If your idea of dream wedding photography involves colour, personality, big emotions and absolutely no awkward posing against a hedge, Chris Denner Photography might just be your perfect match.
With 28 years behind the camera and 18 years building his own photography business, Chris has developed a distinctive approach to weddings based around one brilliantly simple philosophy: normal is boring.
Having photographed hundreds of weddings, Chris isn’t interested in following the traditional wedding photography rulebook. Instead, his work is colourful, creative and energetic, capturing the personality of each couple and the wonderfully unpredictable moments that make their day completely their own.
Wedding photography with personality
For Chris, wedding photography should feel like your wedding – not a beautifully polished but generic version of somebody else’s.
His style combines documentary photography with bold, creative portraiture. That means capturing the moments you can’t plan – the tears, belly laughs, questionable dance moves, emotional reactions and general wedding-day chaos – while also knowing when to step in and create something spectacular.
“I love a bit of drama,” says Chris. “I love lighting, colour, movement and giving couples something that feels properly epic.”
Ultimately, his aim is simple: when couples look through their photographs 20 years from now, he wants them to remember exactly how those moments felt, not simply what they looked like.
And, ideally, have a little “Wow, we looked cool” moment along the way.
No modelling experience required
If the thought of spending your wedding day posing for photographs fills you with dread, Chris has good news: you don’t need to know what you’re doing.
In fact, many of his couples tell him they hate having their photograph taken.
His response? Brilliant.
Chris describes himself on a wedding day as “part photographer, part ninja, part chaos coordinator and occasionally part idiot.” For much of the celebration, he’ll quietly capture events as they naturally unfold. Then, when inspiration strikes, you might hear: “Right, give me five minutes. I’ve got an idea.”
There’s direction when you need it, but no expectation that your wedding should turn into an all-day photoshoot.
“You don’t need to know how to pose. You don’t need to be comfortable in front of a camera. That’s my job.”
The people behind the photographs
After nearly three decades photographing weddings, it’s the people that keep Chris coming back.
From the anticipation of the morning and the first look to hilarious speeches, grandparents taking over the dance floor and everything that happens when the party really gets going, no two weddings – or families – are ever quite the same.
“For one day, I get to walk into somebody’s world and document the people they love most,” says Chris. “That’s a pretty cool job.”
How to choose your wedding photographer
Chris’s biggest piece of advice? Don’t get too caught up searching for the perfect wedding photographer. Instead, find your photographer.
Look through their work and ask yourself one question: Does this feel like us?
Because your photographer isn’t simply supplying a collection of images. They’ll be right there alongside you, your family and your closest friends during some of the most personal moments of the day – so liking and trusting them matters.
And if you’re camera-shy, tell them. A great photographer should make you feel comfortable rather than expecting you to arrive knowing how to pose.
“You don’t need to become a model for the day. You just need to be yourselves. My job is to create photographs around that.”
Meet Chris Denner at The National Wedding Show
Want to see what ‘not boring’ wedding photography looks like in person?
Come and meet Chris Denner Photography on Stand D20 at The National Wedding Show at NEC Birmingham.
Expect colour, big photographs, plenty of conversation and, importantly, no hard sell. Chris wants to hear about your wedding, what you’re excited about and – perhaps just as importantly – everything you absolutely don’t want from your wedding photography.
If you’re planning something colourful, creative, slightly chaotic or simply want photographs that feel unmistakably like the two of you, stop by and say hello.
Exclusive Show Offer
Meet Chris at the Birmingham show and book within 48 hours to receive a complimentary pre-wedding shoot worth £300.
Chris Denner Photography
Stand: D20
Instagram: @chrisdennerphotography
Website: chrisdenner.co.uk