Jodie Chapman Photography

Coming soon // Aude

Jodie — Tue, 15 May 2012 10:59:32 +0000

I’ve just returned home from California, where I attended a workshop and shot a ton of film.

There are a lot of pictures to come, but for now, I’ll leave you with just one of Aude. Isn’t she amazing? Of course, she’s French.

Published | Reverie Magazine

Jodie — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 18:52:46 +0000

I’m very honoured to be featured in the latest issue of Reverie, which is a gorgeous online magazine only two issues into its existence. Sarah and David’s winter wedding was one of my personal favourites of 2011, and it makes me so happy to see their beautiful day provide inspiration for other couples. If you haven’t seen Reverie yet, I insist you head over there this very second.

It’s a little quiet on the blog front just now, as I am currently in California for a quick holiday before my season starts. It’s not all just for pleasure, as I am attending a three-day photography workshop in Malibu, L.A., next week. I’m shooting a ton of film on this trip, so there will be lots of gorgeousness hitting the blog in the weeks to come.

The 95 degree desert heat is helping me to recharge in time for all my lovely weddings coming up this spring. In fact, the pool is calling me for a cool-down. It’s a hard life, but someone’s got to do it.

Baby Jack

Jodie — Fri, 16 Mar 2012 07:54:04 +0000

Last month I travelled up to sunny Manchester, where I photographed baby Jack. This most gorgeous little boy came into the world last September, just over a year after his mum and dad got married. It was lovely to meet up with Steph and Andy again, now a proper little family. I love the fact that my relationship with my wedding clients doesn’t end at the first dance. It goes on to the next big milestone in their lives, and in a small way, I am helping to document the start of their family history. That blows my mind.

Captured on film

Selmin & Toby | New Year’s Eve at Claridge’s

Jodie — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 09:32:07 +0000

Claridge’s is a name synonymous with Art Deco, decadence and glamour.

It’s a landmark of London, and where Selmin and Toby decided to get married on New Year’s Eve.

Seeing each other before the ceremony is always an emotional moment.

The natural light coming through the window made for some beautiful portraits.

After their engagement shoot in the woods and on the beach, Selmin & Toby were really keen for me to use film.

Just before dinner, Selmin changed into a beautiful Grecian style dress. I simply had to photograph her in her suite.

I especially love my job when my clients care passionate about their photography, and Selmin and Toby could not have cared more. Selmin was really keen to have natural light for their pictures, so they decided to have a “first look”, where they saw each other before the ceremony. This is really popular, especially for winter weddings, as you are able to maximise the use of light and don’t have to sneak off from your guests after the ceremony for pictures. The emotion of seeing each other for the first time is still there – in fact, is even more poignant as it just you both. Selmin and Toby didn’t give me a strict shot-list, but wanted me to capture the day as I saw it. Giving creative freedom to your photographer is essential if you want the best results.

The day was filled with gorgeousness, from Selmin’s Sassi Holford and Jenny Packham gowns, to the guests in black tie, to the fun atmosphere of the evening. I think you can imagine how the guests were feeling – who wouldn’t want to be seeing in the new year at Claridge’s?

Thank you Brandon, for looking after Daisy and I fabulously and ensuring that everything on the day ran according to plan. It was a true pleasure to work with you and I look forward to doing so again in the future.

To Selmin and Toby ~ Thank you both so much for having me capture your special day. I am sure you will have the very brightest future together, and wish you every happiness.

Guests can view images from the wedding here.

Photographed using film and digital

First Look | Selmin & Toby

Jodie — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 15:11:06 +0000

Shot on film.

Untitled.

Jodie — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 13:14:09 +0000

So long, beautiful winter weddings. Now it’s time to recharge and reflect on the last year, before new celebrations begin in the spring.

I’ve been making full use of the studio by working on a few wet plates. I love the delicate nature of these images – exposed on a sheet of glass, each one is unique and never to be repeated; a rarity in today’s digital world.

sarah & david // the george in rye

Jodie — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 12:19:58 +0000

There is something about a winter wedding that is just perfect for this country. You never know how the weather will behave even in the height of summer, so by choosing a December nuptial, you are accepting that it might be damp and drizzly and so you might as well enjoy yourself. Instead of worrying, you get to enjoy roaring log fires, hot food, beautiful intimacy, and twinkly lights.

Sarah and David got to have all that for their celebration at The George in Rye and guess what…the sun still shone.

Sarah’s lace Elie Saab dress was just perfect.

And a groom in a black Dior suit? Bingo. Très chic.

I never get over how beautiful the ballroom at The George is. Chandeliers, decadent wallpaper, and big Georgian windows.

I think it’s fairly obvious why I fell in love with this wedding. An amazing atmosphere, a cosy feel, and a lovely couple. Kaz Fernando did an incredible job with Sarah’s hair and make-up ~ she truly is one of the best in the business.

To Sarah & David ~ Thank you for having me capture your beautiful day. Thank you for being passionate about your photography, for being game enough to go outside in the chilly December air, for trusting me to capture your day as I saw it. I truly hope you love your wedding pictures and I wish you a wonderful future together.

Guests can view all the images from the day here.

Venue ~ The George in Rye // Sarah’s dress ~ Elie Saab // Sarah’s shoes ~ Jimmy Choo // David’s suit ~ Christian Dior // Sarah’s hair & make-up ~ Kaz Fernando // Florist ~ The Flower House Mayfield

Shot with a mixture of film and digital

coming soon // sarah & david

Jodie — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 14:15:47 +0000

I loved everything about this December wedding. Open fires, beautiful lace, happy smiles.

Most of all, I loved this couple.

Captured on film

wedding // hamish & katie

Jodie — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 15:52:36 +0000

When I was a student, I worked at my local Cineworld. Although it paid a pittance, one of the perks was as many free movies as I wanted – the perfect job for a film nerd like me. Wanting my future career to somehow be involved in the film industry, I nagged the manager until he agreed to arrange a day’s work experience in the film buying department at head office. There, I met Hamish, who at that time was a film buyer. Ten years later, through the power of Twitter, our paths crossed again. By now I was a photographer, and Hamish was getting married.

In film fashion, this is the story of a boy named Hamish and a girl called Katie.

Hamish & Katie decided to have a “first look”, so we were able to capture their portraits before the ceremony when the light was perfect.

I think my favourite thing about this couple is their ability to just have fun. They radiate happiness.

Being a film nut, Hamish had to try his hand at some directing.

Tables were named after favourite movies, the microphone for the speeches was from “The King’s Speech”, and the place settings have to be the best I’ve ever seen.

One Marylebone is a beautiful location and suited Hamish and Katie’s laid back celebration perfectly. With over 170 guests, the atmosphere was buzzing, and the film references made me very happy. A genius touch was having The La De Dahs sing “Ring of Fire” whilst the couple signed the registrar. It kept the crowd occupied and there wasn’t a frown in the house. If I wasn’t already hitched, I’d be stealing that little gem for my own.

To Hamish and Katie ~ Thank you for having me document such a special day. I hope you had an amazing honeymoon travelling around South America, and I hope the pictures are everything you hoped for.

Guests can view all of the images here.

Thank you to the awesome Chloe Browne for second-shooting, and to my assistant Daisy for always making sure I was fed with film.

Venue ~ One Marylebone // Katie’s dress ~ Candy Anthony // Katie’s shoes ~ Emmy Shoes // Flowers ~ Tom Flowers // Acoustic music ~ The La De Dahs // Band ~ Family Funk // Katie’s hair & nails ~ Webster Whiteman

Shot with a mixture of digital and film ~ Portra 400 & Tri-X

2011 | The year that was

Jodie — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 17:48:45 +0000

When it comes to being a photographer, 2011 was a pretty fantastic year. I met some incredible people, photographed some beautiful events, and feel I have grown both creatively and as a person. I’m a passionate person, and I hope my work always reflects that. The reason I shoot mainly weddings is because I love capturing people; whether it’s tears or laughter, a wedding day involves a ton of different emotions, and I feel it a privilege that I am asked to document and create something special. A huge thank you goes to all my 2011 clients, who I have loved working with and photographing. Also a big thank you to those in the industry who help to get my images out there. I love that you love my work.

2012 is already shaping up to be a busy year, from weddings through to workshops, through to more trips to California, New York, a week in Morocco, and getting to grips with my large format camera. I’m still in the midst of some beautiful winter weddings, and I’m looking forward to a little break after January when I can relax and recharge for next year. I still feel that my best work is ahead of me. Roll on 2012.

To my 2012 clients, I’m looking forward to creating some magic of your very own.