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My working process
Wedding Photography
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Love in Lens: explore my working steps
I’m easy-going, fun to have around, and I’ll usually be in the background so your day can happen naturally, without awkward posing or being told what to do every five minutes.
When it comes to family photos, I keep things calm, quick, and organised, so you can get back to celebrating. Then for your couple photos, I’ll guide you just enough to make it feel relaxed and effortless, without anything feeling staged.
And one thing you can count on: I’m always early. I like to arrive with plenty of time, get settled, and make sure everything’s ready, so you can feel looked after from the very start.
Your gallery remains live for two years, giving you plenty of time to browse, relive the day, and order professional-quality prints, wall art, and luxury wedding albums at your convenience.
For your guests, there’s a dedicated guest gallery where friends and family from anywhere in the world can view the images and order their own prints and keepsakes – making it effortless for everyone to enjoy and cherish the moments from your special day.
You’ll have loved the whole experience so much that you leave me an absolutely legendary review (honestly, it helps my little business more than you realise)… then you accidentally become my unofficial sales team.
Suddenly you’re at every engagement party saying, “Oh you HAVE to book Tom,” like you’re on commission. You’re not. But I will love you forever for it.
And just like that, we’re friends for life. I’ll be cheering you on, celebrating anniversaries, and quietly hoping I get to photograph the next wedding in your friendship group too.
How I Work FAQs
What is your style on a wedding day?
I photograph weddings in a relaxed, documentary way, focusing on real moments as they unfold. Most of the time I blend into the background, but I will step in with calm guidance when it helps, especially during group photos and couple portraits. The aim is always the same: natural images that feel like your day, not a performance.
We are nervous about being photographed. Will you help?
Absolutely. Most couples tell me this at first. I keep things simple, friendly, and low-pressure, with prompts that feel natural rather than stiff posing. You will never be left wondering what to do with your hands, and you will never be asked to do anything that feels awkward or not “you”.
Do you pose us, or is everything candid?
It is a blend. The heart of my work is candid storytelling, but I do give direction when it matters. Think gentle guidance for flattering light, natural movement, and relaxed connection, rather than forced poses. You get genuine moments, with a polished finish.
How do you handle group photos without it taking over the day?
I keep group photos organised, calm, and as quick as possible so that you can get back to enjoying your wedding day. If you can share a shortlist in advance, I will help you plan it so it runs smoothly. On the day, I guide things clearly and politely, so you can get back to enjoying your guests.
How much time do you need for couple portraits?
Usually around 30 minutes is plenty for natural, flattering portraits. I would much rather do a short, relaxed session than keep you away from your day for ages. If the light is beautiful later on, we can also take five minutes for a quick golden-hour wander.
What if it rains on the wedding day?
No stress. I always have a plan for rain, whether that is using covered areas, indoor spots with great light, or keeping things short and fun outside when there is a break in the weather. Some of the most atmospheric photos happen on “imperfect” weather days.
Do you work with a second photographer?
Most weddings are photographed by just me. If your day has a tight timeline, a larger guest list, or you would like extra coverage (for example, two locations in the morning), I can offer a second photographer as an add-on where it makes sense.
How do you capture natural moments without people feeling watched?
I keep things relaxed and I do not direct the day. I look for real interactions, expressions, and little in-between moments, and I work discreetly so people can be themselves. When guests feel comfortable, the photos naturally look more genuine.
Do you use flash?
I use natural light wherever possible. In the evening, once the light drops, I will use flash in a subtle way to keep images clean, flattering, and true to the atmosphere, especially for dancing and speeches. It is never harsh or distracting.
How would you describe your editing style?
Natural, timeless, and true to the moment. I keep colours rich and realistic with a subtle cinematic warmth based on real film, flattering skin tones, and consistent edits across the full gallery. The goal is for your photos to feel just as special years from now as they do today.
When will we receive our photos?
I will always confirm the current turnaround time before your wedding. After the day, you will receive a beautifully curated, fully edited gallery that tells the story from start to finish, with a consistent, polished look throughout.
Do you help with timings and planning?
Yes. If you would like support, I can help you build a photography-friendly timeline, advise on light and logistics, and suggest how to structure key moments so your day feels relaxed. The aim is to make things flow smoothly, not over-schedule you.
What do you need from us before the wedding?
A rough timeline, your venue details, and a shortlist for group photos is perfect. Everything else can be flexible. I will guide you through what is helpful, and keep the planning straightforward.
How do we get the best photos possible?
Two things make the biggest difference: give yourselves breathing space in the schedule, and be present with each other. If you can slow down for a few minutes together during the day, those natural moments tend to become the favourites.
EXCELLENTBased on 103 reviews Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.Posted on Google Rebecca AtkinsonI'm so glad we chose Tom for our wedding photography! I whittled down some favourites on bridebook, Tom stood out as his images were so natural and not stuffy or staged. It then worked out that Tom was a recommended supplier for our venue! All the prep in the run up to the day was really easy with Tom. On the day Tom was incredible! Not only did he capture all the key moments in a really natural way but he directed us in how to get some lovely natural shots. He works regularly with our other suppliers and they had spoken before to make sure they were all agreed on timings. Tom was so supportive throughout the day. He guided me in where I needed to be and what would happen next. He knows Chicheley Hall inside out and works regularly with their team. Thanks Tom ❤️Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.Posted on Google Aimee WalkerWe honestly couldn’t have asked for a better videographer for our wedding day. From start to finish, Tom was incredible — so professional, calming, and talented at capturing every special moment without ever making us feel like we were being filmed. Tom managed to capture not just the big moments, but all the little emotions, laughter, happy tears, and memories that we’ll treasure forever. Watching them back feels like we’re reliving the best day of our lives all over again. Thank you for giving us these beautiful memories that we can watch and share for years to come. We would highly recommend you to anyone looking for a videographer who truly cares.Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.Posted on Google Rebecca HarrisNow we have our photos and video footage back, I thought it was time for a proper review. When we began looking for a photographer for our wedding we spent a good time looking in to all different ones. We had started to give up by by chance we came across Tom's website and instantly fell in love with his style and we booked him straight away. From meeting him the morning of the wedding Tom felt like part of the party, at times we forgot he was even there he blended in that well. A laid back, natural approach was just what we needed as myself and Jack are not one for posing in front of a camera. He made us feel at ease and kept us in the loop of what he was doing throughout the day. Our day was very overcast and chilly, however Tom still produced some stunning photos and video footage that we are beyond happy with. We honestly couldn't have asked for a better way to remember the best day of our lives so far! The video footage has been a very big highlight to us and our friends and family with all of us sat in tears when watching the highlight video Tom had put together with two of our wedding day songsTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.Posted on Google kim wardWe came across Tom as he was one of our venues recommended photographers. After looking through his website we immediately knew that we wanted him to capture our special day. In the lead up to the day, he couldn't of been more helpful with suggestions on coming up with fun and unique photos as we didn't like the idea of stiff rigid portraits. Once Tom knew about our plan to have the Delorean from Back to the Future, he knew exactly what work. Creating the movie poster of course!! On the day itself, his calm and relaxed approach meant that he blended in with guests and was able to capture natural emotions. His eye for detail on our day meant that we can relive it over and over again, noticing new things each time we looked. On receiving our gallery of photos both in colour and in black and white we couldn't be happier, he ever provided us with some wonderful Back to Future themed images. We can't recommend Tom highly enough, from start to finish he was exactly what we wanted from a photographer and so much more. Thank you, Kim & AntTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.Posted on Google Josh HarmerChoosing Tom was the best decision we made for our wedding! From our very first meeting, they made us feel completely comfortable, relaxed, and excited for our big day. On the wedding day, they were absolutely amazing. He were organised, calm, and captured every single moment without being intrusive. They have a wonderful eye for detail and perfectly caught the love, laughter, and emotions of our family and friends.When we received our photos and videos, we were completely blown away. The images are breathtaking, bright, and beautifully edited. Every time we look at them, we feel like we are reliving our wedding day all over again.If you want a photographer who is professional, talented, and kind, look no further. We highly recommend you to look no further!!Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.Posted on Google Jasmine AndersonFor couples that hate being photographed — Tom Stenlake is your person. Trust us. My husband is not a fan of being in front of a camera. So when I say that Tom had him, and genuinely every single person at our wedding, completely at ease, that tells you everything you need to know. Tom's slogan is "for couples that hate being photographed" and he absolutely, 100% delivers on that promise. From the moment he arrived, his warmth, professionalism, and brilliant sense of humour set the tone for the whole day. In those nerve-filled moments before the ceremony, he was a calm and reassuring presence - offering advice, cracking jokes at just the right moments, and keeping everyone grounded. He felt less like a vendor and more like a guest who happened to also be capturing everything beautifully. And on what turned out to be the hottest day of the year, Tom was on it - giving expert guidance on how to make the most of the light and conditions to get the very best shots. His knowledge and eye for detail are second to none. The photos? They took our breath away. Every natural, candid moment and every carefully composed shot exceeded anything I could have imagined. They are genuinely everything and more. If you're on the fence, consider this your sign. Book Tom Stenlake. You won't regret a single second of it. 🤍Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.Posted on Google Paige SumnerWe cannot recommend Tom enough! Tom was fantastic from start to finish. Communication was excellent throughout the whole process, and on the day itself he was so unobtrusive that we barely noticed he was there, yet he managed to capture every important moment perfectly. He also did engage with our guests and family brilliantly and we had lots of compliments of how nice he was and professional throughout the day too. We'd previously seen Tom working at another wedding, so we already knew the quality of his work was outstanding, which gave us complete confidence in choosing him. The photos are absolutely beautiful, and we loved receiving every image in both colour and black and white. The wedding video is incredible and captures the atmosphere and emotion of the day perfectly and is exactly what we wanted. We are so grateful for the memories Tom has given us and would highly recommend him to anyone looking for a wedding photographer and videographer. Thank you so much for everything!Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.Posted on Google Christina ChalmersWe looked at photographers for what felt like forever, until we came across Tom’s website and instantly, I just knew I wanted him to capture our wedding day. From our very first phone call, Tom made us feel completely at ease. He was warm, relaxed, and took the time to really get to know us and our story, which made such a difference throughout the whole process. On the wedding day itself, Tom was incredible. He blended in so naturally with everyone, had our guests laughing all day, and honestly felt more like one of our guests than just our photographer. His calm and relaxed approach made everything feel so easy and natural. When we received our photos, we were completely blown away. Not only did he capture the most beautiful photos of us as a couple, but he also captured so many genuine, in the moment memories that will tell the story of our day for a lifetime. Every single image brings all the emotions flooding back. I honestly couldn’t recommend Tom enough to any future couples, he is absolutely amazing at what he does!Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.Posted on Google Scott WatkinsTom is a great wedding photographer and made the whole day a breeze for us! Really easy to deal with throughout the whole process, very contactable and quick at responding. On the day, nothing was a hassle and Tom was really engaging, getting everyone involved and thinking up some great photo opportunities for us. He helped make our special day run smoothly and he fitted right in with us all as if we'd known him ages. As for the photo's, they're first class. We would highly recommend, thank you!Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.Posted on Google Holly BoylesTom, we simply cannot thank you enough for our beautiful wedding photos. You were such a hero on the day, we were both so nervous and you put us to ease almost immediately. Your understanding of what works both in terms of capturing pictures and making a wedding day flow smoothly was so valuable. You played a huge part in an awesome team who made the day unforgettable both for us and all of our guests. I am so amazed by the photos you captured as we really did feel like we were just wondering around having a giggle for our portraits, totally no pressure and totally us. We could not have chosen a better photographer for the day. Again- Thank you!
Ready to book?
Request your official quote now!
I’m thrilled you’re considering me to capture your wedding day! To begin the booking process, simply complete the contact form linked below and I can send you a free no obligation official quote. Once you’ve received your quote by email, securing your date is easy—just accept the quote and pay the deposit and then we can begin planning all the finer details.
If you have any questions along the way, feel free to reach out. I can’t wait to be part of your wedding day!
Make your day awesome
- mail@tomstenlake.co.uk
- 07307 340639
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24 Cottesmore Way
Wellingborough
Northamptonshire
NN8 3LD
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