I feel very grateful to be part of an industry that values creativity, collaboration, and craftsmanship at such a high level. The standard keeps rising, and that pushes all of us to be better, which can only be a good thing…”
John Nassari, Photographer
Dr John Nassari is a highly decorated photographer and videographer based in London, working worldwide. His accolades include the Favourite Photographer award at the recent RSVP 2026, Best UK Videographer at the Bridelux Awards 2022, and Best UK Photographer at the Bridelux Awards 2021. His work has been featured in HELLO! and VOGUE, and he is a three-time finalist for the Taylor Wessing Portrait Prize at the National Portrait Gallery. In 2020, he received the Portrait of Humanity Award for his Space Exhibition project. Here we discuss recent projects, the world’s most beautiful wedding locations, and the top planners John most recommends…
C&B: “John, it is great to be back in contact after so long; I remember City & Beach showcased you and your work around a decade ago! Which have been your most influential projects over the past few years?”
JN: “My “80&80” project at the Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park. 80 photographs over 10 months to celebrate 80 years of Olympus cameras. Then it’s my “Alters” exhibition and project in 2017, a photography project about personal identity. A real career highlight, though, was being part of the Humanity exhibition, the first photography exhibition in space, orbiting above Earth. Only 400 images were selected in the entire history of photography for that project, which puts it into perspective. The images were digitised and transmitted into the universe in binary, which is quite surreal when you think about it…”
A couple of years ago I published my debut fantasy novel, ‘The Dream Traveler: Dark Rising’, which is a cross between Lord of the Rings and Inception. It won 6 indie awards. Book two was published in 2025, and I am currently working on book 3 in the series…”
John Nassari, Photographer
C&B: “These are incredible accomplishments! You’re also very well known for your stunning wedding photography – which are your favourite locations for a summer wedding or event, and why?”
JN: “The Amalfi Coast – I’ve been fortunate enough to shoot here, and it’s everything you want it to be. Dramatic, iconic, and visually breathtaking, every frame feels significant. Tuscany – understated luxury at its best. Rolling hills, warm tones, and that golden evening light, it creates a timeless, editorial feel without trying too hard. Cyprus – the light there is incredible, clean, bright, and consistent. It’s perfect for destination weddings that feel relaxed but still elevated. Being a British-born Cypriot myself, it feels like a second home to me… Paris – Effortlessly stylish. Whether it’s a grand venue or something more intimate, Paris naturally brings a fashion-led, editorial edge to everything. London – Home, but still one of the most versatile cities in the world. From historic venues to modern spaces, it offers endless variety, and when it all comes together, it rivals anywhere…”
C&B: “Planners are often responsible for booking the photography and video team – which ones do you find yourself working with most often?”
JN: “I’m fortunate to work with some incredible planners, but the ones I connect with most are those who truly understand the balance between creativity and precision. Planners like Zibbi and her team at DBZ Events, for example, bring a producer’s mindset to a wedding, there’s structure, clarity, and control, but never at the expense of creativity. That’s when the best work happens. Melanie at Cranberry Blue has been a long-time collaborator of mine and is one of the very best in the industry… consistent, thoughtful, and always delivering at the highest level. Of course, Snapdragon are exceptional, and Quintessentially consistently host some of the finest events I’ve ever had the privilege to photograph. And Emma Murray-Jones – it’s always a real treat to work with Emma. Her events have a calm, effortless flow to them, which creates the perfect environment to do great work. I also really value planners who trust the process. When there’s mutual respect, the energy on the day shifts, it becomes collaborative rather than transactional, and that always shows in the final work…”
C&B: “We most recently saw you at the fantastic RSVP event in London, which included the launch of Tomas de Bruyne’s new book ‘The Art Of Design’ – in what way were you involved?”
JN: I’ve been part of RSVP since the very beginning, and in its previous form and title, so around 12 years now, so it’s always felt like more than just an event; it’s a community. For the Tomas de Bruyne book launch, I was there soaking up the atmosphere, the people, and the essence of the evening. It was one of those events where everything aligned, the design, the guests, the energy. I bought a book and constantly flip through it during my morning coffee. I love it…”
C&B: “RSVP definitely pulled together the industry’s best for that occasion! How important do you think socialising and networking events are to the success of your own business?”
JN: “They’re hugely important, but not in the obvious way. It’s not about immediate gain or “who can I book from this.” It’s about long-term relationships, trust, and visibility within the right circles. RSVP, in particular, has been instrumental in that. Over time, those conversations, shared experiences, and connections naturally evolve into opportunities. It’s a slower burn, but far more meaningful and sustainable, and real friendships come out of these occasions…”
C&B: “Yes, it’s so important to remember to socialise yourself when you spend most of your time documenting others having a good time! You’ve already accomplished so much within the industry; which areas of your business are you planning to develop next?”
JN: “I’m really focused on pushing further into the luxury editorial space, work that feels less like traditional wedding coverage and more like something you’d expect to see in a magazine. Alongside that, I’m continuing to refine the integration of photo and video into one seamless offering. When it’s done right, it elevates the entire experience for the client…”
CONTACT: http://www.johnnassari.co.uk
