Mandy Carter Dottie Photography Awesome Album

One of the albums that captured our interest recently belongs to Mandy Carter, director of UK-based Dottie Photography. Mandy, who is based in Upwell in Cambridgeshire, has been working in photography, printing and design for over 25 years.

 

Mandy Carter Dottie Photography

Mandy’s album showcases a beautiful wedding in Giggleswick in North Yorkshire, followed by a reception in Whitewell, Lancashire. The album itself is presented in a Black Leather cover with the couple’s names embossed on front and art cotton pages inside. The images throughout are playful and bold, reflective of both Mandy’s style and the personalities of everyone involved in the wedding. The end result is a truly stunning keepsake.

 

We caught up with Mandy to find out more about the making of this album.

 

What did you enjoy most about shooting this wedding?

It was amazing. I enjoyed just about everything. I had never met the couple before the day or seen the chapel because they lived around four hours away from me, but as soon as I met the bride I was so pleased she had chosen me to be her photographer. The whole wedding ticked every box!

 

Everyone looks very natural in your photographs, even in the posed shots. Do you have any tactics to make people feel relaxed in front of the camera?

I just stand them where I want them and then say something silly to make them relax and laugh. That’s generally my character, so I don’t have to try very hard!

 

How many photographs did you take during the day, and how many of these did the bride and groom see?

I would estimate that my assistant and I took about 2,500 images. Of those, we gave the bride about 1,000.

 

If you could sum up this album in three words, what would they be?  

Touchy, feely, pretty-ness!

 

How long have you been interested in photography?

I became interested in photography when I was 12 years old, on my first school trip to Switzerland. I was pretty snap-happy and used my entire film up before I even got across the channel!

 

What inspires/influences your photography?

Earlier this year I flew to NYC to attend a course run by Jerry Ghionis, one of the best wedding photographers in the world. He was totally amazing, and it was definitely the best money I have ever spent. Now I can’t wait for my next wedding!

 

How would you describe your style?

Bertie Bassetts – a bit of everything! But I always like to ensure you can see the emotion in my work.

 

What is in your camera bag?

Two Canon Mark IIIs, 70-200mm f/2.8, 16 – 35mm 2.8mm, 50mm f/1.2, 100mm macro f/2.8, 2 flash heads, a video light, and pocket wizards. I also carry two Canon Mark IIs, another couple of flashes, a spare 70 x 200mm f/2.8, and 24 – 70 mm f/2.8 in another bag for my assistant.

 

What is your favourite accessory, other than your camera?

70 – 200mm f/2.8 – it’s the best lens ever!

 

What’s the best lesson you’ve learnt through your work?

How light can make a massive difference to your images.

 

Do you travel much with your job?

I work all over England and have shot a few weddings in Italy.

 

Is there anyone or anything you would love to photograph?

I would love to shoot Prince Harry’s wedding!

 

Where would be your ideal location to shoot a wedding?

M C Motors in London is my favourite venue.

 

If you could give one piece of advice to a budding wedding photographer, what would it be?  

Never stop learning – you can never be good enough!

 

   Click play, turn on HD and go Full Screen to enjoy this awesome album.

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Many thanks to Mandy for allowing me to interview her and for sharing her beautiful images. You can see more of her amazing work at www.dottiephotography.co.uk