About BCP
Despite my business name, Bristol Contemporary Photographer is just me, Charlie! I have shot over 300 weddings since 2012 and I have loved every single one.
My approach to weddings
What my couples tend to compliment me on the most is my ability to sneak loads of little shots of everyone without anyone noticing. I take my sneaking very seriously. I have a big old lens so I can stay out the way so you and your guests don’t feel self conscious about having their photos taken, but I’m always ready to barge in if the moment requires it!
I think getting the best wedding photos is all about striking a balance. I don’t want to take over or interrupt, but I don’t want to miss the chance for some absolute killer shots. Sometimes I might see if you want to run out for 5 minutes in the evening because the light is just PERFECT but I will totally respect your right to party if you don’t fancy it.
I really love bouncing off people to find their groove when it comes to their couples photos. Not everyone is super romantic or cuddly, and I really enjoy working with each couple individually to find little moments between you that really sum up your relationship with each other. I’ll never force you in to cheesy poses, I just want you to feel like yourselves!
I really don’t put too much focus on your couples photos though. I usually take you off once or twice for about 15 minutes. I’m REALLY good at getting the best of you in the shortest time so you can relax and enjoy yourselves with your guests. This is what I love to capture!
Aesthetics are important, and I know you will have spent so much love and care in to every tiny detail of your day. But honestly, afterwards? The bits that will matter is you celebrating with everyone you know and love.
My passion is documentary wedding photography, to immortalise all of these moments that make your day special.
This photo of me and my boyfriend really inspired me.
It was taken at a wedding in 2018 by a friend with my camera. I have a double chin, my hair is a mess, my face is pink and shiny because it was 30 degrees and I HATE my nose from the side. That’s what I usually focus on when I look at myself.
But I LOVE this photo. It sums up my memory of that day. I was so happy my best friend was getting married and celebrating with her!
It really made me realise what is important about photography. Capturing the energy and emotion of the day.
I know that carefully curated, elegant images of you gazing lovingly in to each others’ eyes have their place and I will never look down on or refuse to do any photos like this.
But this is what I’ve specialised in. Getting all the truly important bits; the messy bits, the chaos, the love.
About Me
I have always been obsessed with photography. When I was about 8, I used to pose my Beanie Babies for formal photos with a disposable camera. When I was a bit older, my grandad gave me his old film camera, and I loved taking black and white “arty” photos of objects lying around.
After University, I trained with a local wedding photographer, and this is where I really got started. I quickly fell in love with the fast pace of weddings as well as realising that what I truly loved was capturing people - the laughter, the tears, the little moments.
I initially started my business as Devon Contemporary Photography in 2012 where I grew up, but changed my business name to Bristol after moving here in 2014. I quickly fell completely in love with this city and never left.
I also opened my studio in 2020 which was such a joy, as I quite often get to see my couples again for the next massive milestone in their lives - their first baby!
I live in a flat just off Stokes Croft with my boyfriend and our giant cat Thomspon (pictured, because he is so handsome). I love being able to walk to so many incredible restaurants and pubs around the city (if you have any recommendations of places to eat or drink, send them over!).
While I am editing your photos, you can guarantee I’m listening to my 00s pop punk playlist (Blink 182 gets me really hyped, it brings back the teenager in me) or I’ll have a bit of Parks and Recreation or 30 Rock on in the background. In my down time, I love to go climbing at Red Point or on Dartmoor, and I’ve just got really in to gaming in my 30s - I am currently playing Fallout 4 but I think Skyrim is my favourite. I am a big board game geek as well!
I always love to hear about my couples, so please tell me a bit about you if you get in touch!
Tell me about you!
charlie@contemporaryphoto.co.uk
07969895839