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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 95 reviews Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.Posted on Cameron Brookes-WilliamsI cannot recommend Tom highly enough! From our first conversation to the last shot captured on the wedding day, his professionalism, creativity, and warmth were exceptional. The bride, groom, and all the guests were blown away by their talent and the effortless way they made everyone feel comfortable in front of the camera. Every detail, from the setup to the final images, was handled with absolute care and precision. The photos perfectly captured the love, laughter, and magic of the day – memories that the couple will cherish forever. As a wedding planner, I only add suppliers to my preferred list when they consistently exceed expectations, and Tom certainly deserves it. I cannot wait to recommend him to future couples – a truly incredible photographer and an absolute delight to work with!Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.Posted on Georgia LomasWould 100% recommend!! ⭐️ Easy to book, amazing photographer on the day and such lovely photos and video after. I’m so glad we picked Tom Stenlake to be our wedding photographer! Thank you so much for being part of our wedding and for helping to capture so many precious memories, your photography and tech skills are flawless!Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.Posted on Catherine RustWe had Tom Stenlake Photography for our wedding in September 2025. We had both photos & videos done and honestly can say we are so chuffed with the outcome. He made us feel really comfortable on the day and didn’t feel in our face and the outcome was photos & videos that will last us a lifetime and that we keep replaying over and over again. Thank you so muchTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.Posted on Laura CharlesTom did a fab job at our wedding. Super happy with the photos and video and also very accommodating to our requests.Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.Posted on Vicki CannellI can't even explain what a superstar Tom is. It was like having my own assistant for the day. Out of sight enough to not be intrusive but there making sure I had a drink and even to speak to someone about the heating for me. Broke up the couple photos throughout the day so it wasn't one long stint. Commanded 90 people in an authoritative yet friendly and fun way. Directing poses in an encouraging way so no one felt silly. Whole booking service seamless and very responsive with any questions. Would 100% recommend! Sep 2024Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.Posted on Karen BrazierTom was amazing on our day he was very professional and very friendly with our guestsTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.Posted on Ania BartonTom was such a pleasure to have at our wedding as our photographer. He was perfect. Friendly, funny and professional. He captured some beautiful moments of our special day, that I will treasure forever. He took the perfect balance of our requested photos and photos he thought would be good. He was prompt, efficient and reliable and made us feel at ease all day. I had a schedule which he even helped me with by prompting me at certain times of the day to make sure all of our magical moments were captured. I so highly recommend him and cannot thank him enough.Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.Posted on Oliver CouchmanI have worked with Tom on numerous occasions and he is nothing short of excellent. He has a very good way of getting stuck in or photographing from the outside. Tom is one of the best photographers I have worked with and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend him. If you are looking for a relaxed photographer who listens and that you can trust to capture all the right moments, Tom is your man. Absolutely brilliant and a first class service. I look forward to working with you at another wedding soon.Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.Posted on Maxwell ReadTom photographed our wedding on 20.11.2025 at Dodford Manor, and we can’t thank him enough for making it an incredible experience from the moment he arrived. We chose Tom not just for his portfolio, but because his personality shone through in every single communication we had with him before the day. In person, he was exactly the same — funny, friendly, and instantly easy to be around. Max is strongly against getting his photo taken and told Tom that within seconds of meeting him, and Tom knew exactly how to handle it. He made Max feel comfortable straight away. Tom didn’t just make the bride and groom feel at ease — he thought about absolutely everything and everyone so that we didn’t have to. It was a very cold day, and he got through all the posed shots within minutes so everyone could keep warm. He paid special attention to our VIP guests, making sure to capture Jess’s close relationship with her dad, and Max’s close relationship with his Granda, without us even having to mention it. Tom did exactly what we asked for and captured the candid moments we wanted. Nothing felt forced, nothing felt too much trouble, and his professionalism was second to none. By the end of the night, Tom felt like a guest at our wedding — even taking time to chat with our friends and family. We’ve tried writing this a hundred times and there honestly still aren’t words. Not bad for a lad fae East Kilbride. Max & JessTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.Posted on Julie WrightJust received the photographs of our wedding day and am over the moon. Tom captured the day perfectly! Our venue had limited outside space so the majority of photos were inside which are probably more difficult as no natural light, nevertheless the photos are gorgeous. ❤️ From start to finish he was great.. So friendly and mingled well with all of our guests which really helps to capture all the best bits of the day. Funny, charismatic and very professional sums Tom up.. Would recommend him to anyone…
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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