Oh my goodness. I love this fun-loving woman! She is bubbly, effervescent even, and has this infectious energy about her that lifts your spirits no matter what. She has an incredible work ethic and is one of the hardest working people I’ve ever met. Through her images she brings love, laughter, happiness, warmth, heartfelt emotion, spontaneity and magic. Having been photographed by Rebecca I can, hand on heart, say that she is a joy to be with and I was blown away by the photos she created for me. She made me cry when I looked through my gallery for the first time. She really is something special and the wedding community is so lucky to have this kind and generous woman. I’m so grateful that Rebecca is taking part in this blog series, through her interview I think you’ll very quickly get a sense of the soul within this fun-loving, heart-on-sleeve person. I also think I’ve come across someone who actually might love cake more than me!! Read on and find out for yourselves…
Have you always loved weddings? And what made you decide to become a wedding photographer?
I have ALWAYS loved weddings since I was a little girl. Starting with being the official wedding planner for Barbie and Ken’s wedding, which was always my favourite scenario to act out when I played. I remember playing dress up with my sister and wearing a jumper on my head for a veil and buying plastic heels to complete the look! Then growing up watching all the American movies with the ‘big weddings’ had a massive influence on what I thought weddings were like- and they actually weren’t far off!
Yep, it’s fair to say that weddings have been a massive passion of mine since….forever.
When I decided to finally commit to becoming a wedding photographer, it just seemed like a natural thing to start doing. I had been using my camera for years, knew how to compose a photo, how to build a brand and market a company, I’d been to weddings as a guest, had my own wedding, knew what happened on the day…so decided to just take the plunge!
When did you start your photography business? Did you do something else before?
I officially launched in 2017 and before then I had a lot (I mean A LOT!) of jobs. These are just some of the jobs I’ve done before: Freelance Television Presenter, Children’s Entertainer, Face Painter, Receptionist, Telesales, Pontins Bluecoat, Dance Teacher, Nanny, Retail, Teddy Bear stuffer….the list goes on and on!
How would you describe your style? Is there a kind of wedding that you love more than others?
I would describe my style as romantic, modern with a flair of editorial. I am massively influenced by fashion photography and like to incorporate this where necessary. My favourite kind of wedding is an outdoor wedding! Give me all the beautiful, outdoor, natural light! The flowers, the fields, the sea! I thrive when shooting outdoors!
What makes you unique?
My personality. I know that my outlook on life, weddings, style, relationships, friendship and fun is what sets me apart. I am an eternal optimist. I love to make whoever I photograph have fun, to put them at ease and get to know them. For me the overall experience of a photoshoot with me is one of the most important factors in my values. I want people to remember how they felt in that moment, I want it to be joy!
Where do you find your inspiration?
I’m massively influenced by my favourite movies, fashion magazines and music videos! These are my biggest sources of inspiration they are exciting and something I always come back to in my styling, vibes and overall feel.
What do you love most about your job?
The people I get to hang out with! I am so blessed that I get to work with the most incredible humans! I have made some of my best friends through my job.
Where is your favourite place and why?
Orlando, Florida. I love Orlando so much. The food, the theme parks, the shopping, the weather, the people, the spirit! We would go a lot as a family growing up and it’s what I might consider my second home. I associate it with a lot of positive happy memories.
What’s your favourite cake flavour?!
Favourite cake flavour has to be… red velvet, then chocolate cake, then lemon drizzle, then a good old Victoria sponge. I am OBSESSED with wedding cake. I have a real sweet tooth and when couples kindly offer me a slice of their wedding cake on their day, I NEVER ever say no! I usually take a slice home and eat it while I edit their photos. It’s kind of a ritual I have. I eat it while scrolling through their photos and the taste brings all the happy hormones, memories and moments back to me.
And what’s your favourite tipple?
Prosecco- I’m pretty basic like that!
What should couples consider when they’re looking for a wedding photographer?
When choosing a wedding photographer, ask yourself whose work speaks to you. When you look at their work, how does it make you feel? Can you see yourself in their photos? and most importantly are your personalities and values aligned? You’re going to be hanging out with them ALL day, more than anyone else, so it’s important your personality and vibes fit!
How can couples find you to book you for their wedding?
I’ll happily work with anyone but for me, I get the best results with couples who have a similar outlook on life to me! If like me, you love jumping fences and traipsing through fields, well I think we’ll get on great. You can get in touch with me at www.rebeccacarpenterphotgraphy.com or keep up with my adventures on Insta xx
Video by Russell Kent Nicholls