ben selway
CORNWALL -BASED WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY BY BEN SELWAY
Ben is a Cornwall wedding photographer who combines an authentic juxtaposition of elegant photography and story telling with humour and raw emotion
my approach
I know that a wedding can be an interesting melting pot filled with a mixture of romance, emotion, hilarity, elegance and the inevitabLe moments of unglamorousness. Therefore, I feel it’s important to document peoples’ big day with an accurate representation of what occurred at your huge event. Like a fly on the wall, my aim is not the centre of attention - I’m there only to record of what actually happened on the day, not just a glossy, over-photoshopped veneer. I believe, as a story teller, it’s my job to deliver a beautiful set of photos including all of the funny moments and mandatory mishaps along the way. It is my job to make sure that when you guys look back through your photos when you’re all old and wrinkly, you re-live your day chuckling and guffawing at what an incredible event it was.
BESPOKE WEDDING MAGAZINES
LOVE THE SMELL OF FILM IN THE MORNING?
I genuinely feel passionate about taking it all back to the roots, albeit with the same documentary style and creative twist. it’s not for everyone, I know that, but i’m guessing if you found me you are after something different and nostalgic. We are the black sheep of the wedding community and go against the grain from digital Photography. I know it could be considered super niche, I mean who shoot’s 35mm wedding’s for goodness sake?! But I can hold up my hand up that I am one of the select few who snaps away on glorious celluloid.
FAQ’S
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Typically, turnaround for your photos would be be about 6-8 weeks, sometimes 8-10. This however, can be s shorter or longer depending on what time of year you’re getting on hitched. I know this might seem like an eternity but I don’t like to rush the editing process, I rather be more selective and thorough during the editing process. To fuel that post-wedding high I always send a few sneak previews within 48 hours after.
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After initially making contact we can either meet up for a coffee or, if logistics don’t allow it to, we can always meet on a Zoom call. If you decide you want to book me, we can discuss the options and work out a package that works for you. You don’t need to decide this straight away, I wouldn’t want you to feel like you are being pressured and that I’m hitting you with the hard sale.
In the run up to your wedding please we will have another catch up when plans are more set in stone and we’ll do through it all step by step. I don’t want couple’s to feel that I simply disappear after the deposit is paid. I encourage people to call me or email they need a hand or advice at all. I’ll be with you every step of the way. -
Yes off course. I would strongly suggest having a couple of helpers on hand to round up the guests you want to be photographed with. I say this fore two reasons, firstly I really don’t want to be ‘that photographer’, (you know, the shouty and bossy one we’ve all come across before) and stand out for the wrong reasons. Secondly, I don’t know who anyone is and it’s the one part of the day which can take the momentum out of the celebrations if it drags on.
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On a typical wedding day I am around for about 10-12 hours, however, I’m not a clock watcher and don’t simply take off after the first dance. I leave when I have enough of people letting loose on the dance floor.
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Yes you can. I think it’s important to look around and chat to as many photographers as you possibly can. We all have different personalities and styles therefore it’s important to find some one you click with. If you could let me know either way as soon as you’ve made your decision that would be ideal. If another couple gets in touch and asks about the same date, I will always give first refusal to you.
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I use Fuji cameras. I used to be a Canon man but I find they’re equally as good but smaller and lighter, they’re also way more discreet too so I can be even more stealth and capture people without them even knowing. Film-wise, I have secret weapon's up my sleeve but my absolute favourite is my Contax G2.
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I would have to be on deaths door to not miss out on your day but in the unlikely event of not being able to attend I have a group of associate photographer’s with similar styles who would be able to step in. All of which meet the criteria that I have (most are generally more handsome and have more hair than I). These files will be edited in my style, so you receive exactly what you had originally paid for. In the unlikely event that you are unsatisfied with my replacement option (who would be thoroughly vetted, so this is again unlikely), my liability is limited to your deposit and booking fees being returned.
GETTING HITCHED ABROAD?
As you probably have gathered from my background in surfing and globe trotting, I love to travel. I am extremely fortunate and lucky to class myself as a destination wedding photographer. I have visited many countries throughout my time including Panama, Senegal, Indonesia, Cambodia, El Salvador, Vietnam, South Africa, Puerto Rico, Malaysia, Morocco and all of Europe. In terms of wedding photography, I have so far shot wedding’s in Australia, Thailand, Italy, Spain, France and Scotland. To me, a destination wedding is yet another opportunity to explore new and exciting venues and countries so please get in touch HERE for a tailored quote.