Relaxed Vibes and Charming Character in Rainy Yorkshire, Captured by Paul Santos [RF Wedding of the Week]

This couple did their research. It’s evident, because they were a perfect match for photographer Paul Santos, as far as he’s concerned. His relaxed approach to shooting weddings has nothing to do with shot lists or dramatic poses; he’s more like a quiet observer, interested in capturing character, subtle details, moments others might miss, and of course, light.

All photos © Paul Santos

“They told me their wedding wasn’t going to be about stuff but instead about the people there, just a real sociable and fun time for all involved and no pressure for anybody to have to be a certain way,” says Santos, a wedding shooter out of Newcastle upon Tyne in the U.K. “Danielle wanted photography that genuinely focused on the character and feel of the day, letting people be themselves, just very natural.”

Santos knew heading to the couple’s venue at the Yorkshire Wedding Barn last fall that they were on the same page — and he also knew, having shot quite a few ceremonies in the U.K., that he might have to deal with some sketchy weather. And he did. But that’s the kind of thing he’s come to expect.

“Although these guys didn’t want a big show made out of their small break for portraits, they did want a small selection of shots of just the two of them around the venue,” he says. “It was a little bit rainy, the light was flat and also rapidly disappearing, but we only needed 20 minutes. So without much decent light I concentrated on composition, color and emotion, while keeping the mood very light.”

That wasn’t a huge challenge for Santos, considering that everything else about this wedding was pretty near perfect. “Shooting weddings that match your style of photography always gives the best ‘effort vs. outcome’ results (a rule I love to apply to almost all areas of shooting weddings),” he notes. “It’s almost effortless, it just flows very well and allows you to do what you do best. It’s when all the stars align, allowing you to feel genuinely connected to what’s going on throughout the day. The day was planned well so I never felt there were any gaps or lulls. There was always an area of interest to focus on, and always smiles and character everywhere you looked.”

In the Gear Bag
Camera: Nikon D750
Lenses: Nikon 85mm f/1.8, Sigma 35mm ART f/1.4

Check out more Weddings of the Week, and email Libby Peterson or Jacqueline Tobin with submissions.