A wedding is such a personal celebration, and it’s a huge privilege to be invited in and trusted to capture it. Our hope is always the same: that we enhance the experience on the day for the couple and that the photographs become part of their family’s story – treasured now and then passed on for generations to come…”
Lara and Bizzy, Arnott & Arnott Photography
Arnott & Arnott is a prestigious fine art editorial photography studio located in London, founded and operated by sisters Lara and Bizzy Arnott. Specialising in weddings, celebrations, and portraits, the duo captures beautiful moments throughout the UK and internationally. Lara and Bizzy collaborate with couples and families who appreciate beauty, ambiance, and compelling storytelling through their imagery. In this discussion, we explore the approach of the team, plus favourite settings and locations…
C&B: “Arnott & Arnott is known for its candid shots that capture the ambiance of any important social occasion – what first inspired you both to pursue a career in wedding and event photography, and what do you believe sets your apart from other photographers?”
A&A: “It all unfolded quite organically, however people have always been at the heart of why we do what we do. We grew up loving stories, gatherings and human connection, and have always been instinctively drawn to light and beauty. Weddings and events bring together everything we’re moved by: family, ceremony, joy and emotion. Photography allows us to preserve these moments, holding onto their feeling long after they’ve passed. It’s always an honour to be invited into such intimate, meaningful spaces and trusted to create something lasting. What sets us apart is our ability with people, and our instinct for translating feeling into imagery. We blend fine art composition with a deep understanding of human connection, bringing warmth, calm and creative intuition to every celebration. We offer an experience that goes beyond the photographs. Clients often tell us our presence elevates the energy around them, and that the images feel like memories they can step back into. As sisters, we share a vision and work seamlessly and unobtrusively throughout a wedding day…”
Our advice to couples is to choose a photographer that you trust, and then trust them to do their thing. The best images come when couples feel relaxed and almost forget the camera is there. We encourage couples to build in a few small pockets of time away from guests, to take everything in and simply be together. Most importantly, enjoy each other and stay present. You can really feel that in the photographs…”
Lara and Bizzy, Arnott & Arnott Photography
C&B: “How would you describe your photographic style, and how has it evolved over the years?”
A&A: “Our style is fine art editorial with soul. It’s instinctive and emotional, with light, atmosphere and connection at the heart of everything we create. Over time, our work has become more intuitive and candid. We shoot with a sensitivity to mood and atmosphere, allowing moments to unfold naturally while remaining intentional about composition and detail. As sisters, we work instinctively together, often anticipating moments before they happen…”
C&B: “In your opinion, what are the essential elements that contribute to a successful wedding photograph?”
A&A: “Emotion, light and an intuitive understanding of people and moments. A great photograph doesn’t just show what happened, it shows how it felt. We pay close attention to gesture, atmosphere and the interplay of people, place and light…”
We pay close attention to those most important to the couple, the atmosphere they’ve jointly created, and the emotion that runs throughout the day, allowing the story of the day to simply unfold naturally…”
Lara and Bizzy, Arnott & Arnott Photography
C&B: “Do you have any special approaches to building rapport with your couples so as to make them feel more comfortable in front of the camera?”
A&A: “Connection is everything. We spend time getting to know each couple beforehand, understanding what matters most to them and their families. Staying open and relaxed is important, as how we feel is contagious and reflected in the photographs. We aim to be calm, warm and encouraging throughout. We blend in quietly, gently guiding when needed, always allowing people to be themselves. Couples often tell us it feels like having friends with cameras, which is exactly the feeling we aim for…”
C&B: “Are there any particularly memorable experiences you’ve had while photographing a wedding or special event?”
A&A: “There have been so many surreal moments, but the most memorable ones are often the smallest details. A father’s face as he sees his daughter in her dress, or a cheeky grandmother joking with the couple. At one wedding, a bee landed on the groom’s shoulder during the vows, just as late afternoon light streamed through the stained glass. His late mother, who loved bees, had just been mentioned, and you could feel the whole room inhale…”
It’s important for us to approach every wedding with fresh eyes. No two celebrations are the same, so we begin by really listening to the couple and understanding who they are. We focus not only on the obvious beauty, but also the relationships and dynamics that make each story distinct…”
Lara and Bizzy, Arnott & Arnott Photography
C&B: “Talking of details, often the planners have gone to enormous lengths to personalise the occasion – I’m sure this is an important aspect of your work, ensuring you capture it all…”
A&A: “Yes – these details are vital in telling the full story. They reveal the character, atmosphere, and the personality of a day. For example, delicate embroidery on a veil, sunlight catching the leaves in the trees, the family dog quietly observing the madness unfolding around it. We photograph details not as standalone objects, but as part of the wider narrative. They give the wedding album colour and depth, and are often some of our most creative frames…”
When choosing the setting for our shots, we always start by looking for light, and then composition. We’re drawn to spaces with depth and perspective, whether that’s a grand estate, a garden corner or a museum hallway. We look for elements that frame the couple and create atmosphere. The dream is to find spaces where the couple can relax and be themselves, ideally somewhere a little removed from the rush so the portraits feel intimate rather than staged…”
Lara and Bizzy, Arnott & Arnott Photography
C&B: “In and around London, planners are spoiled for choice when it comes to wedding venues – formal or rustic. Which are your personal favourites?”
A&A: “We love venues with history and character. Old country houses with exquisite interiors and beautiful gardens. Places like Cowdray House and Broughton Hall, as well as London venues such as Temple Church, The Natural History Museum and Kew Gardens, offer a beautiful balance of architecture and nature. We also love private homes, where generations of stories live within the walls. Beyond the UK, we’re inspired by European cities for their architecture and pastel tones. Italian villas lined with olive trees, the Greek islands of Hydra and Santorini, rugged Scottish coastlines, and anywhere with beautiful natural light all feel creatively exciting…”
CONTACT: http://www.arnottphotography.com
