Catherine Barnes Photography

I’m Catherine Barnes and I specialise in wedding photography from my base in Ashford, Kent. My approach is simple: I aim to capture the real, heartfelt moments of your day — the quiet glances, the laughter, the small gestures — with a calm, unobtrusive presence that lets your celebrations unfold naturally. Why choose me for your wedding? I bring the same relaxed, informal style I use for portrait and family work to weddings, helping couples and guests feel comfortable whatever the setting. I believe the best wedding photos come from gentle direction, patience and a sense of fun rather than forced posing. That means I’m happiest shooting on location, blending candid reportage with a few considered portraits to give you a collection of images that feel genuine and timeless. My wedding work places the couple at the centre while also honouring the atmosphere of the whole day — family interactions, emotional vows, and those unexpected moments that tell your story. I’m experienced working around children and animals, so if little ones or a beloved dog are part of the wedding, I know how to capture their personalities without disrupting the flow. Engagement and bridal portraits are a natural extension of my wedding offering. I enjoy relaxed pre-wedding shoots that help couples get used to being photographed and create images you’ll cherish long after the day itself. These sessions are a great way to build a rapport before the wedding and often result in more confident, natural photos on the big day. From our first informal chat through to delivering your final images, I focus on creating a friendly, unpressured experience. My goal is to make you feel at ease, to listen to what matters most to you, and to produce professional wedding photos you’ll want to display and share. If you’re planning a wedding in Ashford, Kent or the South East and want photographs that reflect the spirit of your day rather than staged perfection, I’d love to hear about your plans and help capture them.