This week we are chatting to the very talented Photographer Tom Keenan as our Supplier of The Month, we had the pleasure of working with Tom recently when we took some beautiful shots of Vicki's Bridal Boutiques new home. So without further ado, let's let Tom introduce himself and how he can be part of your Wedding Day.
Tell us about you and your business?
Hey! I'm Tom, a wedding photographer based in Kent, specialising in capturing genuine weddings through a documentary approach paired with natural portraiture with an editorial vibe. My photography style is all about authenticity and timelessness. Authenticity means I encourage you to simply be yourselves, allowing for a “true you” experience. Timelessness ensures that the joy of your wedding day remains just as real when you are years down the line. Rather than staging every shot or following lengthy lists, I document your special day as it naturally unfolds. During the couple's shoot, I provide gentle prompts and questions to help you feel at ease, giving images that give off a luxurious, editorial quality without lacking feeling.
Aside from my business, I am a stay at home Dad to my almost 3-year-old son. My wife is a curate, which is a fancy word for a vicars apprentice, so when I’m not shooting weddings I’m being a family man, which is my favourite thing.
What made you decide to become a photographer?
When I went to college at 16 I was a musician and simply wanted to live off of that, which was wishful thinking! So I thought to take up being a personal trainer – however, when I realised the need to take science in this field I avoided it like the plague. Enjoying design work, I thought photography could be a helpful skill alongside designing logos. I quickly fell in love with photography and, in particular, photographing people. I remember a mentor who helped me appreciate the timeless art of portrait photography who said that as a photographer, you have the unique opportunity to create a photograph that captures the essence of a person that they will be remembered by. After shooting my first wedding in Kent in 2012, I worked for modelling agencies in Mayfair and even had some of my photography featured in Italian Vogue. I photographed several celebrities, got married in 2018, and have since established my work as a luxury documentary wedding photographer in Kent and the East of England.
What’s been your favourite wedding so far and why?
I think my favourite wedding will be the wedding I shot before the 2020 lockdown: it was a wedding of a couple where the bride I had photographed with her family years before, and the groom had his closest family fly down from Mexico. Everybody wore their hearts on their sleeves during the ceremony, the grounds of Solton Manor were beautiful, even in the winter. And the dancefloor was wild – tequila which had been used for the speeches were passed around the dancefloor, and everybody was so happy!
What can couples expect from you at their wedding?
The important thing with choosing your photographer is finding somebody that you feel comfortable with and can trust. Clients have described me as “patient, kind and a great sense of humour” so I guess that’s what I bring to the wedding day. Couples can also expect my discipline in choosing to shoot fewer weddings per year and no more than 1 per weekend to give each couple the time and attention they need. This means they can expect my full attention to serve them for their day. They can also expect me to listen to what they have described as the important things to them – I really make an effort to take on the vision and things that they value about their wedding celebration. Expect lots of real moments photographed, even the ugly tears, but also some trendy authentic portraits of them which they will feel proud about showing to future generations.
What is your advice for couples that are nervous about being in front of the camera?
Get to know your photographer. If you feel nervous with your photographer you might end up looking nervous in your photos – whereas if you feel relaxed with them, your photos will look relaxed too as you pay more attention to the person you have just married! Another option is booking a fun engagement shoot – this way you get to see a taste of what your photographs might look like before your wedding.
The other thing is to try and switch your mindset regarding the photos – photographs are a luxury, and the most important thing you are doing is getting married. It’s all totally extra to have beautiful photos to remember your day! So think more about the fact you are marrying the love of your life, then you will feel less daunted by the fact that somebody who is rooting for you (that’s me!) gets to take your portrait and document the day.
Bio: Tom Keenan is a Kent based Luxury Wedding Photographer photographing weddings in an authentic documentary style with modern, editorial portraits.
