I’m thrilled to share my conversation with the incredibly talented Sharon Cooper, whom I’ve had the pleasure of meeting on several occasions. Her work is a true reflection of her warm personality – vibrant, colorful, and infused with a sense of fun. It’s clear that Sharon has a deep passion for capturing life’s most special moments, particularly weddings. As we continue to feature her remarkable couples and photography on the blog, I’m delighted to introduce you to this talented photographer and share an exclusive offer from Sharon for our readers who book her services.
Hi Sharon, could you firstly tell WWW readers a little bit about you?
As a creative and enthusiastic photographer, I bring an unconventional approach to capturing life’s special moments. My relaxed shooting style puts my subjects at ease, allowing for genuine, unposed smiles and laughter. When it comes to weddings, I’m as excited as the happy couple, dedicating myself to getting every shot just right. With a passion for telling stories through photography, I thrive on capturing the real essence of each event or individual. As a local resident in Hitchin, I love exploring my surroundings with my camera and finding unique, offbeat locations that showcase the beauty of nature. In my free time, you can find me sipping tea, enjoying quality time with my family – wife, two daughters, two Bengal cats, and four hens – or planning my next adventure. With a heart full of joy and a passion for capturing life’s precious moments, I’m always ready to bring my unique perspective to your special day.
What do you love about your job?
As a wedding photographer, there’s no greater joy than helping couples create lasting memories that will be cherished for years to come. It’s not just about capturing special moments on film – it’s about building relationships with my clients and being trusted to tell their unique story. Whether it’s advice on venues or suppliers, timing details or even the smallest tasks like fetching a forgotten deodorant, I’m always happy to lend a hand. What really gets me going is crafting beautiful, lasting memories that couples can look back on with fondness. From the initial consultation to the final delivery of images and beautifully designed albums, every interaction is an opportunity to make it special. And at the end of the day, seeing my couples relax and enjoy their wedding, knowing they’ve trusted me to capture its essence, is truly the best reward.
How did you get into the wedding industry?
As a photographer with years of experience, my passion for capturing life’s moments was reignited when my youngest daughter was born deaf. I developed a unique approach to encourage her communication by creating photo-based visual aids that she could take to school and use to express herself. This endeavor not only boosted her confidence but also sparked a new creative outlet for me. Over the years, I compiled these visual aids into books of our family’s special events and holidays. The process led me to explore personal photography projects, which eventually garnered attention from galleries and stock agencies like Getty Images. A friend’s wedding invitation marked the beginning of my career in wedding photography – a venture that has since grown to encompass eight photographers’ big days! As I reflect on this journey, I’m reminded of how my work as a photographer evolved from a hobby into a full-time passion, one that brings me immense joy and fulfillment.
Tell us about your typical working day.
As an office-based creative, my days are filled with a variety of tasks such as editing, responding to emails, sending invoices, and uploading galleries. However, it’s the small moments that bring me joy – like packaging up parcels for my couples or taking a walk around Hitchin to grab breakfast with fellow freelancers. It’s these interactions that make me feel most alive.When it comes to wedding days, I’m always prepared and ready to go. Before the big day, I take time to get to know my couples, learning what’s important to them and what will make their special moments truly memorable. On the day itself, I’m constantly on the lookout for unique and creative photo opportunities that capture the essence of their love story. From bridal preps to the ceremony and interactions, every moment is precious.One of my favorite parts of the day is taking couples off for some portraits – it’s a special time when they can relax and be themselves. I often get emotional during speeches, as there’s something so heartwarming about watching loved ones come together to celebrate their union. And let’s not forget the dance floor photos – once everyone lets their hair down, it’s pure fun! As the night winds down, I love taking a photo of the venue at its most magical, capturing the memories my couples will treasure for years to come.
If you could choose another role in the wedding industry what would it be?
What’s so special about being a wedding photographer? For starters, you get to be everywhere and anywhere on the big day! You’re not just confined to one spot; no way, you’re free to roam and capture all the little moments, from the bride getting ready in her bedroom to the parents’ kitchen where the magic happens. You might even find yourself snapping shots of the groomsmen in a vintage airstream trailer or capturing the joy of the newlyweds in a secluded corner of the reception area. And let’s not forget the stunning gardens, beautiful decor, and lively atmosphere – as a wedding photographer, you get to experience it all! It’s a role that allows you to be present in so many special moments, making memories that will last a lifetime.
Can you give us a teaser about what you are working on now?
As I edit the stunning DIY wedding photos, I’m reminded of the delightful surprises that unfolded on the big day. The bride, who had previously been a bridesmaid at her sister’s wedding that I had the pleasure of photographing, had a few tricks up her sleeve for her husband-to-be. Her bespoke gown and vibrant purple locks were truly show-stopping, making it a treat for my eyes as a colour enthusiast. It was wonderful to see the family again and capture the joy and excitement on their faces.
What do you aim to achieve for your clients?
As a photographer, I strive to capture not just moments, but lasting memories that couples can treasure forever. One of the biggest challenges I face is helping my clients feel comfortable in front of the camera – it’s amazing how many people feel self-conscious! To overcome this, I employ a range of techniques to put them at ease. For instance, one groom praised me for being like a ‘Ninja’ behind the lens, effortlessly capturing stunning angles without drawing attention to myself. My goal is to be in all the right places, anticipating those special moments that will make my clients smile or take their breath away. By doing so, I help create memories that are truly lasting and meaningful.
How would you describe your style?
As an artistic photographer, I’m passionate about capturing life’s precious moments with vibrant colours and artful black-and-white compositions. To convey genuine emotion and tell authentic stories, I employ depth of field techniques to draw attention to the most important aspects of a scene. My relaxed approach is all about building connections with my subjects – being friendly, easy-going, and making them feel at ease in front of the camera. It’s not uncommon for me to receive praise like ‘Sharon was our photographer… it felt like having an old friend capturing our special day, someone who truly understood us and our story’.
Do you have any tips for couples in selecting their photographer?
When selecting a photographer, it’s essential to conduct thorough research and due diligence. Start by thoroughly reviewing their online presence, including their website, blog, Facebook page, testimonials, Instagram, and any other social media platforms. Take the time to get a sense of their personality and style. After all, you’ll be spending an entire day with them on your special day! To gain a better understanding of their approach and professionalism, watch their promotional film and consider scheduling a Skype or phone call to chat about your wedding plans. If possible, request access to their photo gallery, ideally featuring images from a similar season to your wedding date. Ultimately, choose a photographer who exudes passion for their work, as this will translate into high-quality photos that you’ll treasure for years to come.
Could you tell us some information about your packages/pricing?
I’m thrilled to connect with couples seeking a wedding photographer who appreciate the world of whimsy. It’s likely that those reading this blog post are the kind of adventurous souls I love working with. Many of my brides have told me that WWW is their go-to resource, and I’m humbled when they get featured here too. Each wedding I’ve had the privilege to capture has been unique in its own way – a blend of time, location, and coverage length. If you’re planning your special day, please visit my website and share your plans with me. I’d be delighted to hear from you and respond promptly.
As a token of appreciation for our shared love of whimsy, I’m excited to offer a unique extra treat for every Whimsical reader who books a full-day wedding photography package for 2017: I’ll create a one-of-a-kind Viewmaster reel featuring your photos on a retro, quirky viewer. It’s going to be an absolute blast! To claim this special offer, simply let me know that you found me here.
How can we get in touch with you?
Get in touch with Sharon Cooper by sending an email to [email protected] or by giving her a call on 07790 732232. You can also visit her website at www.sharoncooper.co.uk for more information.
After meeting with Sharon, Lou couldn’t help but express their enthusiasm and admiration for her portfolio, which they found to be truly stunning. If you’re interested in booking a date with Sharon, don’t hesitate to reach out to her directly.
Sponsored by Sharon Cooper.