Cornish Wedding Photographer, Steven Prebble

How did you get into photography?

I have had a life long passion for photography starting at a very young age. Fascinated with my father’s film cameras and photography books, I continued with photography into my adult life.

Whilst studying at Cardiff University for an unrelated degree in the medical field, I was asked by a friend to take some photos for his business. To my surprise, other people had seen these photos and were then also asking if I could take photos for them.

Travelling around the world working for large record labels, I soon realised my true passion was to photograph people. I then moved back to Cornwall to concentrate on shooting as a Cornish wedding photographer.

What’s your favourite part of being a photographer?

My favourite part of being a photographer is to capture real life moments as they unfold. I never pose people or set up shots and I want to be able to capture true smiles and laughter. I’m so honoured and privileged to be able to do this on their most special and important day.

What’s the best thing about photographing a wedding at The Alverton?

I absolutely adore The Alverton as a wedding venue. It has a bit of everything all in one place. From the stunning rooms where I capture bridal preparation in the morning to the Cathedral-like room where the service takes place. The beautiful grounds and the transformation of The Great Hall into a stunning evening venue for drinking and dancing. Everything can be done under one roof and with so many different looks and styles throughout The Alverton.

What’s your favourite photo you’ve ever taken?

It’s very difficult to pin point a single favourite photo of mine. I’ve had the great fortune of photographing so many incredible people in my life. But one that really stands out for me is of Dan and Becca taken in Weston-super-Mare. This image is bittersweet for me as Dan had terminal cancer and had been given only weeks left to live. He decided to marry the love of his life and had arranged the wedding in less than 48 hours with the help of friends and family.

I had been speaking to him in the months prior as he had blogged about his cancer journey online. I reached out to offer him photography if he ever wanted it. The image shows so much true love for each other. The reality of the situation and reason for the rushed wedding was all but forgotten about during this moment.

What’s the best piece of advice for a couple planning their big day?

I ask all couples about their wedding planning. The best advice I hear is to enjoy the process and not let it become a chore. It not only can bring couples closer together but also friends and family who are also part of the planning process.

Just make sure you book at least a year in advance. Wedding venues and other vendors get booked up very early. I am often booked for popular dates up to two years in advance. Allow yourself lots of time so that you aren’t rushing and have fun during the planning experience!

What’s the process once a couple enquires about you photographing their wedding?

If possible, I love to meet couples face to face, whether that’s meeting up at a cafe or over Skype if distance is an issue. It’s not only important that couples like my style and my photography approach, but also to see if I’m a good fit for them. A wedding is a very personal and intimate occasion for couples, family and close friends so I want them to be happy with who they have chosen to be photographing them. I never rush couples into making a hasty decision.

Once they are booked, I like to take them out before the wedding for a shoot to warm them up and make them feel more comfortable both in front of the camera and with myself so that during the wedding day itself, couples have no added anxiety of having their photo taken.

Why should couples choose The Alverton?

There are so many reasons why couples should chose the Alverton. It’s an incredibly stunning and well maintained venue inside and out – and the staff go all out to make sure that everyone is well looked after. The hotel is self contained with accommodation for guests so that transport doesn’t have to be arranged to and from a church or late night after the festivities of the wedding evening.

The Alverton has everything and so much more tucked away and it’s hard to believe it’s just minutes from Truro’s busy city centre.

And why should they choose you?

Couples should pick me if they want a natural and unposed visual story of their special day. I have a very unobtrusive documentary approach and strive hard to capture your wedding as accurately as possible so you have real memories of the day that will last for the rest of your lives.

With a life long passion of photography and a huge love for what I do and the people I get to meet, I take my role as a Cornish wedding photographer very seriously and professionally.

Looking for a wedding venue in Cornwall?

Request an Alverton brochure or to book an appointment with our expert weddings team by calling 01872 276633.

You can see more of Cornish wedding photographer Steven’s work over on his website: www.stevenprebble.com