Shrinking Violet Photography

Hi — I’m Lou, the person behind Shrinking Violet Photography, based in Barnet and roaming across London, Hertfordshire and the UK. I specialise in wedding photography with a simple brief: capture your day as it actually happens. My approach is what I call the ‘leaving you alone’ method — one eye on you, the other on everyone you love — so the photos you get are documentary, personality-led and full of the small, unplanned moments that make your wedding uniquely yours. I don’t choreograph or boss people into stiff poses. Instead I work to create a relaxed atmosphere where real reactions and spontaneous interactions can happen. Whether your guests are tearful, loud, silly or sedate, I’m there to catch the story — the laughter, the mischief, the quiet glances — while staying largely unnoticed. If you’re camera-shy, that’s actually perfect. My strength is making people forget the camera and behave as they would naturally, which produces honest, joyful images rather than forced smiles. My style sits in the documentary/reportage corner: contemporary images, a love of light and place, and an eye for the unexpected detail. I aim to include the feeling of your venue and the energy of the day alongside intimate portraits of the two of you. I’m happiest in a room full of good humour, and I’m proud of being the sort of photographer your guests will remember fondly — not because I upstaged them, but because I blended in and captured the fun. Working with me is easy and informal. We start with a chat so I understand your plans and personalities, then on the day I move around, give space and nudge when a moment needs a little encouragement. I offer full wedding coverage and also capture smaller elopements and couple shoots when invited — always with the same candid, story-first mindset. Based in Barnet, I’m always up for a road trip — I’ll happily travel around London, the UK and to Ireland for the right celebration. If you want a wedding photographer who’s more interested in real moments than posing, who’ll champion the messers from the sidelines and deliver images that actually feel like your day, let’s talk and see if we click.