When I was growing up, I loved using my mom’s camera to document precious memories, no matter how large or small, through the lives of the people around me…”
Catherine Bradley, photographer
Based in the beautiful West Midlands of the UK, where she lives with her husband and dog, Catherine Bradley has been a professional photographer for over 20 years. Catherine’s focus is on weddings around the world, and here we discuss how she started out in what is a highly competitive business…
C&B: “Catherine, we always believe travel expands the mind and it’s obviously essential for your wedding photography; how did you start out and which countries have you visited?”
CB: “I studied photography in college and absolutely adored shooting film and the development aspects of the darkroom. I then moved to the Cayman Islands, where my work funded my hobby and love of photography while traveling to many surrounding areas, including Jamaica, Cuba, and much of the US. Later, I continued on to Asia, Australia, and New Zealand…”
“Returning home, I joined a wedding photography company, which allowed me to work with many legendary photographers and provided an invaluable foundation of knowledge that shaped the beginning of my blossoming career. Following that, I was fortunate enough to be immersed in various photography scenarios, such as shooting prestigious award ceremonies, red carpet BTS, fashion photoshoots, catwalk, and many high profile client events worldwide.”
I’ve worked in the wedding industry for over 20 years and I have always been very
Catherine Bradley, photographer
artistic, painting, drawing, design, etc., all through my college and university days.
Falling in love with film while in college
really meant there was no turning back; this began a life destined for photography. Being a
hopeless romantic at heart and having a love of fashion moved me ever closer to the wedding industry…”
C&B: “Do you find your work is mainly confined to the UK now or do you take on overseas projects?”
CB: “I’m so grateful to work all over the world and at amazing venues in the UK as well – to name just a few: Claridges, The Berkeley, The Lanesborough, The Arts Club, The Mandarin Oriental, The Belmond, The Ritz, The Ritz Carlton Grand Cayman, La Badia, Orvieto, Villa Del Balbianello, Lake Como, Grand Hotel Tremezzo, Four Seasons Florence and Villa La Limonia, Sicily…”
C&B: “Do you work alone or do you have a team?”
CB: “It is a mixture of both depending on the clients project. I believe it’s so important to have a professional team that can be trusted, and that shares similar values, skill sets, and a sense of fun. Over the last 20 years, I have built a dream team of incredibly talented creatives who I trust and adore, who shoot alongside me. Travelling the world we have captured so many wonderful memories for our couples, they all share in my vision going above and beyond for each and every client.”
C&B: “In what’s known to be a highly competitive business, how do you secure the best projects; what’s your USP?”
CB: “Personalisation, authenticity, fun, honesty, empathy and of course my obsession with chasing the light”
C&B: “What is the biggest challenge you face when on a project? Is it weather, an out of the way location, difficult guests, or something else?”
CB: “It really depends on the wedding; Lake Como can be very unpredictable – one minute it’s sunshine, and the next, a magnificent thunderstorm with a lightning show. City weddings can also be tricky to navigate; sometimes, if the ceremony location and the reception are quite far apart, we have to be very mindful of possible traffic congestion, which can lead to timing issues. In our business, organisation and communication are key…”
C&B: “There are so many aspects to think of – do you find your work stressful?”
CB: “Being a wedding photographer is the highest of privileges, but equally, it is also very hard work. Various elements can, of course, be stressful, like any line of work. Experience and knowledge is always advantageous whilst continually striving to deliver the best for our couples. There are occasions when things are out of our control; it’s how we navigate the solution that’s key. Downtime is so important to keep you balanced and focused for the next amazing event. My relaxation comes in the form of running and yoga, but also amazing food and a lovely glass of wine, of course!”
C&B: “Do you ever collaborate with others in the lifestyle business to keep your name out there and to provide even more combined inspiration?”
CB: “I love to mix things up; as a creative, I’m always looking for ways to keep myself inspired, whether it’s through wedding, portrait, or fashion photography. In the past, I’ve collaborated with The Wedding Club, and for many years, I photographed some of the most beautiful bridal brands, including Berta, Milla, Nova, and Suzanne Neville – both for photoshoots and runway, which I absolutely love!”
“It would be a dream to work with the incredible Galia Lahav and Elie Saab. When it comes to collaborations with planners, there are so many wonderful and talented industry leaders within the UK and Overseas I’d love to work with. For me, it would be an impossible task to narrow down a list of my favourites. Working with the likes of Harpers Bazaar and Vogue Magazine, leaders in fashion forward style and elegance, has been an aspiration of mine for many years.”
“As for locations on my very long dream list, a few include the Grand-Hotel du Cap-Ferrat, Hotel Cipriani, Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild, Fairmont Banff Springs, Villa d’Este, Villa Cimbrone, St Barts – there are just so many!”
C&B: “Keeping in mind your accomplishments to date, which do you consider the most important to you personally?”
CB: “Featuring in TATLER Magazine and building a successful business that’s recommended by a list of amazing wedding planners and venues worldwide!”
WEBSITE: http://www.catherinebradleyphotography.com
