Your vision.
My second perspective.
Hey, I'm Helen. Wedding photographer, Wildheart founder and a genuinely enthusiastic second shooter.
I photograph my own weddings throughout the UK and Europe, but I absolutely love working alongside other photographers.
There's something brilliant about stepping into somebody else's vision, supporting their work and quietly capturing everything that's happening beyond their frame.
A lead photographer.
At home in second.
Because I lead my own weddings, I understand the responsibility that comes with being the main photographer.
I know how much is happening behind the scenes, how quickly plans can change and how valuable it is to have someone working alongside you who simply gets it.
I'm confident working independently, comfortable photographing different parts of the day and happy taking responsibility for the moments you've entrusted to me.
And here's something important: I'm not second shooting because I need to build my portfolio. I already have my own wedding business and my own clients.
I'm there to support you, strengthen your gallery and photograph the moments you can't be in two places to capture.
The best second shooter
is everywhere you aren't.
The moments
in between.
A small edit of my wedding photography. The candid interactions, beautiful details, unexpected frames and considered compositions that make a gallery feel complete.
Working together.
Not side by side.
My philosophy is pretty simple: if we're both standing next to each other photographing exactly the same thing, we're probably missing an opportunity.
I want to be where you aren't. Watching the guests while you're photographing the couple. Capturing another angle during the ceremony. Photographing the other partner getting ready. Noticing all those little interactions that unfold when nobody's directing the moment.
Of course, every photographer works differently, and I'll always follow your brief, priorities and preferred way of working.
Independent coverage. Confident photographing separate preparations, guests, details and key parts of the wedding day.
A documentary eye. Naturally drawn to authentic interactions, candid moments and the parts of the story happening away from the spotlight.
You're the lead. I adapt to your timeline, shooting style and instructions. I'm there to make your day easier, not add another thing to manage.
The kit
I bring.
Two Nikon Z mirrorless cameras and a considered collection of professional Z-mount lenses, with the flexibility to work across all parts of a wedding day. I also shoot 35mm analogue film and aerial drone photography.
Camera bodies.
Prime lenses.
Zoom lenses.
Details & macro.
35mm analogue film.
I also shoot on 35mm film, bringing another texture and a more nostalgic, tactile feel to selected wedding moments. Happy to incorporate film into a second-shooting brief when requested and arranged in advance.
Aerial drone photography.
I can also capture aerial perspectives of the venue, its architecture, surrounding landscape and outdoor celebrations.
Drone photography is available where permitted and conditions allow, subject to venue permissions, local regulations and safe flying conditions.
I love shooting with primes, and they're a big part of how I work creatively. But as a second photographer, I've found zoom lenses incredibly useful too.
Sometimes you spot a beautiful, completely spontaneous moment unfolding across the room. The last thing I want to do is run towards someone with a prime lens and interrupt what's happening.
A zoom allows me to sit back, stay unobtrusive and capture those natural interactions as they happen.
For me, it's about being flexible rather than favouring one type of lens over another. I use both primes and zooms depending on the moment, the setting and what will help me tell the story best.
I'm always happy to work around your preferred focal lengths and shooting approach.
Good company.
Great weddings.
I've had the pleasure of working alongside some brilliant photographers and creative teams, across the UK and overseas.
One of the nicest compliments is being invited back, and I'm lucky that many of the photographers I work with book me again.
Need another
pair of eyes?
Available for second shooting across the UK and for destination weddings, with travel arrangements discussed individually.
I'd love to hear about your plans, your approach and how I can support you.