Meet our Supplier of the Month: Queen Bea Photography

Each month we like to get to know a supplier even better and bring you snippets of all sorts of things that you wouldn't know about them from their page. This month our supplier of the month is Queen Bea Photography, a super talented wedding photographer based in London and Somerset.

Genevieve of Queen Bea Photography is so, so creative, and she just loves capturing the emotion of your wedding with a documentary natural style that tells the story of your special day, just as it happens - and she'll never pull you away and ask you to 'smile'!  Sounds wonderful doesn't it...and coupled with her true photography talent (her imagery really is just so beautiful), she's a great choice when pondering your wedding photography requirements!

Let's hear what Genevieve of Queen Bea Photography, this coffee drinking, barn loving, vintage inspired lovely lady had to say when we quizzed her...

Who’s the photographer behind Queen Bea Photography, and how did you start out?

Hello! I’m Genevieve, and I live in London with my wife Emma, a civil servant, and our two cats; a nine-year-old tabby named Vali, and a two-month-old calico named Tuppence, who we have just brought home and who is already known as ‘Tuppence the Terror’ because she is a tiny ball of such frenetic energy! I usually divide my time between London and my hometown of Castle Cary in Somerset, but Coronavirus has put paid to that for now, and I really miss the countryside.

I’ve always loved photography, and only wished it had clicked (pun intended) when I was younger that I should pursue it professionally. It was a few years ago, when I was looking at hiring a photographer for my own wedding that I began to learn about the industry and soon became convinced that it was something I wanted to do. So, when I came back from my honeymoon (at Disneyworld, of course), that’s what I did! And I absolutely love it!

What’s the best bit about your job?

It’s such a privilege being able to photograph one of the most special days in a couple’s life, and capturing memories which will last a lifetime. I love the happiness and love that exudes at weddings; it’s such an amazing, euphoric atmosphere, and I always have such fun when shooting.

Where is your favourite setting for a wedding?

I am a MASSIVE fan of barn venues! I love the rustic look, especially with lots of twinkly lights. I also really love beautiful country houses as I’m a huge fan of period architecture. And outdoor wedding ceremonies are fantastic – I adore that natural light!

What is your approach as a photographer?

My number one concern is that you feel comfortable and are able to enjoy your wedding day to the full and not feel conscious that you are on camera. I don’t ever pull my couples out of the moment and ask them to look at me and ‘smile!’. I take a documentary approach which allows me to tell the story of each individual wedding as it happens, and love capturing images full of genuine emotions. I also think it’s important to take the time to get to know you as a couple, to enable us to work effectively together, and for you to feel at ease.

What is your greatest extravagance that helps you get through the day?

I am a bit of a coffee fiend, and rather attached to my Tassimo coffee machine. Starbucks recently started doing caramel latte pods and they’re fantastic! It's definitely got me through the lockdown coffee shop drought!

What is the one thing you can’t live without in your job?

Obviously, a camera is essential…but in all seriousness, I love my 85mm lens, and it’s rarely off one of my cameras. It gives a beautiful creamy bokeh background and enables you to get closer shots without crowding people – great for bridal prep shots.

Where do you draw inspiration from for your work?

I love the look of film photography, and edit in a light and airy, film-like style. Anything vintage inspires me, and I love to play with film cameras in my spare time. It feels so organic and creative and takes me back to my school days messing around in the dark room!

What bit of advice would you love to share with couples?

Just savour your wedding day and enjoy every moment, because it will absolutely fly past in a blur.

What is your favourite moment of a wedding day?

I love the speeches! They’re (usually) so entertaining, and I really enjoy photographing the reactions of the happy couple and the guests. It’s a great opportunity for candid, emotional photographs, which are my favourite kind.

What moment are you most proud of in your profession?

I was so proud when I shot my first solo wedding; a small spring affair at Chelsea Old Town Hall, which I’m lucky enough to have on my doorstep. I’ll admit I was very nervous beforehand, but it went very well. I felt so elated afterwards, and like I’d taken a massive step forward as a photographer.

When you were young, what did you want to be when you grew up?

Oh, there were various stages, but I always wanted to do something creative. For a long time, I wanted to be an artist, but then I realised I could hardly draw a stick figure! Then I wanted to be an opera singer, which eventually morphed into a desire to be in musicals in the West End, and I spent my teen years immersed in acting and singing. In a way, I feel I’ve come full-circle by ending up doing photography, as it’s a form of artistry – and I like to think my eight-year-old self would be content!

Loved finding out a few unknown gems about Queen Bea Photography? If you head over to her Whitewed Directory Page you can find out even more - and why not also follow Queen Bea Photography on Instagram and Facebook for some beautiful wedding photography inspiration!

Hopefully you’ve found out lots of useful information from us on Queen Bea Photography, now it’s your time to introduce yourself to her and find out how she could help with your wedding day photography…seriously, you won't regret it!

Happy planning!