2015 Winner’s Words: Martin Beddall Wedding Photography
Vital Statistics
Who: Martin Beddall from Martin Beddall Wedding Photography
What: Highly Commended Best Wedding Photographer
Where: Online site | On Facebook | On Twitter
Why did you enter TWIA 2015?
I wanted to see how my work fares in the industry, both from how it is judged by other photographers and also what clients think when reviewing it to someone else.
Tell us about yourself…
I fell into weddings when I worked as a photographer at The Times as fellow journalists and readers started to ask me to shoot their weddings in a reportage style. I’ve done them on and off for 16 years now, but I only started to really focus on them in 2011 though.
What does winning The Wedding Industry Awards mean to you?
Winning the regional final [London and South East], out of 80 finalists, was a nice pat on the back for my style of natural reportage wedding photography. Awards often seem to go to the more ’wow’ approach, which isn’t the discreet approach my clients hire me for.
What has been the most valuable part of TWIA 2015 for you?
It’s definitely a boost to have your work recognised. I’m not well known in the industry or anything at all like that. I don’t market myself heavily or offer workshops or blow my own trumpet on social media, so it’s nice to win the Regional Final on my first attempt and come close in the National Final.
The client comments are very interesting, especially as their scoring will depend upon the character of your clients. But the comments were exactly what I hoped my clients would feel about their images.
What was your favourite feedback from your voter comments?
“Martin’s images have had a profound response amongst our family and friends across the world. They have started conversations amongst strangers and become a source of hope amongst others. All have responded to the joy, vitality and intimacy that Martin captured in telling the story of our celebration.”
Final thoughts?
Go for it – you can learn a lot about your work from the awards. I’ve also had several bookings come directly as a result from winning the regional award, and maybe a bit more interest in my website, certainly the day after the regional finals. It certainly brings you to people’s attention.
