I just love how photographs freeze moments in time, preserving memories, and creating history in a frame…”
Charlotte Griffiths
Charlotte Griffiths is a destination wedding photographer based near London and she’s been photographing weddings for the past fourteen years. Here we discuss Charlotte’s inspiration and the importance of creating rapport with her couples in advance of their big day…”
C&B: “Charlotte, your work is gorgeous and you’re clearly very accomplished; what first attracted you to photography as a career?”
CG: “Growing up I was always creative, practical and more hands-on, leading me to study more vocational subjects at school. At college I studied media production (TV + video) alongside photography which was analogue back then. I remember my grandad buying my first ‘proper’ camera for my course, a Nikon SLR and developing my film in the dark room at college and it was this that really ignited my passion. Now, I am just obsessed; I feel very lucky to be able to do what I do…”
Photography is something I have always loved as a creative and visual person. After studying photography and then film production at university, the transition felt very natural to me…”
Charlotte Griffiths, Destination Wedding Photographer
C&B: “How did you develop your unique style?”
CG: “My journey began in 2010 when I photographed my first wedding. I soon learned that it was not just about capturing what was in front of me; it was about feeling, emotion, personality, storytelling, moments, detail, and so much more. Once I started to engage with these elements, everything aligned, and I began to find myself as a photographer who truly connected with my clients…”
“Continuing to shoot and get creative outside of weddings, while photographing what feels true to me, has allowed me to further develop my style. This is something I apply to every wedding, ensuring that I push myself and never become complacent.”
“In early 2023 I picked up my old 35mm film camera from my college studies and started to bring this along to weddings. This has since only further developed my style with analogue authenticity and rawness to my style…”
At university I actually studied film production, not using a stills camera for some time. As a student I wanted to start a career within the film or music video industry but about a year after graduating I picked up my first DSLR and just started shooting everything in front of me, perfecting my craft, and haven’t looked back!”
Charlotte Griffiths, Destination Wedding Photographer
C&B: “You have really put a lot of thought and effort into your career; what would you say gives you an advantage over and above other event photographers?”
CG: “There are so many talented photographers out there, it’s just incredible to see so many people doing what they love. I truly believe that no matter how many photographers there are, there’s a photographer for everyone. I guess with so much talent around, part of my USP really is just me. I love to get to know my clients, connect with, build that rapport and have an undeniable personable approach…”
I have a network of brilliant photographers that often join me on the day where a second photographer is required. But I often shoot solo…”
Charlotte Griffiths, Destination Wedding Photographer
C&B: “What type of projects do you typically undertake, and where are they located?”
CG: “Weddings are my passion, photographing weddings all around Europe and the UK. I feel very lucky to be able to travel and explore new places whilst photographing the most beautiful day in a couples’ life…”
C&B: “What is that you most enjoy about your work?”
CG: “There are a few things, but for me it is more than photographing a beautiful wedding day. Absolutely, capturing incredible moments and creating a gorgeous gallery to be treasured forever, but first and foremost it’s the people. Without this I truly believe that without finding or working with your ‘people’ (the couple) you will never truly achieve the best gallery for them. It’s important for me know my couple, their vibe, what’s important to them, and just connect and have rapport with them – and it’s this aspect that I love. I get to work with amazing people at every wedding. A great couple, equals great guests and great vibes that are just giving all day long. I also get to work in an environment where everybody is happy and the couple are so excited to work with me on the day – it can’t get any better than that!”
C&B: “How do your clients find you initially?”
CG: “My clients often find me through Instagram, their wedding planners, previous couples, other wedding vendors recommendations and online. I’ve also been fortunate enough to be published in both British Vogue and Tatler within months of each other, which was just incredible…”
My work takes me all over the UK and Europe. So far, my favourite venues have been Chateau Challain in France and Villa Erba on Lake Como – both are completely different from one another, but stunning!
Charlotte Griffiths, Destination Wedding Photographer
C&B: “What are the biggest challenges that come with your projects?”
CG: “Every wedding presents its challenges, some of which may be more significant than others. The weather can be unpredictable at times; however, I find that arriving at the venue early to scout for the best locations is advantageous, especially if the forecast is not promising. Additionally, being well-prepared with my equipment is essential. Sometimes, we simply have to embrace the weather and have fun with it, and that’s perfectly acceptable…”
C&B: “How many projects do you typically take on per year?”
CG: “It is very important to me to provide my couples with my full attention and the best possible service and experience. To achieve this, I must limit the number of weddings I take on each year to around twenty. I prioritize building a connection and rapport with my couples, as this enables them to feel more comfortable and relaxed on their wedding day. This approach not only helps to create a beautiful gallery for them but also allows them to enjoy the day more fully, as the conversational ice has already been broken…”
C&B: “You’ve already worked on many amazing projects – what would be your dream job?”
CG: “So far, I have been fortunate enough to photograph numerous dreamy weddings. I’ve explored many beautiful destinations while capturing weddings outside of the UK, including Ibiza, French châteaux, Lake Como, Tuscany, Santorini, Croatia, Munich, and Marrakesh, and I’ve been fortunate to return to some of these destinations multiple times. I feel incredibly lucky to work with such wonderful couples, and I look forward to continuing to engage in stunning projects that feature breathtaking venues and locations, alongside clients who appreciate my work and vision, and with whom I share a genuine connection!”
CONTACT: http://www.charlottegriffithsphotography.com
