Happy new year! The recent festivities gave us an opportunity to spend a few minutes with the incredibly busy Anna of Luna Weddings fame, who as one of Devon’s most sought-after wedding photographers has captured numerous weddings here at Ash Barton.

So Anna. Tell us what you most love about an Ash Barton wedding?

It’s such a diverse venue, and it’s really beautiful and has so many options for the ceremony. I don’t think I’ve photographed two weddings the same there, and I love that.

Is there a wedding you’ve photographed at Ash Barton that was particularly memorable?

The Romeo and Juliet themed wedding of Jane and Brendan was particularly memorable! But honestly, I have great memories of every wedding I’ve shot there, for different reasons. I could be here all day waxing lyrical about them. 

Do you have a favourite backdrop at Ash Barton which you know always makes a good photograph?

I do love the old chapel. I’m a big fan of fairy lights! I also love the wildflower meadow in summer. It’s so beautiful.

What do you particularly like about photographing weddings? And how long have you been doing it?

Wow, 20 years now! I shot my first wedding at 18. Being trusted to capture such an important day in someone’s life is a real honour. Also, everyone is excited and happy, and I get to work in inspiring environments with lovely people.

How would you describe your style and approach?

My style is creative documentary, I’ve become very attuned to human behaviour and learnt to work quickly to be able to capture situations and emotions in the lighting environment I have at the time. My approach is unobtrusive but attentive, always trying to strike the balance between being a stealth photo-ninja and a friend!

How often do you meet or talk to couples before the big day?

As many times as they need. I’m very experienced though so I only really need one or two chats where we discuss the plan of the day. Usually my couples understand and love my work, so they trust me to just get on with it on the day.

What questions should a couple always ask their wedding photographer?

How they back up, and if they have support on the day in case of illness etc. such as insurance.
Regarding the work: as long as you love your photographer’s work and have seen enough of it to feel confident, then I think the rest is just logistics.

Do you plan which photographs you’ll take on the day or do you just go with the flow?

A bit of both! I think it’s good to ask if there is anything or anyone of particular importance, but other than that I think it’s best to go with the flow. For instance, things like details are important to some people, and not so much for others, so it’s good to know.

Do you prefer shooting in black and white or colour? Or do you enjoy both?

I shoot in colour, then change to black and white if I feel the image works better that way. Certain frames work better in colour, others in black and white. Documentary work, or that with moody light sometimes works best in black and white. And very simple images often work better in black and white too. Obviously if there is a lot of colour in the frame then I’ll always keep it that way. 

Who or what inspires you?

Light, whether that’s in the movies or right in front of me. I just like to document what I see, as I see it, but framed in a way that the viewer can appreciate it as much as I did when I took the photo. Sometimes I accentuate the image to be as I envisaged it when I shot it. But I’m a bit of a purist and don’t like to manipulate images too much. I want them to be timeless.

How many images do you usually take at an Ash Barton wedding?

Usually around 5,000, but that’s because I shoot through moments for the best frame/expression. I usually deliver around 600.

What advice would you give to Ash Barton couples looking for a wedding photographer?

Look at as many full sets of images as possible, in all types of light. 

And finally, what tips would you give to Ash Barton couples to ensure their day runs smoothly?

Pick suppliers you trust and feel confident in, so you can relax and enjoy your day!