We talk to wedding photographer Tim Bowden.

Tell me a bit about your background in photography

I first started taking pictures at the age of 12, building my own darkroom at home and spending all my free time out with my camera.

After studying Photography at art college I moved to London and became an assistant to an advertising photographer. At the tender age of 24 I opened my first London studio.

Since then I have expanded my London studio base to bigger premises and still shoot commercially. My studio work is based around food and still life photography and I’ve been sent around the globe shooting for clients such as Marks and Spencers, Sainsburys and McVities

How did you first start out in wedding photography specifically and what drew you to it?

I added wedding photography to my photographic folio about five years ago when I decided that I wanted to get back to my original photographic roots in photojournalism. I wanted to capture a wedding “as it happens” without faked poses and setting-up shots. This approach needs a photographer with a good eye not a list of pre prepared shots that get used every Saturday.

How would you describe your photography style – what makes your pictures stand out?

My style is fly-on-the-wall. I don’t herd guests around or take over. I’m there to capture events as they happen, documenting the emotion and fun of the day through Black and white and colour images. I tend to have more of a bias towards black and white as I feel that it is more emotional than colour. I also shoot a lot of candid photos of guests during the day. They are as much a part of the day as the bride and groom and it really helps to build up a feeling for the day.

My pictures stand out for various reasons. The first that springs to mind is that I will utilise available light wherever possible, even into the evening. My images have a luminescence that only daylight gives which can be destroyed by the use of flash. Also my candid photographs of guests are so informal that you feel like you are part of the wedding when you look through one of my albums!

Have you covered many Suffolk venues? Which is your favourite and why?

With a London and Suffolk base I tend to split myself between the two locations and have worked at some fantastic Suffolk venues. My two favourites would be Yaxley Hall and the West Wing at Ickworth. They are both wonderfully unique venues combing old and new decor and architecture but also the staff and organisation from both venues ensures that the wedding day always runs smoothly

Do you have any tips for the bride and groom on the day to ensure they get the best use out of their photographer?

With my style of work, let the photographer get on with his job and don’t worry. A professional photographer should be able to sort out any changes in your plans (like rain) with little fuss and will have plans in place for these eventualities. Also be flexible and enjoy yourselves! If you are having a great day it will show on your photos!

Tell me a bit about your packages and albums

I offer six, eight and 12 hour coverage which includes a handmade Jorgensen album. I deal exclusively with Jorgensen’s as I think that the quality of the albums is second to none. They are handmade in Australia and come in either wood, metal or leather covers. I include, on average, 200 images in the album and a mix of black/white and colour. I also offer an album design service which means that your album will be delivered six to eight weeks after your wedding complete with no need for after wedding meetings.