helps your planning feel calmer and your wedding day flow more naturally.

Russell Lewis
Jan 14, 20253 min read


The Barn at Drovers Rest Open Day
A look behind the scenes at The Barn at Drovers Rest wedding open day, exploring the venue, the atmosphere and why it suits relaxed, personal wedding celebrations.

Russell Lewis
Nov 22, 20242 min read


Treeopia Elopement Post
In a world where weddings can often feel overwhelming, the idea of eloping has become an increasingly popular choice for couples seeking a more intimate and personal celebration. If you're dreaming of a secluded, romantic escape, Treeopia offers an unparalleled experience. Nestled within 4 acres of private grounds, Treeopia features two luxurious treehouses that provide the perfect setting for an unforgettable elopement. The Allure of Eloping: A Private and Personal Celebrati

Russell Lewis
Aug 24, 20243 min read


Summer Sustainable Wedding Tips
Picking the perfect date for your wedding day is no easy task. To start, you’ve got to find a date that works for you and your partner, and then match this up with your chosen venue. You’ll also want to make sure that important guests such as your parents or closest friends are free – and that’s before you’ve found suppliers such as a photographer who can make that date too. With all that in mind, sustainability isn’t often at the forefront of such a pivotal decision. But w

Russell Lewis
Jul 29, 20243 min read


Shack Revolution Showcase
I am delighted to announce that I'll be exhibiting at The Shack Revolution 's Wedding Fair in central Hereford on Sunday 14th April. The Shack Revolution is an exciting urban, industrial Wedding venue in the heart of Hereford and I'm really pleased to have a number of wedding dates booked in there throughout the year. A former warehouse that some out there may remember as once upon a time being The Dinosaur Market, The Shack Revolution have transformed it into a beautiful co

Russell Lewis
Apr 5, 20241 min read


30% Last-Minute Booking Discount
Sometimes plans change or things come together later than expected. After helping Alison and Geraint with a last-minute booking, I’ve introduced a 30% discount for weddings taking place within six weeks of enquiry, where the date is still available. A practical option for couples needing photography at shorter notice.

Russell Lewis
Jan 13, 20241 min read


Alison & Geraint's story
It's just after 6pm on the 2nd January and a message request comes in from Geraint asking if I have availability for their wedding for the coming Saturday as their original photographer had unfortunately been taken ill. We immediately chatted about how I could help and being realistic I said 'I know you'll be inundated with messages from Herefordshire wedding photographers so don't panic, take a good look at options and styles then let me know if you'd like to chat further'.

Russell Lewis
Jan 12, 20243 min read


The Beauty of Simplicity: A Big Sky Shot at Glewstone Court
The earthy tones and neutral palette really makes this image work for me making it one of my favourite shots of the year.

Russell Lewis
Sep 8, 20233 min read
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